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Williston Reservoir floating island spotted in British Columbia
A large, tree-covered floating landmass, approximately 9,800 square metres in size, was spotted drifting in the Williston Reservoir in northern British Columbia. Initially reported by local boaters, the formation was met with skepticism by BC Hydro officials, who suspected the footage might be AI-generated. However, satellite imagery from July 21 confirmed the existence of the forested mass near Finlay Bay.
The island appeared to vanish from satellite views by August 5, leading to speculation about whether it had sunk. BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer later clarified that the object had likely drifted approximately 30 kilometres and was spotted again near the Peace Reach area.
Experts believe the island is not a permanent landmass but a large, unstable mat of driftwood, decaying organic matter, and soil that allowed vegetation and trees to take root over many years. The formation likely broke free from the shoreline due to unusually high water levels in the reservoir, which reached capacities not seen since 2012. Boaters in the region have been warned to avoid the mass due to its potential instability.
Entities
BC Hydro · Bob Gammer · British Columbia · Rocky Avery · W. A. C. Bennett Dam · Williston Reservoir
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Updated satellite snapshots showed the object had disappeared by August 5. pulptastic.com · www.dexerto.fr · www.dexerto.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The object may have moved to a sheltered area along the shoreline rather than sinking to the bottom. pulptastic.com · www.dexerto.fr · www.dexerto.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The island was approximately 9,800 square metres in area. www.dexerto.fr · www.dexerto.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The formation was likely a debris mat of driftwood and vegetation dislodged by high water levels. pulptastic.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Satellite imagery confirmed the existence of the object on July 21. pulptastic.com