Salvage Operation Underway for Stranded MSC Baltic III in Newfoundland Amid Severe Weather Challenges

The salvage team from T&T Marine Salvage and the Canadian Coast Guard are working together to assess and develop a plan for the stranded MSC Baltic III, which ran aground on February 15 in Newfoundland, Canada. They have encountered challenges due to weather conditions, with winds reaching over 60 mph in the cove where the ship is located. Despite these challenges, the team was able to board the ship and conduct a survey using an ROV, revealing that 75 percent of the hull is resting on the bottom, with the stern aground and the bow afloat. Efforts are underway to determine the amount of fuel and lubricants aboard to prevent any potential oil leaks or pollution.

The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Jean Goodwill is on standby in the area with materials to control a spill if needed. The offshore service vessel Avalon Sea, initially brought in to assist in towing the containership, has been released as there is no immediate plan to pull the vessel off the shore. The focus now is on removing any polluting materials loaded aboard the MSC Baltic III, which includes approximately 470 containers, over half of which are empty. Safety measures, such as a safety zone and no-fly zone for drones, have been imposed around the vessel to ensure the safety of all involved.

Bruce English of the Canadian Coast Guard stated that the vessel is stable in its current position, with no observed movement. The priority is to ensure the safety of the 20 crew members who were safely evacuated from the ship and to explore salvage options without endangering anyone else. The Coast Guard is urging people to stay clear of the area and is continuing to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further environmental damage.

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