Urgent Mystery: 11 Giant Tires Wash Up on B.C. Beach

UPDATE: Eleven giant tires, each weighing approximately 8,000 pounds, have mysteriously washed up on Shelter Bay in Campbell River, B.C., triggering urgent concerns among local residents. The tires, nearly three meters tall and filled with styrofoam, were reported by locals early last week after a storm battered the area.

The tires arrived just days after three other tires had previously been removed, highlighting a troubling trend. Keely Dodds from the Greenways Land Trust described the tires as being around 11 to 12 feet in diameter. “These tires are massive and difficult to remove,” she stated, indicating the challenges facing cleanup efforts.

Cleanup for the previous tires took months and cost approximately $6,000, requiring heavy equipment for removal. Phil Griffith from the Campbell River Salmon Foundation emphasized the complexity of the current situation, noting that access to the new tires, located a mile and a half away, will be challenging. “They’ll have to be cut apart on the beach, and moved by heavy equipment,” he said, adding that seasonal beach access remains uncertain.

Authorities, including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, have visited the site but have yet to identify the tires’ origin. In the meantime, Emergency Management BC has issued a dangerous goods incident report due to the potential environmental risks posed by the styrofoam debris.

This incident raises significant questions about maritime waste and pollution in Canadian waters, as these tires could pose a hazard not only to marine life but also to beachgoers. Local residents are left wondering about the source of these giant tires and what actions will be taken next to manage the cleanup.

As the situation develops, community members are urged to stay informed and participate in potential cleanup efforts to mitigate the environmental impact.