The Canadian Coast Guard is setting up a command centre near a former navy vessel.
The old ship – formerly the HMCS Cormorant – has developed a serious list or lean at the Mariners’ dock and has been taking on water.
Spokesperson Keith Laidlaw says the vessel has been leaking fluids into the LaHave River.
He says: “There’s been some slight pollution. Looks like a hydraulic leak from a control value on the stern and one from a deck crane around mid-ship. Not a great quantity and we’ve had some absorbent materials down around the areas to absorb that.”
The Coast Guard will monitor the owner’s clean up of the spill.
They will remove any other contaminants on board.
Meantime, the mayor of Bridgewater is echoing the frustration by some residents with the ‘Cormorant.’
David Walker says the town is closely monitoring the situation – but they have no jurisdiction.
He says the issue is between the Port of Bridgewater and Ottawa.
The port is privately-owned under the federal government.
Walker says they will wait and see what happens in the short-term before planning for the long-term.
