The Dominion I
The Dominion I has been fitted with it’s towing bridle. Now it’s just a matter of paperwork and an inspection by a marine surveyor and all systems will be “go” for the trek to Mexico and the scrap yard. Rob Van Riter of San Diego, the man who bought the vessel for $100 from Oregon owner Robert Hall, has kept his promise and returned to finish the job he started.
“Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s is all that’s left now.”; says Van Ritter, who has salvaged ships from the USA and Mexico in his career.
True to his word, the ship salvor is back, and with plenty of power to get the job done. The ocean going tug Gaviota (Seagull in Spanish) has twin 1500-hp diesels and a fuel capacity of some 55,000 American gallons. You can read about the vessel here, and can also track the journey south when it begins via MarineTraffic.com.
He’s already felt some Canadian hospitality, welcomed by residents of Cowichan Bay Village and experienced a good old fashioned Canadian fleecing too, having to pay $2800 in pilotage fees for being guided the scandalously short distance between Victoria and Cowichan Bay.
Incidentally, there is no fuel aboard the Dominion. The tanks once thought to be full, are full of seawater with a little diesel floating on top. Thieves apparently flooded them in an effort to raise the fuel level sufficient to and siphon it off. Evidently, this dating back to the first cries of “The ship is sinking” as heard from the eco-alarmists. There was also a fair amount of lubricating oil aboard, all of which has also mysteriously vanished. At no time has the Dominion I ever created even a hint of an oil slick in the bay.
Here are the first close up photographs of the scrap vessel flotilla, thanks to Brian and Michelle who went out to set crab traps this morning. More photographs tomorrow evening. Click any image for larger view.
Mexican Registered Tug
Dominion I stern view
Tug and Dominion
Tourist Vessel “Beaver”. Is it slated for tow?
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@Cookie
Yes indeed! It looks like the tow is going to happen today. let’s hope everything goes smoothly.
Hey, at 7:15am this morning, Friday, June 21, 2013, the tug was in the bay with the stern wheeler, so interesting to watch what happens. Great to have binoculars ! Thanks for the on-going up-dates. Cheers !