Correction: An earlier version of this story indicated the vessels would be towed out of the LaHave Rive, the vessels will instead be dismantled and removed on-site so as to reduce the risk of environmental contamination.

The Coast Guard has begun work to remove three derelict ships from the LaHave River in Bridgewater which comes as welcome news according to the town’s Mayor.

The Hannah Atlantic, Ryan Atlantic II (Cape Rouge) and Rupert Brand VI have been mainstays on the town’s waterfront for over a decade after being abandoned by their owners.

“It was exciting when the tender went out and now it’s even more exciting that the work has begun and these eyesores will finally be removed,” said Mayor David Mitchell. “I’m fairly certain that 100 per cent of our residents will be celebrating the day they are finally gone.”

The Coast Guard is projecting the work to take six months before the ships are ready to be dismantled and removed from the site. During that time they will be removing fuel and other pollutants so as to reduce the risk of contamination when they are transported.

“Every day they sit there they pose an environmental risk to the river and our community so not having to worry about that anymore will be a huge relief,” said Mitchell.

Once the ships are removed Mitchell also believes it will make the dock site more appealing for potential development.

“It’s owned by major developers who I think will hopefully have some exciting ideas for that area once the ships are gone,” Mitchell said.

The wharf where the boats are currently located is owned by United Gulf Developments Limited.