Ghost Fleet: Wrecks and Abandoned Ships Lining Canadian Waters

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        Voyez la vidéo complète de l'enlèvement du Ville de Vanier
    


La Garde côtière a aussi dû gérer le tristement célèbre Kathryn Spirit, qui a pourri jusqu'en 2018 sur la rive du lac Saint-Louis, à Beauharnois, en Montérégie, après la faillite de l'entreprise qui devait le démanteler.


    

        
                                                                
                                    
                                        
        
        

                            

                    PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE
                
                                        

                    Le Kathryn Spirit a pourri jusqu'en 2018 sur la rive du lac Saint-Louis, à Beauharnois.
                
                    
    



    
        Lisez l'article « Kathryn Spirit : le démantèlement du vieux cargo est terminé »
    


Cette saga n'est d'ailleurs pas étrangère à l'adoption en 2019 de la Loi sur les épaves et les bâtiments abandonnés ou dangereux, qui a donné à ottawa le pouvoir d'int

Summary of the content:

The snippet discusses the removal of the Ville de Vanier and references the problematic case of the Kathryn Spirit, a ship that decayed for years on the shores of Lake Saint-Louis. It also mentions legislation passed in 2019 concerning abandoned or hazardous wrecks and buildings. There is a link to a video of the Ville de Vanier removal and an article about the Kathryn Spirit’s dismantlement.

What legal ramifications could a diver face for unauthorized disturbance of a protected shipwreck site?

The Haunting Beauty of CanadaS Shipwrecks

Canada’s vast coastline, stretching over 202,080 kilometers, is a graveyard for countless vessels.From historic wooden sailing ships to modern steel freighters, the “ghost fleets” – collections of shipwrecks and abandoned vessels – that dot Canadian waters are a testament to the power of the sea and the history of maritime trade. these underwater relics attract divers, historians, and those fascinated by the eerie beauty of forgotten maritime history. Understanding these wreck sites, their causes, and the ongoing efforts to manage them is crucial.

Key Regions & Notable Ghost Fleets

Several areas along Canada’s coasts are particularly renowned for their concentrations of shipwrecks.

British Columbia’s Graveyard of the Pacific: Arguably the most famous, this stretch of water between Vancouver Island and the mainland is notorious for treacherous currents, hidden reefs, and unpredictable weather.Hundreds of ships have met their end here.

Nova Scotia’s Sable Island: Known as the “graveyard of the Atlantic,” Sable Island, a remote sandbar, has claimed over 350 vessels. It’s shifting sands and frequent storms pose a constant threat to navigation.

The Great Lakes: While technically freshwater, the Great Lakes have a meaningful number of shipwrecks, particularly along the shores of Ontario and Quebec. Storms, ice, and navigational errors contributed to these losses.

Newfoundland and labrador: Centuries of fishing and transatlantic trade have left a legacy of shipwrecks along this rugged coastline. The harsh North Atlantic conditions are a major factor.

Common Causes of Shipwrecks in Canadian Waters

The reasons behind these maritime disasters are varied,but some patterns emerge:

1. navigational Errors: Before modern technology,relying on charts,compasses,and celestial navigation was prone to error,especially in challenging conditions.
2. Severe Weather: Powerful storms, hurricanes, and sudden squalls have always been a major threat to ships. The North Atlantic, in particular, is known for its unpredictable weather.
3. Hidden Hazards: Reefs, shoals, and submerged rocks pose a constant danger, especially in areas with poor visibility.
4. Ice Conditions: In the winter months, icebergs and sea ice can damage or sink vessels, particularly in the Arctic and along the St. Lawrence Seaway.
5. Mechanical Failure: Engine failures, hull breaches, and other mechanical issues can lead to a ship becoming disabled and vulnerable.
6. Human Error: Mistakes in judgment, improper loading, and inadequate maintenance can all contribute to accidents.

Famous Canadian Shipwrecks: Case Studies

SS Atlantic (Nova Scotia): Sunk in 1873 after hitting rocks near Mars Head, Nova Scotia, resulting in over 500 fatalities. This disaster led to significant improvements in maritime safety regulations.

Edmund Fitzgerald (Great Lakes): The sinking of this American freighter in 1975 remains one of the most famous Great Lakes shipwrecks. The cause is still debated, but severe weather is believed to be a major factor.

HMCS Athabaskan (English Channel – Canadian involvement): Though sunk during WWII in the English Channel, this Canadian destroyer represents the sacrifices made during wartime and the loss of naval vessels.

Ypres II (Gulf of St. Lawrence): Collided with another vessel in 1942 during WWII, resulting in the loss of all hands.A tragic example of wartime maritime accidents.

The Environmental Impact of Sunken Vessels

Shipwrecks aren’t just historical artifacts; they also have environmental consequences.

Oil and Fuel Leaks: Many wrecks still contain oil and fuel, which can leak into the surrounding waters, polluting the marine habitat.

Hazardous Materials: Some ships carried perilous cargo, such as chemicals or munitions, which can pose a threat to marine life and human health.

Artificial Reefs: Over time, shipwrecks can become artificial reefs, providing habitat for fish and other marine organisms. Though, this benefit must be weighed against the potential for pollution.

Biofouling: The hulls of sunken ships provide a surface for marine organisms to attach and grow,potentially introducing invasive species to new areas.

Salvage, Preservation, and Legal Considerations

Managing canada’s ghost fleets is a complex undertaking.

Salvage Rights: Salvage laws govern the recovery of valuable items from shipwrecks. Ownership and rights can be contentious, especially for older wrecks.

Archaeological Protection: Many shipwrecks are considered archaeological sites and are protected under federal and provincial laws. Unauthorized disturbance can result in fines and penalties.

Wreck Removal: In some cases, wrecks pose a navigational hazard or environmental threat and must be removed. This can be a costly and challenging process.

Designated Wreck Sites: Parks Canada and provincial authorities designate certain wrecks as historic sites, providing them with protection and promoting their preservation.

* The abandoned Ships Removal program: transport Canada manages this program to address abandoned, wrecked, and hazardous vessels posing environmental or navigational risks.

Diving and Exploring Canada’s underwater Heritage

For experienced divers, exploring Canada’s shipwrecks can be