- All 20 crew members were rescued after their ship ran aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland.
- The vessel lost power during 120 km/h winds, drifting before grounding at Wild Cove.
- The crew was airlifted by a Cormorant helicopter, with support from Halifax Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
- The Canadian Coast Guard deployed Henry Larsen to monitor for environmental hazards.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Channel-Port aux Basques received a mayday distress call from a cargo ship that had lost power about 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the Bay of Islands.
At the time of the incident, a winter storm warning was in effect, with winds reaching 120 km/h, leading to ferry cancellations in the region. Due to the severe weather, the crew was unable to secure an anchor, causing the ship to drift before running aground in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour, according to CBC.
Rescue Operation
Canadian rescue services responded swiftly to the emergency. The Halifax Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre reported that thanks to the 103 and 413 Search-and-Rescue Squadrons, all 20 crew members were successfully airlifted to safety via a Cormorant helicopter.
Premier Andrew Furey confirmed the successful evacuation, stating: “Thanks to 103 and 413 #SAR Squadrons’ swift response, all 20 crew were airlifted to safety.”
Ongoing Response & Environmental Concerns
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) deployed the Henry Larsen to the site, while a Marine Environmental Hazards Response team is en route to coordinate with the vessel’s operator. The Henry Larsen will remain in the area to monitor the situation and prevent potential environmental hazards.
Incident Coinciding with Ocean Ranger Disaster Anniversary
The grounding of the vessel occurred on the anniversary of the 1982 Ocean Ranger disaster, one of Canada’s worst maritime tragedies, in which 84 men lost their lives.
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Source: CBC
