An assessment of the former Queen of Sidney ferry is ongoing following a fire earlier this year in Mission
In a statement provided to the Mission Record, the Canadian Coast Guard said the vessel does not pose an immediate risk to the environment, public safety, or infrastructure and remains stable with no known hydrocarbon discharge.
The Coast Guard says it is working closely with the landowner where the ferry is moored to remove debris from the vessel for disposal into bins on shore, while finding suitable options to have the Queen of Sidney removed
“Now that it is safe to do so, the Canadian Coast Guard will work towards completing an onboard vessel assessment while continuing to engage with contractors and community stakeholders,” the Coast Guard said.
“The Canadian Coast Guard will also conduct an environmental risk assessment through a third-party. The scope of work will include identifying and removing any hydrocarbons remaining onboard.”
The vessel, renamed “Bad Adventure”, became engulfed in flames on May 3 before the blaze fizzled out.
Various agencies, including the Coast Guard, Mission Fire Rescue Service, Mission RCMP, and B.C.’s Ministry of Environment, responded to the incident.
Mission RCMP previously said there was no indication that the fire was intentionally set or that there was any other criminality related to the fire.
On May 5, council unanimously resolved to call on the federal government and responsible agencies to provide a plan for removing the Queen of Sidney and other derelict vessels.