A dilapidated 36-foot sailboat that’s been aground on Gonzales Beach since late last month is being monitored by the Canadian Coast Guard, which says it’s a “low hazard” for pollution.
The vessel was beached after a storm on March 27 and has been sitting near the pedestrian access to Gonzales Beach, firmly embedded in the sand.
Local residents say the vessel hasn’t moved despite higher tides over the past week and the owner continues to stay in the boat.
The coast guard said in a statement on Thursday it has made contact with the vessel owner and inspected the beached boat.
“When coast guard is notified of a potentially hazardous vessel, an assessment of the vessel will occur as soon as possible based on the level of risk the vessel may pose to the marine environment, public health and the local economy,” the coast guard said.
“In this case, coast guard attended the scene and assessed the vessel as a low hazard to pollute hydrocarbons.”
The coast guard said the file has been handed over to Transport Canada. That federal agency said it was looking into the file and would provide information either today or Monday.
The Canadian Coast Guard said it is the lead agency in addressing hazardous vessels — any vessel that poses a threat to the environment or public safety, while Transport Canada has the lead for wrecked and abandoned vessels.
Under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the two agencies work together to address the hazards posed by vessels of concern.
A coast guard spokeswoman said in the interim, the coast guard continues to monitor the vessel.
“In the event that the situation changes or the vessel deteriorates and becomes a hazard, we are prepared to take action if required,” she said.
Under Canadian law, vessel owners are responsible for their vessels at all times and must take all actions necessary, including repairs, salvage and prevention or clean-up of leaking fuel and oil, the coast guard said.
Vessel owners are also liable for the costs of damage from pollution originating from their vessels.
