Volunteers celebrate Vancouver Island man's birthday by helping removing derelict boat
A Vancouver Island man had an unusual birthday wish this year.
Sixty-eight-year-old John Roe wanted help getting rid of an old boat that washed up in front of a home in the Courtenay, B.C., area.
It's one of hundreds of derelict vessels that are impacting local shorelines. So instead of cutting into a birthday cake, Roe and some other volunteers cut into the old boat Tuesday.
"We usually take the day of my birthday to go kayaking or things like that and I thought, well, this year let’s do something different and just wreck a boat," he said laughing.
Roe is part of a non-profit group called the Dead Boats Disposal Society, which clears away derelict boats that wash ashore.
In this particular case, the boat washed ashore in 2017, with no agencies coming to take it away.
The washed up boat is pictured. (CTV News)
Roe later learned that the boat was stolen from Quadra Island, B.C., back in 2016 and he managed to track down the owners.
"They were quite excited about it until they came down and looked at it," he said laughing. "I never heard from them again. In fact, the phone number doesn't work anymore."
Roe says the Dead Boats Disposal Society has cleared away nearly 200 vessels since it was formed in 2017.
'ONE LITTLE PIECE'
This year, for his birthday, Roe posted on Facebook asking for volunteers to help take the vessel apart.
"I had the day off work so I thought I’d just come in and help out for a few hours," said volunteer Faramir Woiwod.
"I like cleaning up the estuaries, getting rid of a boat that doesn’t need to be there."
There are no birthday hats to be seen, just protective equipment and a willingness to do a small part to help clean the Courtenay estuary.
Volunteers help disassemble the washed up boat. (CTV News)
"This was one little piece. You’ve got a couple of hours you can just come on down and be part of it because many hands make light work, so that’s why I’m here," said volunteer Jewel Kizuk.
Roe says the Dead Boats Disposal Society has its eyes on another 120 vessels that need to be removed.
He estimates taxpayers will be on the hook for $300 million to $400 million to remove derelict vessels in Canada over the next 20 years.
The 68-year-old says he'd like to see a better system in place to make boat owners more financially responsible if their vessel runs aground.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.