The Coast Guard says hundreds of abandoned ships have been removed from Canadian waters

Howard McKinnon, a Vancouver developer and the longtime owner of the famous floating McDonald's restaurant known as the "McBarge," expressed astonishment upon learning that this vessel is listed as abandoned or dangerous by the federal government of Canada. Despite its appearance, McKinnon insists that the McBarge has never been abandoned. He described the vessel as having a concrete hull and believes it could easily last for more than 100 years.
Until 2019, leaving boats in Canadian waters was not illegal, but regulations have since changed, giving the Canadian Coast Guard the authority to fine owners of hazardous or abandoned vessels and take action in the interest of public safety.
The Canadian Coast Guard's abandoned and hazardous vessel inventory currently comprises nearly 1,500 entries, with the majority located in British Columbia. However, not all of these vessels have been officially confirmed and approved by the government of Canada.
Robert Brooks, the manager of marine environmental response and hazards at the agency, stated that the inventory was launched in November 2022, and over 550 problematic vessels have been removed from Canadian waters since 2017. The agency is currently reviewing numerous cases and welcomes public input regarding potential inaccuracies in the list.
Among the other notable vessels that were previously listed as abandoned are the MV Spudnik, a US Navy cargo ship that was removed from the Fraser River in 2020, and the Mini Fusion, formerly known as MV Ocean Lady, discovered and removed from Desolation Sound in B.C.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Canadian Coast Guard is working to rectify the national inventory list, aiming to enhance marine environmental protection and public safety. They hope to reduce potential risks associated with abandoned vessels and introduce better standards for vessel maintenance and removal from Canadian waters.
Despite these challenges, Howard McKinnon, the owner of the McBarge, remains hopeful that the vessel can continue to serve as a tourist attraction symbolizing Vancouver's journey from a mill town to a major city, once a suitable home is found for it.

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