By Dominic Abassi

Viki Lyne II finally removed after four year battle

Oct 6, 2016 | 4:39 PM

NANAIMO — What seemed like a never-ending battle has finally come to an end with the removal of an abandoned ship from Ladysmith’s harbour.
 
The Viki Lyne II, which has been barely floating in Ladysmith’s harbour for four years, was towed out Thursday morning.
 
A news release from Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP MP Sheila Malcolmson states the boat will be towed to Nanaimo where it will be dismantled.
 
In the release Ladysmith Maritime Society managing director Rod Smith says the amount of time it took to get the Viki Lyne removed proves the system is flawed and needs to be changed now.

“It still amazes me that it has taken over four years to have this vessel removed, after a Coast Guard-commissioned survey declared in June of 2012 that the sinking of the Viki Lyne II was imminent,” said Smith.

Malcolmson has introduced legislation on abandoned vessels in the House of Commons that calls on the federal government to take responsibility for the timely removal of such ships. Bill C-219 will likely be up for debate next year.

Another listless boat, the Laurier II, remains in the water in Ladysmith’s harbour. The Coast Guard has committed to its removal but it’s unclear when that will happen.