Almost two weeks ago, the container ship “MSC Baltic III” wrecked in the west of Newfoundland. Although the crew was rescued within a short time, the stormy conditions have so far prevented a salvage operation.
Local media are now reporting damage to the ship’s hull. In addition to containers, it was carrying 1,710 tons of heavy fuel oil.
The ship was abandoned by the crew on February 15 after it ran aground near Lark Harbour as a result of a blackout on board. The Canadian Coast Guard then evacuated the crew by helicopter, but since then it has not been possible to make the “MSC Baltic III” operational again. The ship remains stranded on the seabed. Instead, the salvage work is currently concentrating on securing the cargo of the freighter. However, heavy winter storms are hampering progress.
Crack in the hull of the “MSC Baltic III”
According to the coastguard, emergency services are rarely able to get on board the ship at all, and work in the water is also being hampered by the weather. Authorities are now considering reopening an old road so that off-road vehicles can reach the scene of the accident. However, repair work would have to take place there first to ensure the safety of the heavy vehicles.
MSC initially informed the coastguard that the ship had around 470 containers on board, more than half of which were empty. The cargo included food, timber and paper. Eight containers loaded with polymer balls (“nurdles”) are to be salvaged as a priority.
The ship continues to be monitored from land and from the air. It is confirmed that there are over 1,700 tons of heavy fuel oil on board. Although none of it has leaked so far, damage to the hull is a cause for concern.
Earlier this week, divers reported that the ship had “significant fractures or holes”. Photos taken by the coast guard show a crack in the middle of the freighter, and the ship is also said to have some deformations.
