The cargo ship MSC Baltic III lost power and ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour on February 15, according to the Canadian Coast Guard. All crew members have been airlifted from the vessel by a Cormorant helicopter. As it is reported, there were 20 people on board.
With the crew rescued, the focus now shifts to assisting with the salvage effort, and marine environmental and hazards response.
Early Saturday morning, the Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Port aux Basques received a mayday call from the ship, located about 12 nautical miles outside the entrance to the Bay of Islands, NL. At that time, the vessel reported a loss of power.
Weather and sea conditions in the area were unfavourable and the vessel was unable to secure an anchor and ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour, the Canadian Coast Guard reported.
The cause and extent of the incident are not yet known.
On Sunday the coast guard was working to assess the situation and determine the next steps as “the weather in the area continues to be a factor.”
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.
Based on Sunday’s update, 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 Canadian coast guard said on Sunday, adding that, “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.”
