On August 22, the 138 meter long, 12,678 dwt cargo vessel Heemskerkgracht (IMO: 9443669) went aground on the St. Lawrence River off Montreal and Kahnawake, Quebec. The Heemskerkgracht was loaded with scrap metal en route to Huelva, Spain when it suffered engine failure and a power blackout. The cargo vessel went adrift and eventually ran aground by the stern. All traffic halted as the Heemskerkgracht was positioned at a 45 degree angle across the navigation channel resulting in some 14 vessels were forced to drop anchor.
Photo: Canada Coast Guard
The Canadian Coast Guard inspected the Heemskerkgracht and found there was no water ingress or pollution released. On August 24, the tugs Ocean Pierre Julien and Ocean Intrepide were dispatched and pulled the Heemskerkgracht free. The cargo vessel was later towed to a dock for inspection. No reports of injuries.
On February 14, the 18 meter long, 146 gt fishing vessel Cape Cordell (IMO: 8950562) ran aground just outside Fortune Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada. The Cape Cordell had arrived just outside Fortune in bad weather with some 65,000 pounds of redfish in its hold. When the crew was extending out its stabilizing arms, the fishing vessel drifted ashore. Local authorities along with the Canadian Coast Guard were alerted. Local fire fighters assisted three of the crew to evacuate from the vessel. A rope ladder was lowered allowing the three crew in immersion survival suits to reach shore. No reports of injuries.
Photo: ntv.ca
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
The Coast Guard arrived on scene and attempted multiple times to pull the fishing vessel free, but the vessel remained stuck on the rocks. Reports state the Cape Cordell has sustained some damage to its hull, but no reports of pollution released. The remaining crew on board the Cape Cordell decided to leave the vessel until weather conditions improved.
Updates:
On February 20, authorities reported that all diesel fuel and oil on board the Cape Cordell had been removed. A contracted tug made another attempt to pull the Cape Cordell, but was unsuccessful.
Photo: saltwire.com
Photo: saltwire.com
Photo: saltwire.com
Photo: saltwire.com
On February 22, there was another attempt to free the Cape Cordell. Using two tugs and the high tide, the fishing vessel was pulled free. Reports state that multiple lines snapped before the fishing vessel got pulled off the rocks. The Cape Cordell was then towed to a dock in Fortune where it will be inspected.
Final Update:
Initial reports stated that the Cape Cordell had only sustained minor hull damage from the grounding, but further inspection found the vessel’s hull was in poor shape. The Cape Cordell‘s hull had deteriorated where salvage was not an option. The vessel was later scrapped.
On July 11, the 138 meter long, 12744 dwt cargo vessel Alanis and the 136 meter long, 14001 dwt cargo vessel Florence Spirit collided on the Welland Canal near the anchorage off Port Robinson. Both vessels were passing each other when they struck on their starboard sides and sustained significant damage. The Florence Spirit was driven up on the west bank while the Alanis ended up on the east bank. Reports state no reports of injuries or pollution released on either vessel.
The Florence Spirit loaded with coal while the Alanis was loaded with a cargo of wind turbines. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Vessels on the Welland Canal typically pass on port not starboard.
