On February 7, the 145 meter long, 10500 dwt cargo vessel Thorco Crown became disabled off Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The Thorco Crown was en route to Montreal when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able extinguish the blaze, but the fire damaged the main engine disabling the cargo vessel.

The crew requested assistance and the owners contacted Svitzer Salvage.  A tug was dispatched from Port Hawkesbury which arrived on scene the following day. Attempts to attach a towline failed due to weather and rough seas. The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Sir William Alexander was also on scene and monitoring the situation.

Reports state the vessel still adrift and being blown towards shore near Cape Ray. No reports of injuries to the 13 crew or pollution released.