Farley Mowat owner given more time to remove derelict vessel

The owner of the derelict vesselthe FarleyMowathas been given until April 8 to remove the boat from the Shelburne Marine Terminal.

Tracy Doddsmade an appearance in Federal Court in Halifax Wednesday after missing a previous court-appointed deadline to remove the vessel.

"It has had an impact on the community," said DylanHeide,Shelburne'schief administrative officer. "It has had an impact on the operations of the port, and there have been concerns from the public concerning the vessel.

"So obviously we'll all be happy to see some resolution that leads to the vessel leaving the harbour."

On Wednesday Doddsconsented to an order to get the Farley Mowatout of the harbour by April 8.

"This was a fairly unusual opportunity to actually have discussion directly with Mr. Dodds and his representation," Heide said. "We heard a proposal from them to deal with this situation, and we do hope that they follow through with that."

He wouldn't say directly if the town was having trouble contacting Dodds.

Doddswouldn't speak to CBC News at the courthouse. Thescrap dealerbought the Farley Mowat in 2013. The boatused to be an anti-sealing vessel belonging to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

In 2014, the vesselarrived in Shelburne where it has been ever since.The town is also suing Dodds for more than $44,000 in unpaid berthing fees.

The Farley Mowet is also causing the marine terminal to lose money, according to Heide.

"It's a matter of loss of revenues from other potential opportunities. As long as the vessel is there the port isn't able to take certain proposals from certain other businesses."

Last summer the vessel sank beside the wharf, triggering a cleanup organized by the Canadian Coast Guard that removed fuel and raised the boat.

ShelburneMayor KarenMattatallhasestimated that process cost between $400,000 and $500,000.

Heide said after court todayhe's hopeful that the situation with the Farley Mowelcould soonbe resolved.

If Doddsdoesn't meet the new deadline,the Town of Shelburne is asking the court to impose a fine $5,000 and 20 days in jail for contempt of court.