Canadian Coast Guard - Shipwreck Log

Western Gambler

February 21, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of February 19, the 58 foot long fishing vessel Western Gambler ran around in Queen Charlotte Strait some 3 kilometers south of Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada. The Western Gambler developed a list after the grounding and requested assistance. Canadian Coast Guard dispatched its fast rescue craft from the Bella Bella station which arrived on scene and rescued the 4 crew off the fishing vessel. No reports of injuries.

The Western Gambler would continue to list and eventually capsized onto its port hull. Authorities spotted debris and a light sheen on the water. A response team was deployed which placed containment booms along with absorbents around the fishing vessel. Booms were also deployed to protect a nearby hatchery. Reports state the Western Gambler had some 7500 litres of diesel fuel and 1100 litres of hydraulic oil. Reports state the vessel will be salvaged and removed within the week. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

View the incident report here.

MSC Baltic III

February 15, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of February 15, the 207 meter long, 33767 dwt container ship MSC Baltic III (IMO: 9241475) ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada. The MSC Baltic III had lost power and was adrift in stormy weather with winds over 120 kilometers per hour and waves reaching 6 meters in height. The vessel dropped its starboard anchor hoping to keep the vessel from running aground, but the effort failed and the MSC Baltic III ran ashore along the rocky coastline.

The MSC Baltic III issued a distress call with the Canadian Coast Guard dispatching the 100 meter long, 6,166 gt cutter Henry Larsen along with multiple helicopters to assist. Cormorant helicopters arrived on scene a few hours later and was able to airlift all 20 crew off the MSC Baltic III to safety. No reports of injuries.

The cause of the power failure was not disclosed. Authorities are monitoring the vessel for potential pollution being released from the fuel tanks. An inspection of damage would be conducted when weather conditions improve. No reports of containers breaking free and going overboard. Reports state the MSC Baltic III was headed for Corner Brook, Newfoundland from Montreal, Quebec with a cargo of containers.

Fortune Pride

February 7, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the evening of February 6, the 15 meter long, 102 gt fishing vessel Fortune Pride (IMO: 8861802) capsized and sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 18 kilometers southeast of Sambro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Authorities were alerted by the vessel’s ERIPB that the vessel was in trouble. Unable to contact the Fortune Pride over radio, the Canadian Coast Guard deployed the 19 meter long search and rescue vessel Hare Bay (MMSI: 316044024) and the 83 meter long tender Sir William Alexander (IMO: 8320482) along with a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.

Rescuers arrived at the last reported location of the fishing vessel and there was no sign of the Fortune Pride. However, they located three crew in the water wearing survival suits. The three were rescued by the Hare Bay and taken to hospital. A forth crew member was later found the next morning in an overturned life raft. He was later airlifted to the helicopter and transported to hospital. Authorities would later state this crew member along with one other crew rescued earlier had perished.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the Fortune Pride had departed from Sambro and encountered four meter waves and strong winds. The cause of the capsizing has not be disclosed.

Shipwreck Log

A log of shipwrecks & maritime accidents around the world

Browsed by
Tag: Canadian Coast Guard