The Canadian Coast Guard has reported that a sunken vessel in Yellowknife Bay caused a spill of approximately 60 to 80 liters of diesel fuel and engine oil into the surrounding water. The incident occurred on Wednesday near the government wharf, as documented on the territorial government’s spill reporting platform.
Richard McIntosh, a houseboater who was present in the area at the time, noticed a distinct diesel and oil smell on Wednesday morning. He observed the spill spreading across the water surface, with some of it drifting towards the causeway, emitting a strong odor.
Following the spill, a prompt response was initiated, involving houseboaters, fishermen, and the coast guard collaborating to contain the spill and secure the sinking boat. An orange boom was deployed to confine the oil slick, as confirmed by the coast guard.
Despite the swift containment efforts, McIntosh opted to spend the night elsewhere due to the persistent smell. Upon returning to his boat the next morning, he noted that only minimal remnants of the spill were visible.
Responding to inquiries from CBC News via email, the coast guard stated that the owner of the sunken vessel would be held liable for all cleanup expenses, repairs, and any necessary actions undertaken by the coast guard in response to the spill, in accordance with Canada’s “polluter pays” principle. The coast guard further mentioned that the boat owner was cooperating and had plans in place to salvage the sunken vessel.