The Coast Guard and fire crews spent the day on Victoria’s Gorge Waterway trying to raise a sunken derelict vessel.
The vessel went underwater nearly two weeks ago and then started spewing oil into the waterway.
Crews set up containment booms to try to limit environmental damage.
Removal of the 35-foot pleasure craft was considered necessary to prevent further oil leaks in the Gorge.
The Coast Guard said it would pay for the operation because of the hydrocarbon pollution caused by the leaking boat.
Advocate groups and residents have been demanding the City of Victoria evict derelict boats in the waterway to prevent further spills.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said the city is still working to lawfully hand out eviction notices to vessel owners.
The operation was expected to last into the night, and crews said the boat would likely be removed by Saturday.
