A History of Seymour Narrows

Seymour Narrows is a treacherous tidal channel near Campbell River, British Columbia, known historically for its dangerous waters and the infamous Ripple Rock, a submerged twin-peak hazard that claimed over 120 vessels and 114 lives. The channel’s extreme tidal currents created whirlpools and hazardous conditions, making navigation perilous.

To address these dangers, a dramatic engineering feat was undertaken in 1958. Engineers tunneled from nearby Maude Island to place over 1,200 tons of explosives beneath Ripple Rock, resulting in one of the largest non-nuclear controlled explosions in history. The blast displaced massive amounts of rock and water, significantly reducing the danger for ships passing through. The event was a major moment in Canadian history and was broadcast live on television.

Today, the Seymour Narrows is a safer route for marine traffic, though it remains an example of the power of tidal currents and the ingenuity of human engineering. Photos and further details of this historic event can be found through resources like Wikipedia, the Campbell River city archives, and historical documentaries【8†source】【9†source】【10†source】.

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