Officials are making efforts to clear debris from a sunken Yellowknife houseboat named Big Blue before the upcoming freeze. The N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) previously issued a directive for the removal or stabilization of Big Blue, which has been gradually sinking into Great Slave Lake. However, it has become evident that stabilization is no longer feasible as the houseboat was observed submerged on a windy Sunday afternoon in mid-October.
According to statements provided to CBC News, the department is collaborating with the houseboat’s owner and a contracted third party to salvage as much material as possible from the structure before the lake freezes. The ECC officers have confirmed the removal of potential contaminants from the houseboat before its submersion, allaying concerns about significant spills.
Due to the compromised structural integrity of the houseboat, the actual removal of the structure itself will be delayed until after the lake freezes, as indicated by a spokesperson representing the houseboat community. The department is currently reassessing its procedures concerning abandoned or deteriorating vessels to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Big Blue has been sinking since 2023 after its former owner, Daniel Gillis, relinquished ownership to other bay residents. Despite various attempts by subsequent owners to salvage the houseboat, the efforts have been unsuccessful. When contacted by CBC News, Gillis expressed surprise at the sinking but noted that the houseboat now has new ownership and refrained from further comment. CBC News has attempted to contact the houseboaters’ spokesperson for additional information.