The Samson V has been determined to be the source of an oil spill on the Fraser River on Thursday afternoon.
In a statement to the Record, the Canadian Coast Guard said it received a report about 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 of a “sheen” on the Fraser River near Quayside Park. It said the sheen was drifting with the current towards the Pattullo Bridge.
“Canadian Coast Guard responders were deployed to the scene and determined the source of the pollution release to be the paddlewheeler at the New Westminster Quay,” said the statement. “At this time, our crews are actively working to determine methods to stop further discharge of pollutants.”
According to the statement, the Canadian Coast Guard is actively working with the owner of the vessel, who is acting “diligently and taking measure to remedy the situation.”
The Canadian Coast Guard is also maintaining communication with response partners about this ongoing incident, said the statement.
Some photos posted to social media showed members of the New Westminster Police Department at the scene earlier in the afternoon.
“Earlier today, our officers responded to a report of a possible oil spill in the water in front of the Quayside market,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Emergency Management BC and the Canadian Coast Guard were notified of the incident. As there was determined to be no risk to the public, and the source of the spill was unknown, no further assistance was requested from the NWPD.”
On Friday morning, the City of New Westminster issued a statement about the spill.
“The Canadian Coast Guard was contacted to determine the source of the pollution. Upon inspection, the oil appears to have originated from the old fuel tanks of the Samson V, an historic steam-powered sternwheeler that now serves as a museum,” said the statement. “The Coast Guard, along with Western Canadian Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), have cleaned up all the oil from the river.”
According to the city’s statement, it has been determined that the fuel leaked from the fuel tanks into the ship’s bilge, where it was subsequently pumped outside the vessel.
“The Samson V bilge pumps have been turned off to ensure no more oil is pumped from the ship,” said the statement. “The ship’s hull is sound and there is no current water ingress.”
Western Canadian Marine Response Corporation has also placed booms around the vessel as a further precaution.
“Currently, the tanks are being inspected to determine how much fuel is remaining and will take measures to mitigate any further leaks into the bilge. Staff are also in the process of securing contractors to pump the remaining fuel from the tanks and properly clean the bilge areas impacted by the leak,” said the statement. “The Samson V will remain closed to the public while repairs are being completed.”
