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Home > Disasters and Tragedies > The Sinking and Raising of the Irving Whale


The Sinking and Raising of the Irving Whale

Environmentalists dubbed it a ticking time bomb, and nobody knew when — or if — the Irving Whale oil barge would release its dangerous cargo. Toxic discoveries, legal delays and spiralling costs would all ensue before the Irving Whale saw the light of day — 26 years after sinking off Prince Edward Island in 1970.

 
Irving Whale goes down

 
MP calls for barge to be raised

 
Oil found on beaches of Magdalen Islands

 Irving Whale goes down

Captain Sven Madsen surveys the damage as cleanup efforts begin. (TV; runs 1:32)

 MP calls for barge to be raised

A Prince Edward Island MP argues the Irving Whale should be raised due to the risk that it could break up and pollute his province. (Radio; runs 7:53)

 Oil found on beaches of Magdalen Islands

Residents of the islands near the site of the Irving Whale report finding clumps of oil washing up on their shores. (TV; runs 1:42)

 
An environmental time bomb

 
Minister says oil barge will be raised

 
PCBs aboard the Irving Whale

 An environmental time bomb

Fishermen and environmentalists aren't the only ones who worry what could happen if the Irving Whale breaks apart under the waters near P.E.I. (Radio; runs 10:32)

 Minister says oil barge will be raised

Concerns about its potential for pollution prompt the government to salvage the Irving Whale. (Radio; runs 2:18)

 PCBs aboard the Irving Whale

Irving Oil discloses the presence of toxic PCBs on the Irving Whale, jeopardizing the planned lift operation. (Radio; runs 1:36)

 
Environmental group stops recovery operation

 
New concerns for Magdalen Islands

 
Salvage operation back on track

 Environmental group stops recovery operation

A court injunction is granted due to the threat of toxic PCBs. (TV; runs 2:27)

 New concerns for Magdalen Islands

Residents are wondering what to do with the 100,000 bags of PCB-laden oil and sand they buried after cleaning up the Irving Whale oil slick in 1970. (TV; runs 3:21)

 Salvage operation back on track

The Canadian Coast Guard and its team of workers are nearly ready to finally bring the Irving Whale to the surface. (Radio; runs 3:41)

 
Thar she blows! Irving Whale surfaces

   
 Thar she blows! Irving Whale surfaces

The Irving Whale is brought to the surface and is found to be in remarkably good condition. (TV; runs 2:35)

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