Introduction

In the picturesque Sechelt Inlet, an 89-year-old maritime legend, Don MacKenzie, continues to carve his name into the waves. His enterprise, MacKenzie Sea Services, thrives amidst the serene backdrop of British Columbia's coastline—a bustling hub of marine activity not far from the town of Sechelt.

A Day in Don's Life

As I navigate the winding road leading to his dock, the scene is a montage of dedication and hustle. Crews rush to board boats, the clanging of a welder reverberates in the air, and equipment is transported to and fro. Beneath this vibrant atmosphere lies the story of Don, who has spent nearly nine decades following the call of the sea.

The Early Years

When I finally meet him, it's hard to believe that someone so spry and active has already passed his 89th birthday. "I'm afraid to stop," he tells me, a hint of wisdom mixed with vulnerability in his voice. "When my friends have stopped, they’re no longer here." This mindset, one of perpetual motion, is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the maritime world.

Don's journey began at the tender age of 10 as he assisted his father, a marine engineer. He candidly shares how he spent many schooldays working instead of in class—much to the dismay of his mother, a teacher. “At seven, I made up my mind that I wanted to go to sea," he recalls, a spark of youthful ambition still evident today.

A Career at Sea

His professional voyage began when he became a deckhand for Kingcome Navigation at 17. Over the years, he climbed the ladder from deckhand to mate and eventually to tug master. In 1974, he purchased Seaforth Towing & Salvage, taking command of multiple vessels and expanding his expertise.

A standout moment came in 1977 when he navigated the tug Glengary across the Atlantic and through the Panama Canal, bringing it to Vancouver—a monumental feat that solidified his reputation in the maritime community.

MacKenzie Sea Services Today

Today, MacKenzie Sea Services operates six vessels, including landing craft, barges, and the all-important tugboats. Don describes tugs as "the handmaids of the sea," indispensable on Canada's west coast. They assist ships entering Vancouver Harbour, support naval training exercises, and play a vital role in pollution control and oil spill responses.

Don's fleet includes specially equipped boats for firefighting and salvage operations, ensuring that they’re always prepared for any challenge.

A Legendary Salvage Operation

One of his most notable salvage operations became the stuff of legend. In 1999, a luxurious yacht, the Golden Cell, ran aground at Malibu Rapids amid a heated dispute between the owner and the captain. When the tide receded, the yacht suffered extensive damage, sticking on the rocks and leading to a dramatic salvage operation.

Diver Mike McLaren, who was called in that fateful night, vividly remembers the urgency of the situation. "He must have really poured the coals to the old tugboat to make it there that fast," McLaren recounted, impressed by Don's energy and enthusiasm. Together, they managed to pull the yacht free during the high tide, successfully averting an environmental disaster that could have had severe implications.

A Life Dedicated to the Sea

Don’s life and contributions to marine salvage operations highlight a brilliant career filled with adventure, steadfast commitment, and a profound respect for the sea. Nowadays, while the hustle of the past has waned—less industry and fewer workboats than before—Don remains an ever-vigilant presence on the water, an enduring symbol of resilience and expertise in the tumultuous world of maritime operations.

Conclusion

As Don MacKenzie approaches his 90th birthday, he continues to embrace a life marked by the rhythms of the tides, proving that age is merely a number to those who dare to follow their passion relentlessly.