VICTORIA Work on a shipwreck off Vancouver Island that was found to be leaking oil late last year is officially underway. The MV Schiedyk sank in the waters of Nootka Sound near Bligh Island in 1968. Reports from the time of the sinking indicate oil was released for several weeks after the sinking. In December 2020, it was discovered that the wreck was releasing bunker oil from a depth of approximately 400 feet on the east side of the island. After determining the site of the wreck was clear of debris that could hamper the salvage operation, a team of 25 technicians from Florida-based Resolve Marine Group completed the initial survey of the ship. Using a “remote operated vehicle” (ROV), the assessment included capturing clear images of the hull and testing its thickness.
The wreck has released an undetermined amount of fuel since early December, when a storm likely disturbed the 483-foot ship. It has been releasing between one and 13 litres per hour, depending on ocean conditions. An update from the coast guard said 35,357 kilograms of fouled debris which includes driftwood, soaked booms and plant matter had been collected to date. Crews from Florida-based Resolve Marine Group are leading the patching and technical assessment on the wreck after signing a $7-million deal with the federal government. Resolve is trying to determine the location and amount of fuel on board. With remote vehicles, the company is using ultrasound technology to measure the thickness and integrity of the hull and small holes are being drilled to find fuel tanks.