The following is a statement from Courtenay/Alberni MP Gord Johns, regarding the state of the derelict vessel in Deep Bay:
“I am very encouraged by today’s announcement from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans that the vessel known as the Silver King will be safely removed from Deep Bay in the coming days.
This is what we can accomplish by coming together and working in the best interest of Vancouver Islanders.
Thanks must to go everyone who added their voices to the call for action, especially Bill Veenhof, Chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo, Chief Michael Recalma of the Qualicum First Nation, local business leaders and staff from Vancouver Island University, as well as local media who have doggedly pursued this issue for years.
We are grateful our voices have been heard by the federal government and that action is being taken, but we acknowledge that is only one example of a much larger problem threatening the environment and economy of our local communities.
Questions remain regarding the other abandoned vessels in Deep Bay, those above water and those below. Additionally we must continue to push for an overhaul of the rules and regulations surrounding abandoned and derelict vessel to ensure the long term safety of our coastal communities.
I will continue to bring local concerns directly to the attention of the government and champion issues that are important to the people of Courtenay-Alberni.”