The HMCS Fraser is the last of the St. Laurent class destroyers, and was also one of the first warships to be completely designed and built in Canada. Construction began in December 1951 in Vancouver, BC, and she was commissioned in 1957.

Waterline

Fraser underwent several refits through the years to adapt to changing roles. She was decommissioned for the last time in 1994. In 1998, she was transferred to the Artificial Reef Society of Nova Scotia. They had planned a floating museum, but for various reasons (a tale in itself), the Society couldn’t afford to proceed. The Fraser sat dockside in Bridgewater until this year, when the Navy reclaimed her. In July she was towed back to Halifax harbour.

In recent years, I’ve walked, driven and kayaked by the Fraser countless times. I’ve taken many snapshots of her but not much more. I’m sure she had tremendous photographic potential. With a bit of effort, I could probably have spent some time on board. I’m left imagining what images could have been made of the abandoned bridge, the engine rooms, the deserted living quarters…

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