Work underway to remove sinking houseboat

A crane and diving crew worked to recover a sinking houseboat in Sutherland Bay near the old Tolko mill site Tuesday.

The vessel, which belongs to rental company Free Spirit Boating, was damaged in a December storm.

According to an emailed statement from the company, ice had accumulated on the port side of the ship, causing it to sit lower in the water than usual. Cold and poor weather led to a punctured pontoon, which took on water.

Shortly after the company noticed it leaning to one side, it sent people to remove any chemicals and engine fluids to avoid negative environmental impacts. The company said it has been in contact with the Canadian Coast Guard.

“They were satisfied with what we have done and have stated that there is no environmental impact and applauded us on taking such quick action,” the company wrote in an email.

The company citied bitterly cold weather and companies not picking up or returning phone calls as causing delays.

“It takes some time to coordinate multiple people from multiple companies to work together to remove a floundering boat from the lake,” the email said.

The boat does have minor damage. However, the company was planning to renovate it anyway.

“We are not too concerned about having to pull the boat from the lake and get it onto dry land to get these repairs and renovations completed.”

The houseboat is not the only ship taking on water. Nearby, a sailboat named Morning Glory remains partially submerged.

The Canadian Coast Guard previously told Kelowna10 it was aware of the sinking boats and working to track down the owners to understand recovery plans.