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Tag: Gulf of St. Lawrence

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.

Arlene Adonna

Arlene Adonna

Arlene Adonna
Photo: thetelegram.com

On May 8, the 44 foot long fishing vessel Arlene Adonna ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence just offshore of L’Ile aux Marins Island near St-Pierre-Miquelon, France. The Arlene Adonna was headed to Cape Breton with 11,000 pounds of snow crab in the hold when it ran onto the rocks. Just a few meters from the shoreline, the heavy surf and cold water temperature made it impossible to wade ashore.  The vessel sent out a distress call with the SNSM lifeboat responding. The lifeboat pulled alongside the grounded vessel allowing all five crew to jump to safety. One crewman suffered a minor injury while another required treatment for shock. Reports state the crew were later flown back to St. John’s.

The Arlene Adonna sustained hull damage while on the rocks. Authorities had hope to pull the vessel free, but the fishing vessel will require a survey before any salvage attempt is conducted. Local and Canadian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Bella Desgagnes

Bella Desgagnes

Bella Desgagnes
Photo: radio-canada.ca

On November 25, the 97 meter ro-ro passenger ship Bella Desgagnes ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Kegaska, Quebec. The Bella Desgagnes had encountered strong winds reaching in excess of 80 km/h when the vessel struck the seabed off Kegaska.  One of the vessel’s bow thrusters sustained damage.  None of the passengers were injured, but one crewman suffered minor injuries. The Bella Desgagnes proceeded to Sept-Îles at reduced speed.  Reports state divers had made an inspection to the bow thrusters  to see what repairs were necessary.