Re: “Fearmongers spread tanker disinformation”, Jan 11.
Yes, Douglas Channel is wider in spots than Active Pass, in the Gulf Islands. But I’ve worked the North Coast’s waters for over 20 years and if the writer and his map would follow Douglas Channel out to Hecate Strait, one could plainly see the harrowing route, squeaking through narrow spots and tight turns.
Coming down Douglas Channel, the tankers turn at the spot the B.C. Ferries’ Queen of the North went down, then make their way slowly out to Hecate Strait, bobbing and weaving the whole way.
As to Active Pass, oil tankers do not traverse this dogleg of a channel. As it is, for the B.C. Ferries that go through each day, it is a manoeuvring nightmare, especially with the tide running.
And finally, yes, marine navigation has come a long way. Just ask the bridge crews of the Exxon Valdez, Queen of the North and the Costa Concordia, among many others.
Joseph Peters
Victoria.
