Ferry Sinking Still Hurting Hartley Bay

posted July 19, 2007

Over one year has passed since the March 22, 2006 sinking of the Queen of the North ferry after hitting Gil Island not far from Hartley Bay. Everyone remembers the bravery and primary role that the Gitga’at residents of Hartley Bay played in the rescue of 99 passengers and crew members that fateful night.

Now the leaders and citizens of Hartley Bay are saying they still suffer the consequences of that sinking – in early July, they reported a large oil/diesel slick from the ferry was further contaminating the water, the area surrounding and likely valuable food beaches where members gather traditional foods – staples of their annual diet and community requirement. Many members have expressed fear and frustration that they are paying dearly for a mistake by BC Ferries. They feel they have lost traditional food harvest areas and that fish, water fowl and marine mammals have been impacted as well.

The Band has been fighting and lobbying for a full recovery and removal of contaminants since shortly after the ferry sank. So far, all of the government agencies seem to feel they have done their share and no problems remain. The Gitga’at people don’t agree! Visit the Gitga’at website: www.gitgaat.net