❖ VANCOUVER EXHIBIT ❖ "THE LOST FLEET" ❖

21 January 1942
Japanese owned fishing boats kept in a harbor at
Annieville, on the Fraser River, BC.
Click to enlarge.
AP Wirephoto from the archives of the S.P.H.S.©

This photo shows the Japanese fishing boats seized by the government and corralled at Anniesville Dyke on the Fraser River.
      Japanese fishermen were evacuated first in response to rumors that they might be operating as spies, gathering information on coastal waters during WW II. They were subsequently displaced to work camps without any warning.
      In spite of Canadian military assurances to the contrary, the public believed fishermen were mapping the coastline for the Japanese Navy.
      Japanese fishing boats were first confined to port and eventually, the Canadian seized 1,200 vessels.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is offering tours of a temporary feature exhibit "The Lost Fleet." It will look at the significant contribution made by the Japanese Canadians to B.C.'s fishing industry. It explores how racism played a major role in the WW II seizure and sale of property and the internment of these people on the West Coast. It explores the lessons learned and how Canadian Society has changed because of this experience. Dates and times can be seen on this link