Vancouver’s Sunset Beach ‘Barge Watch 2021’ continues

There were some rumblings the Vancouver Sunset Beach barge was going to be removed Wednesday morning when locals spotted some tug boats and machinery surrounding it.

However, a few hours later the tug boats left and the barge remained beached as water splashed onto the sea wall amid the King Tide.

The City of Vancouver confirmed the barge will not be moved Wednesday and the tug boat and some machinery seen in the morning were all for assessment and repairs to hopefully be able to remove the barge in the coming days.

I’m down at the Sunset Beach barge this morning on #bargewatch2021 where there was some rumblings the barge was going to be moved today. Even caused some locals to come down and watch. The City of Vancouver has since confirmed the barge will NOT be moved today. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/wVZVN84Pcy

— Robyn Crawford (@robyncrawford_) December 8, 2021

Locals’ reaction at the beach have been split on how much they love to hate the barge. Those who are not fans tell CityNews it’s a safety hazard because of how high the water is.

“The barge doesn’t pose a safety risk to the public, however the City is asking as a precaution that the public and people on the seawall keep a safe distance from the barge and abide by the signage and barriers in the area. Security is on site 24-7 until the barge is removed,” the City of Vancouver added.

When a major atmospheric river swept across the Lower Mainland in mid-November, the barge came unmoored.

At the time, there were concerns when it was adrift that it would run into the Burrard Street Bridge and everything in its path.

The city closed the crossing as a precaution.

The barge eventually got stuck and has been sitting at Sunset Beach since Nov. 15.

Vancouver’s Sunset Beach barge Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 (Courtesy Robyn Crawford, CityNews photo)

Closures have since been lifted.

Efforts of a single tugboat — which lasted about 20 minutes — were made but turned out unsuccessful.

Happening now: the loose barge. The tugboat. They’re trying. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/jEkQ66yV0a

— Kier Junos (@kierjunos) November 16, 2021

For weeks now, the barge has remained a centre piece of the park, drawing people from across the region to take photos with it in the background or just to take a look.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard says the owner of the barge is “responsible for securing, salvaging and arranging a tow for their barge.”

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Unmoored barge remains ashore at Sunset Beach after unsuccessful tow attempt

The barge was previously filled with wood chips.

Transport Canada has said it does not pose a threat to the environment.

There have been parody Twitter accounts created for the barge with thousands of followers since it first made its way onto Vancouver’s shoreline.

A live stream camera has even been set up thanks to Bluemist Design right in front of the beached, unofficial Vancouver landmark.

One thing is for sure, as of Wednesday, #bargewatch2021 continues.