A burned-out ship, also known as “the ghost ship,” “pirate ship,” or “the abandoned ship,” is a copy of the La Grande Hemaine that is being destroyed. It is situated in Jordan Harbour, close off the west shore of Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and St. Catharines.
A businessman once had plans to buy the Grande Hemaine and turn it into a casino. Before anything could be done, the gentleman passed away.
The Canadian Coast Guard Central Region Vessel of Concern program conducted a technical evaluation of the vessel in 2021. The ship’s three masts and the serious environmental risk they pose to the public’s health, safety, and well-being sparked concerns. The La Grande Hermine’s four masts were removed in December 2021 after contractors’ bids were received and work began.
Take a trip down memory lane and read The Scuba News Canada previous articles on the Grand Hermaine
Grand Hemaine abandoned but not forgotten
The remaining ship components began to be disassembled in October 2024 in response to a directive from the Canadian Coast Guard, and cleanup is anticipated to be finished by December 2024. We still don’t know who owns the Grand Hermaine.
The process of dismantling, disassembling, or disassembling a ship is known as shipbreaking. Shipbreaking is the process of recycling, scrapping, or selling ship pieces to generate revenue. The most common material salvaged from ships is steel. Steel can be recycled or sold. Dismantling a ship can take anywhere from two weeks to a year.
Thanks to Natasa Corfield for her photo contributions, Owner/Photographer at Vivid Eye Photography.