A new report raises concerns about the alarming increase of anchor-dragging by ships at the Port of Prince Rupert, saying there’s a risk of disastrous consequences to British Columbia’s north coast…
PRINCE RUPERT — A new report raises concerns about the alarming increase of anchor-dragging by ships at the Port of Prince Rupert, saying there’s a risk of disastrous consequences to British Columbia’s north coast.The Anchor Safe Prince Rupert Report was released Monday by the T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation.
The Vopak terminal is expected to attract some of the largest ships to the area and also increase the total number of vessels using the harbour to more than 600 from the current 460, the foundation says in a news release.Study authors point to a 1992 Institute of Ocean Sciences report that found ships frequently dragged anchor in the harbour because there’s a thin layer of mud on top of smooth rock.The coast guard and port authority both monitor anchorage.