The ship was originally slated to be decommissioned in Japan the owner gave up all rights to the boat.
Prior to sinking the vessel a fishing boat tried to tow it in under salvage rights. Unable to tow the fishing boat it was in the best interest to sink the boat.
1. Better to sink in far of shore where most of the fuel will dissipate
2. It was a hazard to navigation no lights, no driver and going into a high traffice area.
3. Towing it in would cost lots of tax dollars then you still have to pay for the disposal of the ship
Using it for target practice was just for fun, we really should have sent our navy they need the practice.
Ships sink every day all over the world, this one should have sunk in Japan but it wanted it see Canada first