The Canadian Coast Guard has issued its first-ever fine under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act against the owner of a derelict boat off Saanich.
On June 27, the Canadian Coast Guard served the owner of a 27-foot white hull cabin cruiser, the Akoo, a $15,000 fine for failing to deal with the beached boat in Cadboro Bay.
The coast guard says the owner was fined after the organization attempted to get the owner to remove the boat several times.
“The Canadian Coast Guard has responded to the Akoo numerous times over the past several months including when the vessel drifted ashore, discharged pollution into the marine environment, and deteriorated rapidly posing a public safety hazard,” said the Coast Guard in a release Friday.
The owner now has 30 days to pay the fine or apply for a review from the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.
While the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act first came into effect in 2019, this is the first time a fine has been served under the act.
Derelict and abandoned vessels have long plagued Vancouver Island.
In 2021, the federal government promised nearly $1.7 million to help remove 51 abandoned boats in B.C. and Nova Scotia, and support 44 boat removal projects in B.C. and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Adam Chan
