A small, forested island floating on Williston Reservoir in British Columbia, Canada, has been rediscovered after officials lost track of it on satellite images. The island, estimated to be 9,800 square metres, was initially spotted in early August by boaters.
A satellite image from 21 July confirmed its existence in the middle of the reservoir. However, it appeared to vanish from a subsequent satellite image taken on 5 August, sparking international interest.
Bob Gammer, a spokesperson for BC Hydro, confirmed the island has now been located again near the shoreline, approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) from its original position. Its reappearance was confirmed by a new satellite image and eyewitness accounts from pilots.
While its exact origins remain unclear, BC Hydro theorises the island likely formed over many years from accumulating driftwood, providing a base for plants and trees. It is believed to have broken off from the reservoir's shoreline this summer due to water levels rising to a high not seen since 2012.
Gammer advised against attempting to step onto the island, cautioning that it is not a stable structure and could break apart.