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Tag: Canadian Coast Guard

Keep the Change

Keep the Change

Keep The Change
Photo: Facebook

On March 10, the 30 foot long fishing tug Keep the Change sank on Stokes Bay on Lake Huron at its berth at Howdenvale, Ontario, Canada. The Keep the Change had been tied up the dock for several years when it sprung a leak and partially sank.  Reports state the vessel had diesel fuel that leaked out when the vessel suffered water ingress. The vessel owner placed an absorbent boom and pads to collect the pollution while the Canadian Coast Guard deployed a containment boom to prevent the diesel fuel spreading.

On March 13, contractors arrived on site and pulled the fishing tug ashore and removed any remaining fuel and oil on board the vessel. Authorities have stated the likely cause of the sinking was poor maintenance of the vessel.

Gary M
Gary M recovered in 2024. Photo: Brucepeninsulapress.com

Reports state this is the third vessel to sink around Stokes Bay in the last year.  On September 5, 2024 the fishing tug Gary M sank at the Stokes Bay dock releasing diesel fuel into the water. Authorities stated that 7,000 litres of polluted water was recovered.

Western Gambler

Western Gambler

Western Gambler
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard

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.

Western Gambler
Photo: victorianow.com

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

MSC Baltic III

MSC Baltic III
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard

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.