Plans underway to remove container ship debris coming ashore off Vancouver Island

Efforts are underway to clean the beaches where container ship debris has washed up on Vancouver Island — but organizers are asking people not to try to clean it up on their own. 

The debris comes from the MV Zim Kingston, which lost over 100 containers during a storm off the B.C. South Coast on Oct. 22. The next day, it reported that some containers still aboard the ship were on fire.

Since then, it has been anchored off Victoria, B.C., and the fire is out.

At least four of the lost containers have washed up on the northwest tip of Vancouver Island — near remote Cape Scott Provincial Park—spilling debris such as refrigerators, toys, and children’s clothing. The coast guard says none of the four contain hazardous material.

The area is in the traditional territory of the Quatsino First Nation. Chief Tom Nelson says his people are ready and willing to clean up, but they need information. He’s asking the coast guard to fly the coastline of the  traditional territory, and report back on where it sees debris.

“That way, we can get to it, we can set up camp, whatever we need to do.”

Karen Wristen is also organizing a cleanup.

The executive director of the Living Oceans Society, a Vancouver Island-based environmental group says she called coast guard and the shipping company as soon as she heard about the debris. She’s also been in touch with Nelson.

Matthew Melnyk, a maritime lawyer based in Victoria, B.C., says according to Canadian law, people must contact what’s called the “receiver of wreck” before they remove any maritime debris. 

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