Triple Island facts for kids
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 Triple Island
Location in British Columbia
Triple Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Coast of British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 54°17′40″N 130°52′49″W / 54.29444°N 130.88028°W |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | (?) |
Triple Island is a small, rocky island located off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its important lighthouse, which helps ships navigate the waters. This island is found about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the city of Prince Rupert.
Triple Island is quite small and doesn't have many plants or trees growing on it. It sits in the ocean between two larger islands: Dundas Island and Stephens Island. It is also about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southwest of Melville Island.
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What is Triple Island?
Triple Island is a tiny piece of land, often called an islet, that sticks out of the ocean. It's mostly made of rocks and doesn't have much soil. This means it's a "barren" place, with very little plant life. Even though it's small, it plays a big role in keeping ships safe.
Location and Geography
Triple Island is part of the North Coast of British Columbia. This area is famous for its many islands, inlets, and rugged shorelines. The island's exact spot is important for sailors. It helps them know where they are in the busy shipping lanes.
How to Get There
Because Triple Island is so remote, it's not easy to visit. There are no roads leading to it. The main way to reach the island is by helicopter. It has a special landing area, called a helipad, for helicopters. This helipad is marked with the code YTI, which helps pilots find it.
The Triple Island Lighthouse
The most important feature on Triple Island is the Triple Island Lightstation. A lightstation is a place where a lighthouse is built. Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights that guide ships at night or in foggy weather. They warn ships about dangerous rocks or shallow waters.
Why is the Lighthouse Important?
The waters around Triple Island can be tricky for ships. There are many hidden rocks and strong currents. The Triple Island Lightstation helps ships avoid these dangers. It acts like a traffic signal for the ocean, making sure vessels can travel safely along the coast.
Life at the Lightstation
For many years, people called "lightkeepers" lived on Triple Island. Their job was to make sure the light was always working. They had to keep the lamps clean and the machinery running smoothly. It was a lonely job, but very important for maritime safety. Today, many lighthouses are automated, meaning they run by themselves without people living there all the time.
Wildlife Around Triple Island
Even though Triple Island itself is rocky, the waters around it are full of life. The British Columbia coast is home to many different animals.
- Marine Mammals: You might see seals, sea lions, and even whales swimming in the ocean nearby.
- Sea Birds: Many types of seabirds nest on the rocky shores of the islands in this area. They find food in the rich ocean waters.
These animals rely on the healthy ocean environment to survive. The lightstation helps protect them by guiding ships away from sensitive areas.
