The Haida Nation and Transport Canada have announced changes that could help avoid shipping incidents around Haida Gwaii.
The revised the Places of Refuge Contingency Plan contains a new section of potential places where ships in need of of help can stabilize their condition and reduce hazards to navigation, human life and the environment.
“The cooperative work between the Haida Nation and Transport Canada to refine the Places of Refuge Contingency Plan and to identify places of refuge within Haida territory is a significant achievement and an important addition to protecting Haida Gwaii waters and our way of life,” says Haida Nation President kil tlaats ‘gaa, Peter Lantin.
Lantin says the Haida began working with other governments on a coordinated emergency response system for Haida Gwaii in the wake of the 2014 Simushir incident.
The fuel-laden Russian cargo vessel lost power and drifted dangerously close to Haida Gwaii before it could be towed to safety.
