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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project Fisherman's Reserve Vessel EHKOLI FY12 Then CNAV EHKOLI AGH 532 (1950) Then CFAV EHKOLI
Built at the Star Shipyards (Mercer's) Ltd., New Westminster, BC, Ehkoli (meaning Whale in Chinook) was one of 6 vessels built for the Fisherman's Reserve as the Nenamook class patrol craft, to replace some of the less suitable vessels. Using blueprints from a redesign of large seiners, the interiors were adjusted to suit a crew of 18. Built for the Fisherman's Reserve, they were equipped for ASW and were armed with depth charges, ASDIC and small arms. On 08 Feb 1944 a RCAF Hurricane crashed near Ehkoli's patrol area. Ehkoli was order to search for the pilot. The pilot had escaped the aircraft but did not make it to his raft. When found, he was deceased. His body was recovered and transported back to shore by Ehkoli. On 24 Jan 1944, Ehkoli transferred over from the Fisherman's Reserve and became a defence research vessel. During the war, Ehkoli was fitted as a Bathythermographic vessel. In 1950, as a CNAV, her equipment was upgraded and she continued on in this role providing new charts for the navy. In 1968 CFAV Ehkoli was assigned to the USA for us at the Nanoose Range. She was refitted and entered service at the Nanoose Range in 1970. In 1991 she was declared surplus and removed from service. Soon sold, she was renamed Northwest Explore and later Pacific Spirit I. Resold in 1999 she once gain was named Ehkoli. As of March 2015, she is still in service and was photographed at Sooke, BC
Photos and Documents (below)
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For Posterity's Sake 
