Hulks

Reuse and recycle. The town of Powell River British Columbia is is located on the northwest coast of the province. Once a vibrant mill town has turned into a small sleepy place with little to attract new investment and business. However tourism is very much a part of the local economy and one of the most unique attractions in the world sits floating off the shore in Powell River, the Hulks.

Of the hundreds concrete hulled ships built during World War I and II, only 10 are known to still be afloat. These ships form the massive floating breakwater on the Malaspina Strait. The breakwater was constructed to protect the logging pond that was operated by the Powell River Company pulp and paper mill.

Nine of these ten ships were built during the Second World War, the tenth ship, the S. S. Peralta, is the last remaining WWI concrete ship afloat. Over the years the mills has changed hands and been downsized several times and much discussion has been had about what to do with the ships.

Recently, in a joint effort between the mills owners, Catalyst Paper and the BC Artificial Reef Society four of the hulks have been designated for clean up and sinking to becomes artificial reefs in Powell River. The first of these ships, YOGN-82 went down on Saturday, June 23 2018.

This is very exciting not only for me as a photographer and diver but also get for the Powell River economy and tourism. Weather above or below the water the legacy of the Hulk will endure.

Thanks for reading.

Scott

For more images and adventures - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/