In a recent incident on the St. Lawrence River, a bulk carrier ran aground after experiencing engine failure. The vessel was successfully refloated after some of its cargo was offloaded to lighten it.
Bulk Carrier Refloated
On August 12, a bulk carrier was traveling from Brazil to Montreal when its engines failed, causing it to run aground near Vecheres. Five tugboats were dispatched to assist, but initial attempts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful. According to a casualty report, approximately 3,000 tonnes of sugar had to be removed from the vessel. Once the ship was lightened, it was refloated and towed to Montreal, where it arrived on August 17 to undergo a full inspection.
Ongoing Salvage Operation
Meanwhile, in Newfoundland, a separate, long-term salvage operation is still underway for a container vessel that ran aground in February 2025, six months ago, after losing power in severe weather. The Canadian Coast Guard reported on August 14 that most of the vessel’s 1,600 tonnes of heavy fuel and marine gas oil have been removed, with ongoing efforts to clear any remaining residual fuel. Additionally, more than 300 containers have been taken off the ship, though 142 containers remain on board. While some pollution, in the form of tar stains, has been observed in the surrounding area, cleanup crews are addressing it as soon as it is found.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
