Bridgewater crews start pumping water from former HMCS Cormorant
The Cormorant began listing severely in March after being overloaded with snow
Canadian Coast Guard crews are working to pump water out of the former HMCS Cormorant in Bridgewater today.
The Coast Guard took control of the effort to right the decommissioned vessel last week. The Cormorant began tipping severely in March after being overloaded with snow. The starboard side is leaning against a jetty owned by the Port of Bridgewater, the hull is resting on the bottom of the LaHave River, and tidal waters are flowing through the ship.
Crews are currently using 26 pumps. There's no indication of how much water will need to be removed, but the process will be slow. It requires contractors, a diver and a surveillance plane.
The Cormorant has been moored in Bridgewater since 2000 and has changed hands several times after it was decommissioned by the Canadian Navy in 1997.
The Coast Guard took control of the cleanup because the ship, which contains diesel fuel and other light oils, is considered an environmental hazard. If a leak is sprung, the oils could spill and contaminate the LaHave River.