Canada Sells Vandalized Coast Guard Ship for Scrap
The Canadian Coast Guard has taken a significant step in the long saga of the patrol ship CCGS Corporal McLaren. After six years of uncertainty following vandalism that left the vessel damaged, the Coast Guard has contracted a metal recycler for its disposal. The Financial Post uncovered the contract details on the government’s website, marking the end of a peculiar chapter in the ship’s history. This article delves into the events leading to this decision and the implications for the Canadian Coast Guard.
Vandalism and Its Consequences
The CCGS Corporal McLaren was built in 2013 and served as a patrol boat from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It was designed to maintain Canada’s maritime border and ensure maritime safety. However, in November 2018, the vessel was sent to the Canadian Maritime Engineering shipyard for an overhaul. On November 18, workers discovered the ship partially submerged, having slipped from its cradle. An investigation revealed that vandals had cut the guidelines, leading to its dislodgment. The Halifax Police classified this incident as vandalism.
The shipyard lacked a security fence, and the closed-circuit cameras were unreliable. Reports indicated that the vandals likely used power tools to sever the two main wires, causing the vessel to slide into the water. Despite police efforts, the culprits were never identified. The Corporal McLaren remained submerged for a week before it was salvaged. The damage was extensive, with repair costs estimated at C$11 million (approximately US$7.6 million). The electrical systems were severely affected and required complete replacement. Initially, a contract was set up to address mold and oil contamination inside the vessel.
A Long Road to Disposal
After being patched up, the Corporal McLaren was moved to various shipyards over the years. However, the situation remained unresolved. In 2023, the National Post reported that the Coast Guard had paid C$520,000 (around US$340,000) to the same Nova Scotia shipyard company it was now suing for storing the damaged vessel. This ongoing financial burden highlighted the challenges faced by the Coast Guard in managing the aftermath of the vandalism.
Finally, in 2024, the Canadian government made a decisive move. The Coast Guard awarded a contract valued at C$412,467.25 (US$285,525) to the Marine Recycling Corporation of Port Colborne, Ontario. This contract mandates the recycling of the Corporal McLaren through ship breaking. The contractor is responsible for preparing the vessel for transportation, moving it to an approved site, and ensuring that the recycling process is efficient and environmentally responsible.
This decision marks a significant turning point for the Canadian Coast Guard. It not only resolves the long-standing issue of the damaged vessel but also emphasizes the importance of responsible disposal practices. As the Coast Guard moves forward, the focus will shift to enhancing security measures at shipyards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
