July 10, 2015
Province Supports Clean Up Effort of MS Lord Selkirk II
– – –$200,000 Provided for Cleanup, Salvage: Ministers
The Manitoba government will provide $200,000 toward the City of Selkirk’s effort to dismantle the MS Lord Selkirk II cruise ship abandoned in Selkirk, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“The people of Selkirk have been working diligently to find a resolution to the problem of this abandoned ship and we are glad to have found a way to help out,” Minister Kostyshyn said. “It’s unfortunate it came to this, but all other avenues have been exhausted and as it sits right now, the ship is not safe and could pose a threat to the environment.”
Originally operating as a cruise ship on the Red River from 1969 to 1990, the MS Lord Selkirk II has been moored just north of the Selkirk Marine Museum for more than 20 years. Previously sold to an American company for scrap, the work was never started and while it does not currently pose an environmental risk, that could change if it deteriorates further, the minister said. The City of Selkirk has taken the lead and will soon begin the removal and salvage process.
“We’ll monitor the cleanup and our staff will be available at every step of the way,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff at the announcement today on behalf of Minister Kostyshyn. “From ongoing environmental testing to the offer of specialized equipment, we’ll do what we can to help Selkirk salvage this ship and remove the risk to the community and the waterway.”
“The council and citizens of Selkirk appreciate the support of the province that will help make the removal of this vessel a reality,” said Mayor Larry Johannson, City of Selkirk. “While majestic in its day, the MS Lord Selkirk II is unsafe and unsightly. Removing the ship will also remove the threat of environmental impact on the Selkirk slough and we look forward to returning the entranceway to Selkirk Park to its former natural beauty.”
A detailed inspection of the ship has determined asbestos is present, but does not pose a risk at this time. The asbestos must be carefully removed during the salvage process. A contractor has been secured to handle the salvage safely and securely, and the City of Selkirk will take whatever steps necessary to recover the cost of the salvage from the ship’s owner.
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