CANADA NEWS – Efforts are underway off the coast of northern British Columbia to address the risk posed by a 78-year-old sunken ship that has been slowly leaking oil into the surrounding waters. The U.S. cargo ship, USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski, which sank in 1946, has deteriorated over the decades, and now, oil from the wreck is threatening to spill into the Pacific Ocean, causing serious environmental damage.
The Canadian Coast Guard has taken the lead in this challenging mission to remove approximately 27,000 liters of oil stored within the wreck. This is not the first time that the wreck of the M.G. Zalinski has posed a risk. In fact, it has been a recurring environmental hazard for over a decade. Fishermen and First Nations communities have previously reported oil slicks in the waters surrounding the wreck, raising concerns about the potential long-term impacts on the local ecosystem.
The History of the USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski
The USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski was a 77-meter-long U.S. cargo ship that was actively involved in the U.S. war effort during World War II. Launched in 1941, the ship ferried army supplies, including heavy fuel oil, to U.S. bases in Alaska. On a fateful day in 1946, while en route from Seattle, Washington to Whittier, Alaska, the ship struck a rock near Pitt Island, off the coast of British Columbia. Within 20 minutes, the ship sank to a depth of 35 meters in Grenville Channel, approximately 100 kilometers south of Prince Rupert.
The wreck’s resting place on a rocky ledge has contributed to the challenges of dealing with the leaking oil. Over the years, the ship’s hull has gradually deteriorated, and the fuel tanks aboard the Zalinski have collapsed, putting the surrounding marine environment at even greater risk.
Previous Efforts to Address the Oil Leak
The current mission is not the first attempt to mitigate the risk posed by the M.G. Zalinski. Over a decade ago, reports of oil slicks near the wreck prompted a similar operation. At that time, the Canadian Coast Guard was able to remove 44,000 liters of oil and 319,000 liters of oily water from the site. However, the structure of the shipwreck has continued to degrade, and more oil has been leaking into the ocean over the years.
In this current mission, the Canadian Coast Guard, led by Jeff Brady, Superintendent of Marine Environmental Hazard Response, is determined to prevent any further spills. The team will be drilling through the wreck’s hull to pump out as much oil as possible. “We’re patching what hasn’t worked in previous operations,” Brady said in an interview with CBC’s Daybreak North. In addition to removing oil, the team will install pollution domes over the leaks to contain the oil in case of future spills.
The Environmental Risk
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the wreck of the M.G. Zalinski is the potential long-term environmental impact. A significant spill of oil from the shipwreck could have devastating consequences for marine life in the area. Grenville Channel is home to a wide variety of species, including fish, marine mammals, and birds. An oil spill would contaminate the waters, harming both the marine environment and the local fishing industry.
Furthermore, the area holds cultural significance for local Indigenous communities, particularly the First Nations who rely on the coastal waters for fishing and other traditional practices. Any environmental damage caused by an oil spill could have far-reaching consequences for these communities and their way of life.
The Coast Guard’s Approach
The Canadian Coast Guard is approaching this delicate mission with caution. The operation, which is expected to take around 30 days, will be heavily dependent on weather conditions. If the weather proves too harsh, the mission could take even longer. The team is focused on removing as much of the oil as possible and stabilizing the wreck to prevent future leaks.
To carry out this challenging task, the Coast Guard has contracted Resolve Marine, a Florida-based company that specializes in marine salvage and environmental response. Resolve Marine has previously worked with the Coast Guard on similar operations, including the cleanup of a shipwreck oil leak near Nootka Sound in 2021. Although the contractor did not respond to requests for comment, their experience and expertise are crucial to the success of the mission.
During the operation, crews will use advanced techniques to access the oil stored in the wreck. One of the biggest challenges is the depth of the shipwreck, which lies 35 meters below the surface. Drilling through the hull and extracting the oil requires precision and specialized equipment. Once the oil is removed, pollution domes will be installed to prevent further leaks.
Future Risks and Ongoing Efforts
Even though the current mission is focused on removing a significant portion of the oil from the wreck, the long-term risks posed by the M.G. Zalinski remain. As Kiri Westnedge, a spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard, noted, “We expect to recover most of the accessible oil and oily water during this expedition. However, another trip may be required if fuel tanks that cannot be safely reached this time collapse in the future.”
The wreck of the M.G. Zalinski is a reminder of the challenges posed by aging shipwrecks around the world. Many old vessels lie on the ocean floor, carrying hazardous materials that continue to threaten marine environments. The Canadian Coast Guard’s work to mitigate the risks posed by the Zalinski sets an important precedent for addressing these environmental hazards.
The Importance of Collaboration
The operation to remove oil from the M.G. Zalinski involves close collaboration between various agencies and stakeholders. The Canadian Coast Guard, Resolve Marine, and local First Nations are all working together to ensure the success of the mission. Fishermen and Indigenous communities have played a key role in monitoring the area and reporting any signs of oil slicks, highlighting the importance of local knowledge in environmental response efforts.
The removal of oil from the M.G. Zalinski is an important step in protecting the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on the coastal waters of British Columbia. While the mission may take time and face challenges due to weather conditions, the commitment of the Coast Guard and its partners to preventing further environmental damage is clear.
The wreck of the USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski has posed a significant environmental threat for nearly 80 years. The current operation by the Canadian Coast Guard to remove oil from the wreck is a critical effort to prevent future spills and protect the fragile marine ecosystem in Grenville Channel. With the help of specialized contractors and the support of local communities, the Coast Guard is working to ensure that this long-standing hazard is finally addressed. While challenges remain, this mission represents an important step toward safeguarding the waters of northern British Columbia for future generations.
