Mishall RehmanClose to 30,000 litres of F-76 fuel was leaked into British Columbia’s Strait of Georgia by Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Calgary early Saturday morning.
Although the cause of the spill is still unknown, early estimates from the Navy suggest that an open valve in an overflow tank was the likely cause.
There is no evidence, thus far, that the leak has impacted marine life.
After receiving reports of the spill, Maritime Forces (Pacific) coordinated with Environment Climate Change Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada and BC Emergency Management to ensure necessary steps were taken and information is gathered for further investigation. These steps included providing computer modelling and considering the current and tides to estimate the shoreline that was impacted.
Additionally, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and assets were placed at Nanoose Bay on alert, given direction to our Ready Duty Ship and advised the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation of the situation.
Harbour Air, BC Ferries, and the public have been alerted.
A thorough investigation is now ongoing to determine the cause of the spill, and the Royal Canadian Navy says the results will inform procedures going forward.
Members of the public who see signs of the spill can report them to the Regional Joint Operations Centre at 250-363-5848.
