Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

B.C. Ferries Completes Assessment of Queen of the North

By 250 News

The sub used to  scope the Queen of the North  on the ocean's floor is now on its way home,  B.C. Ferries says  it  has completed its underwater assessment .  There was no sign of the two missing passengers.

Now, B.C. Ferries will  review the  video taken in the dives.  The investigation is fully in the hands of the Transportation Safety Board.  It has already indicated it will soon  leave the "field phase" of it's investigation and  start the analysis phase.  The TSB had released a video of the Queen of the North  as it sits on the ocean floor.

BC Ferries is continuing *** environmental action plan in cooperation with several federal and provincial agencies and First Nations in the area. 

The Ministry of the Environment says the impact from the sinking has been stabilized. 

Only trace amounts of diesel sheen are now visible at the site, with the amount of fuel still coming to the surface having slowed considerably. Fifty percent of diesel evaporates within 48 hours. The remainder is eventually dissolved by the effects of wind and sunlight.

More than 5,000 feet of containment boom remains in place, protecting sensitive clam and oyster sites to ensure First Nations food sources are kept safe. Daily monitoring of these sites will continue.

There have been minimal impacts on wildlife. Monitoring will continue by First Nations and Environment Canada. Should the need arise, a recovery plan is in place

Until the Queen of Prince Rupert returns from refit in mid-April, a tug and barge will move essential supplies from Prince Rupert to the Queen Charlotte Islands. 

On the mid coast, the Nimpkish (shown at right) is operating on its regularly scheduled service between Bella Coola, Klemtu, Bella Bella and Shearwater, with stops available at Ocean Falls, if requested in advance. 

Northern Health says it  has a plan in place to  ensure  those needing treatment ( particularly chemo therapy) will not be isolated  Northern health has also worked to ensure any appointments with specialists have been  re-scheduled.

Anyone neding further information on  B.C. Ferries scheduling can call toll free at 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779) or *BCF on a cellular phone. 
 
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