HMCS Columbia
Destroyer Escort · Canada · Lost 1996 · The British Columbia Coast
A Vancouver-built Restigouche-class destroyer became an artificial reef near Campbell River in 1996, four decades after her launch a few miles from the sinking site.
The Vessel and Her Loss
HMCS Columbia, a Restigouche-class destroyer escort built at Burrard Dry Dock in North Vancouver and commissioned in 1959, served the Royal Canadian Navy on both coasts before decommissioning in 1974 and later use as a stationary training ship at Esquimalt. On June 22, 1996, the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia scuttled her near Maud Island north of Campbell River, creating one of the region's best-known wreck dives.
Vessel
- 1959
- DDE 260
- Burrard Dry Dock
- North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Steel
- 366 ft
- 42 ft
- Not established
- Steam turbine, twin screw
- Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Forces
Loss
- June 22, 1996
- Intentional sinking
- Near Maud Island, north of Campbell River, British Columbia
- Discovery Passage
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 90 ft
- Intact upright wreck, popular with divers
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 50.13° N 125.34° W
- Approximate position
- Campbell River, British Columbia
Coordinates from a dive-charter resource for the site.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (85/100)
Royal Canadian Navy, official ship histories
Build history and service record.
Scuttling date, depth, and location.
