Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Hazardous vessel at Old Masset brings owner 12,000 dollar fine from Canadian Coast Guard

A hazard to navigation for the Haida Gwaii Port of Old Masset has been addressed with the Canadian Coast Guard announcing that the vessel owner has been assessed a 12,000 dollar fine under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.

In their statement the Coast Guard notes that the vessel had caused structural damage and prevented the safe use of the public dock in the community.


The notice of the fine was released at the end of February, with the Coast Guard outlining the nature of the  challenges that 25 foot pleasure craft MV Dorothy Gale had provided for the marine community on Haida Gwaii.

The vessel was determined to pose a hazard to the marine environment and public safety, as the vessel caused structural damage to a public dock in Masset Harbour, which prevents the safe use of the dock. 

The owner of the Dorothy Gale has been issued an administrative monetary penalty for $12,000 and was required to pay within 30 days or to apply for a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada. 

The issuance of this fine comes after the vessel owner failed to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard’s directions to remove the vessel from the marine environment by January 15, 2024.

You can review the full statement from the Coast Guard here.

The Coast guard notes that this was just the second time that a fine has been issued to a hazardous boat owner in British Columbia.

Further background on the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act is available here.

More notes from Haida Gwaii can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review .

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