Last of its kind, concrete barge to become artificial reef off Sunshine Coast
YOGN-82 is the first of 4 vessels, currently used as breakwaters, that will be sunk
A concrete barge built during the Second World War has been loaded with explosives and is ready to meet its final resting place Saturday — as an artificial reef off the Sunshine Coast.
The YOGN-82 is the first of four vessels that will be sunk as part of a joint project between the Artificial Reef Society of B.C. and Catalyst Paper, which owns the vessels and currently uses them as a breakwater.
The artificial reef society was responsible for the sinking of the Annapolis, in Howe Sound, in 2015, but this will be the first time it has sunk a concrete vessel, according to the organization's vice president, Rick Wall.
"We're not quite sure how much of the concrete is going to turn into flying debris, how much the ship will hold together as it goes down, or how long it's going to take," Wall told Jason D'Souza, host of All Points West.
Before receiving the final stamp of approval from Environment Canada, Wall and his crew had to remove 60 years of excrement left by sea birds, as well as some unexpected fauna.
"There was an alder tree growing in the engine space, which I nicknamed Fred," Wall joked.
They also had to ensure no asbestos, hydrocarbons, lead or pollutants were left aboard — and received a final inspection on Friday certifying the vessel is clear to sink.
The explosives were set to detonate between 11 a.m. and noon. Wall expects it will take about five minutes for the vessel to sink compared to the two minutes it took the Annapolis to go down.
The ship's rough exterior should encourage rapid colonization by sea life, according to Wall, who said the site should be safe for divers to explore a few days after the sinking.
Last of its kind
Constructed with reinforced concrete, the YOGN-82 and nine other American wartime vessels were purchased by Catalyst Paper starting in the 1960s to be used as a breakwater to protect the mill's log pond.
The YOGN-82 is the last of its kind, which Wall thinks may attract some history buffs to Saturday's main event, but locals are also engaged in the fate of the vessel, which will be sunk about 60 feet off the shore, near Willingdon Beach.
The oldest, the S.S. Peralta, is 128 metres in length and 98 years old.
"These barges have been part of the Powell River seascape for years," he said, adding locals are excited about Saturday's sinking.