MSC BALTIC III

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Three generators placed onboard

Salvage crews have placed three generators aboard the 'MSC Baltic lll' on March 11. A barge is in the area with equipment to pump off the ship's fuel, and a container with equipment to heat up the heavy bunker fuel has also been placed onboard.

Adverse weather continues to hamper salvage activities

The Canadian Coast Guard remained focused on the fuel aboard the 'MSC Baltic III' and the prevention of environmental damage. While there was daily activity, weather and ice conditions were impacting the operations about 50 % of the time, and many days teams are not able to get aboard the vessel. The focus was not on speed but on minimizing the impact of the incident. The operation may involve a combination of overland and a barge alongside first to remove the fuel oil and then the cargo. Lose ice has clogged the remote cove An ice class tug and barge arrived in Corner Brook carrying tanks some of which will be put onshore for eventual use as they remove the approximately 1.7 million liters of heavy fuel and marine gas oil onboard. The fuel oil in the tanks will need to be heated before it can be pumped off the ship. However, the salvage teams have determined the cranes aboard the ship are operational which will be helpful for the cargo operations. The Coast Guard believed the majority of the required equipment was now onsite for the operation. Accessing the vessel from the shoreside with heavy equipment requires upgrades to a road into the area. The operation is in the final approval stages from Canada for the roadwork. A draft plan showed that it would take approximately two weeks of work to make the road usable for the trucks and other equipment. The salvage operation might also build a walkway to the bow of the vessel to increase access. The salvage teams have confirmed that the vessel has significant hull and structural damage although it is now resting solidly on the seabed. There is flooding in the three of the holds, the tanks, and the engine room.

Salvage crews working on board

On March 5, salvage crews are working onboard the 'MSC Baltic III'. Containers that have dangerous cargo listed have been secured. No pollution has been observed. Dealing with the fuel and the containers is the first priority. The tug 'Atlantic Elm' (IMO: 7910230) with a barge of equipment has arrived in Corner Brook from Halifax on March 6, the Multi-Cat workboat '360 Handler' (IMO: 9950454) has also been supporting the salvage operations. Salvage crews have power onboard the vessel, and the ship's cranes are operational and been moved from the storage position.