Efforts Continue to Free Stuck Bulker Ship Maccoa North of Montreal

Efforts were made to free the bulker ship Maccoa, which became stuck north of Montreal after veering out of the channel on December 24. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that the 607-foot vessel was sideways outside the navigation channel, but not obstructing traffic. Despite harsh winter conditions, there were no injuries, hull damage, or pollution reported from the grounding, which may have been caused by a blackout shortly after leaving the dock in Montreal. Supplies were sent to the 20 crew members aboard, and a refloating effort was scheduled for December 27.

Three tugs, Ocean Serge Genois, Ocean Charlie, and Ocean A. Gauthier, attempted to free the Maccoa, but were unsuccessful. The vessel remained aground, with no updates from the Coast Guard on next steps. Bound for Ireland, the Maccoa appeared to be sitting about its waterline, with no information on any cargo aboard. Earlier in the month, another bulker, the Tim S Dool, was stuck further south on the river below Montreal, requiring a crane and barges to partially offload the vessel before it was freed.

Overall, the Maccoa remains stuck north of Montreal, with efforts to refloat the vessel proving unsuccessful so far. The Canadian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and planning further actions to free the ship. Winter weather conditions have posed challenges, but no significant damage or pollution has been reported from the grounding incident.

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