MSC Baltic III grounding near Wild Cove, NL
Seventh update - February 27, 2025
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• Canadian Coast Guard crews continue to assess the MSC Baltic III from the shoreline and by air. No pollution has been observed.
• CCG maintains a high level of preparedness to respond to any potential hazards or pollutants entering the marine environment, and the CCGS Jean Goodwill remains on scene with spill response equipment onboard and is providing assistance as required.
• Sea conditions continue to hamper some on the water operations.
• There are discussions ongoing about the possible development of a road to allow easier access to the vessel. If implemented, this would also help alleviate the impact sea conditions have on removal operations.
• The manifest provided by the owner of the MSC Baltic III, indicates that the cargo contains some materials listed as dangerous goods. These includes things such as fabrics, food products, metals and polymeric beads.
• The salvage team is continuing their assessment of the MSC Baltic III, as sea conditions allow, and are developing the salvage plan.
• Given the vessel's current condition, it cannot be safely refloated. The initial focus will be on the removal of the fuel and cargo.
• We appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation from the public in support of a safe, effective and efficient response to this incident.
Image by Canadian Coast Guard
Sixth update - February 24, 2025
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• An assessment of the hull confirmed significant breaches or holes are present. The vessel appears to have settled firmly on the seabed, and is stable at this time.
• Tank soundings have confirmed approximately 1.7 million litres of heavy fuel and marine gas oil onboard the vessel. No pollution has been observed.
• The CCGS Jean Goodwill remains on scene with spill response equipment onboard and is providing assistance as required.
• Sea conditions hampered some operations over the weekend including the ability to safely access the vessel.
• The salvage team is continuing their assessment of the MSC Baltic III as sea conditions allow. It includes further tank soundings and inspections of cargo holds.
Fifth update - February 20, 2025
• Canadian Coast Guard crews continue to assess the MSC Baltic III from the shoreline and by air. No pollution has been observed.
• A preliminary report from the salvage team indicates that there is an oily water mixture in the engine room and water in some cargo holds.
• A dive team is onsite and confirmed that 75 per cent of the vessel's hull is resting on the seabed.
• A deformation in the hull of the MSC Baltic III has also been observed.
• The CCGS Jean Goodwill is now on scene with additional response equipment.
• Sea conditions continue to hamper some operations including the ability to deploy response equipment.
• The salvage team is continuing their assessment of the MSC Baltic III as sea conditions allow.
Fourth update - February 19, 2025
• Canadian Coast Guard crews conducted both an assessment from the shoreline and an overflight of the site, and no pollution was observed.
• The CCGS Ann Harvey remains on scene providing assistance as required.
• The CCGS Jean Goodwill has been delayed due to ongoing work to maintain shipping lanes through ice and will be transiting to the area as soon as operational and environmental conditions allow.
• The salvage team was able to safely board the MSC Baltic III and are continuing their assessment.
• Sea conditions continue to hamper some operations including the ability to deploy response equipment.
Third update - February 18, 2025
• The CCGS Ann Harvey arrived on scene on Monday, February 17. Weather hampered activity in the early part of the day. When weather improved, they launched their Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for a visual assessment of the vessel. No pollution was observed.
• The owner of the MCS Baltic III continues to be cooperative and responsive. We have been advised that the vessel contains approximately 470 containers, over half of which are empty. The others contain items such as food, lumber, and paper supplies. We are still trying to confirm the amount of diesel onboard
• A drone restricted area has been established around the grounded cargo ship MSC Baltic III as we have helicopters conducting operations in the area. Drone operators should not conduct any flight operations within 2 nautical miles in the area of the MSC Baltic III to ensure there's no conflict between aviation assets and drones. Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations and respect all other laws when flying a drone.
Second update - February 16, 2025
• With the crew rescued, the focus shifts to assisting with the salvage effort, and marine environmental and hazards response.
• Weather in the area continues to be a factor as we work to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
• Canadian Coast Guard crews and Eastern Canada Response Corporation representatives are establishing a staging area in Lark Harbour, NL.
• An emergency zone (2 nautical miles) has been established around the incident area to facilitate operations and support marine safety.
• Additional Canadian Coast Guard crews and equipment are en route. The CCGS Jean Goodwill will transit to the site from Canso, NS as weather permits and the CCGS Henry Larsen is standing by in Corner Brook, NL to facilitate operations.
• Overflights to assess the situation are expected to take place today, pending weather conditions.
• The owner of the MSC Baltic III has been cooperating and responsive, and a team from the salvage company contracted by the owner are expected in the area today to assess the situation.
First update - February 15, 2025
• On Saturday morning, February 15, the Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Port aux Basques received a MAYDAY from the cargo ship MSC Baltic III located approximately 12 nautical miles outside the entrance to Bay of Islands, NL. The vessel reported a loss of power.
• Weather and sea conditions in the area are unfavourable and the vessel was unable to secure an anchor and ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour.
• There were 20 people on board. All crew have been safely airlifted from the vessel by a Cormorant helicopter.
• Canadian Coast Guard is working closely with our response partners.
• The cause and extent of the incident are not yet known.
Further updates will be provided as they are available and as the situation evolves.
Canadian Coast Guard - press release
