QUICK FACTS:

The MV Farley Mowat is an allsteel vessel built in Norway in 1956. The vessel sat abandoned at the dock in Shelburne from September 2014 to July 2017

In May 2017, the Coast Guard contracted a marine surveyor to collect information on the MV Farley Mowat’s condition, including its structural condition; watertight integrity; the quantity and location of any pollutants; and how the vessel would hold-up to towage. The survey found oil-contaminated water in most of the tanks and determined that, based on the vessel’s current condition, it is at risk of polluting if left unattended.

The owner was directed to remove the pollutants and safely dispose of the vessel.

When the owner did not respond, the Coast Guard issued an emergency contract to prepare and tow the MV Farley Mowatt to a disposal yard to protect the marine environment.