Ten years ago, on March 11, 1989, the Emerald Princess took her last look at the world of land and sky and settled to the ocean floor. The nine foot bronze mermaid, sculpted by Simon Morris was anchored to a rock in 60 feet of water near Powell River, British Columbia and has been greeting divers ever since.

On March 13, 1999, in a fitting tribute, Don's Dive Shop held a tenth anniversary celebration of the event. The whole town of Powell River supported the celebration and several groups of divers from B.C. and the U.S. braved the foul weather and gathered at Mermaid Cove to celebrate the princess' 10th birthday. The water was crystal clear as we descended and we soon saw her as she beckoned us with her outstretched arm from fifty feet away. She looked beautiful, queen of her domain, which included among other things, a ling cod sitting at her base, guarding a large batch of eggs.

That night a party, complete with a huge birthday cake, was held at the Inn at Westview where Simon Morris talked of the Mermaid and future plans, such as the Merchant Mariner project. And what would a celebration in Powell River be without a slide show from Jim Willoughby? Jim gave one of his humorous slide shows on the creation of the mermaid. For more information contact Powell River Tourism, Powell River Visitors Bureau, 4690 Marine Ave., Powell River, B.C. V8A 2L1. (604) 485-4701 fax (604) 485-2822.