Salvage Teams Assess Strategies for Refloating Grounded MSC Baltic III

The Canadian Coast Guard has announced that resources are being mobilized as teams begin surveying the MSC Baltic III (53 000 dwt), which ran aground during a severe winter storm on Saturday. Efforts are being coordinated with the vessel’s owners and a hired salvage contractor to assess the ship after the crew was rescued.

The MSC Baltic III experienced a blackout and did not have sufficient time or distance to deploy its anchor to prevent grounding on the morning of February 15. Rescue teams reported that their efforts were hindered by a snowstorm and blizzard-like conditions. Captain Matthew Cox of the Royal Canadian Air Force, one of the rescue helicopter pilots, described the operation as one of the “trickiest maneuvering” of his career, calling it “one of the most challenging things I’ve done as a pilot.”

Cox and his team successfully hoisted 20 crew members from the stranded cargo ship during the storm. He noted that four crew members required medical assistance but were stable upon reaching the shore.

The Canadian Coast Guard has established a two-nautical mile emergency zone around the vessel and is setting up a staging area in Lark Harbor, Newfoundland, on the west shore near the grounding site. The CCGS Henry Larsen, which was on standby during the rescue, remains in Corner Brook to support operations. The CCGS Jean Goodwill has loaded equipment in Canso, Nova Scotia, and is currently en route to the scene from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. A third vessel, CCGS Ann Harvey, was also conducting search and rescue patrols in the area.

The MSC containership MSC Carmen was also detected via its AIS signal as it approached the grounding site. While MSC has not commented on the incident, the Canadian Coast Guard reports that the company has been cooperative and responsive. The hired salvage team is expected to access the area today.

The vessel has a capacity of 2 478 TEU, but consulting firm Dolphin Maritime & Aviation Services reports that approximately 400 containers are currently on board. The Coast Guard is monitoring for environmental hazards but has not observed any signs of damage so far.

However, weather conditions in the area have been complicating efforts. A wind warning remains in effect, with speeds potentially reaching up to 75 mph (120 km/h). Winds appeared to have calmed by later Monday, but temperatures remain below freezing, with ongoing snow showers. Weather conditions are expected to improve by midweek.

Teams are currently evaluating the best approach to refloat the vessel and minimize risks.