The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is working with contractors to remove the 98-metre sunken barge, Trailer Princess, in Duncan Bay north of Campbell River that was reported to be sinking on February 14th. Following an initial assessment 34,000 L of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel were removed from the barge’s tanks, and AMIX/Marine Recycling Corporation (MRC) was able to remove another 55,000 L of hydrocarbons and oily water. Drone and National Air Surveillance Program (NASP) overflights since Feb. 20 have confirmed the on-scene reports of minimal non-recoverable product being limited to within the containment boom. Local First Nation Guardians are also assessing the site twice a week to check for potential impacts to sensitive areas. Once all the remaining fuels are removed, the barge will be refloated in preparation for its removal, deconstruction and recycling.
Originally a WWII US Navy Landing Craft, the 98m barge Trailer Princess was converted into a rail ferry in the 1960’s and operated by Canadian Pacific. The barge was later sold and converted into a support barge for a logging camp complete with helicopter platform and fueling capabilities. The cost to remove the Trailer Princess from the marine environment is $4.7 million.
