Decommissioned HMSC Fraser to be transferred to DND

February 10, 2009

 

After years of lobbying the federal government, I am pleased to see my efforts come to fruition with the transfer of the Fraser back to the Department of National Defence.

As many of you know, the deteriorating state of the Fraser has been a public debate for a number of years, generating negative publicity, petitions and lawn signs asking for her removal.

I have worked hard on this file and I have listened to the citizens of Bridgewater. I took their concerns for this vessel to the Minister of National Defence. I am pleased that the Minister has transferred the Fraser back into DND’s ownership.

Now that the Fraser has been transferred to the Department of National Defence a comprehensive survey of the ship’s condition will be conducted shortly. In the coming months, work will also be conducted to mitigate any immediate environmental, health and safety risks that are assessed during the survey, including work to make sure that the vessel is “safe to move.”

The title, custody and liability of Fraser will be transferred to DND immediately before the vessel is moved from Bridgewater to a temporary berth.

DND is evaluating a number of disposal options for the Fraser. DND may sink her to create an artificial reef, scrap her, or move her to preserve her for heritage purposes. All three scenarios, quite frankly, are better than allowing her to continue to deteriorate at the Port of Bridgewater.