The Canadian Coast Guard issued a $15,000 fine to the owner of an unnamed 30-foot sailing vessel located on Vancouver's Jericho Beach breakwater.
The vessel was found to pose a hazard to the marine environment and public safety.
The coast guard said the vessel was in a location accessible to the general public, and due to its instability and damaged state, could have caused injury to people entering the location.
It noted the boat caused structural damage to the administrative building of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the main support beams for the dock beside the building.
Finally, the coast guard said continued damage to the boat’s fibreglass hull would produce pollution to the marine environment through broken parts drifting away.
“The issuance of this fine comes after the vessel owner failed to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard’s directions to remove the vessel and take all reasonable measures to prevent pollution from entering the marine environment by Jan. 24, 2024,” the coast guard said.
The organization said owners are responsible for costs of addressing their problem vessels, including cleanup or repairs, and any remediation action taken by the Canadian Coast Guard.
A fine is considered a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted.
The enforcement work is done under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.
This is the third time a fine has been issued to a hazardous vessel owner in British Columbia and the fourth administrative monetary penalty to be issued in Canada.
