MP Gerald Keddy bids Fraser farewell

July 21, 2009

Bridgewater, NS  – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s bid Fraser farewell today as she left the Port of Bridgewater en route to Halifax.

“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,” said MP Keddy. “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.”

Since March 2009 preparatory work has been underway to prepare Fraser to be towed to Halifax.  Extensive work has been conducted to mitigate any immediate environmental health and safety risks and to ensure Fraser's successful return to a DND-owned berth in Halifax. The title, custody and liability of Fraser was transferred to DND immediately before the vessel began its tow from Bridgewater.

Preparatory work performed to date includes:

• Hull and structure cleaning, surveying and repairs;
• Identification and adjustment to the liquid load to ensure stability;
• A complete 'safe to tow' certification survey; and
• An air quality survey.

The tow from Bridgewater to Halifax will take approximately eight (8) hours.

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