Tar balls wash up on Canadian shoreline near grounded MSC

Tar balls have been spotted on beaches near the stranded MSC Baltic III, which has been stuck on Canada’s eastern coast for over two months. The Canadian Coast Guard reports no ongoing pollution from the vessel, despite concerns about its condition. The ship lost power during a storm on February 15 and has since been unable to be refloated due to hull damage.

Current Situation of the MSC Baltic III

The MSC Baltic III encountered severe weather conditions that led to its grounding in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour. After issuing a mayday call, the 22-year-old boxship ran aground, resulting in significant damage to its hull. Salvage teams have assessed the situation and determined that the vessel cannot be refloated. This has raised alarms about the potential environmental impact, as approximately 1,600 metric tonnes of hydrocarbons, including heavy fuel and oils, remain on board and need to be safely removed.

While the Canadian Coast Guard has confirmed the presence of tar balls on nearby beaches, they have also stated that there is currently no evidence of persistent pollution leaking from the wreck. The situation remains under close observation as authorities work to mitigate any potential environmental hazards. The removal of the hydrocarbons is a priority to prevent further contamination of the surrounding waters and coastline.

MSC’s 2023 Sustainability Report: Navigating Transition and Achieving Milestones

Next Steps for Salvage Operations

Efforts to address the situation surrounding the MSC Baltic III are ongoing. The Canadian Coast Guard is coordinating with salvage experts to develop a plan for the safe extraction of the remaining hydrocarbons. This process will require careful planning and execution to minimize risks to both the environment and personnel involved in the operation.

As the situation develops, local communities and environmental groups are keeping a close watch on the beaches affected by the tar balls. The Coast Guard’s commitment to monitoring the area aims to ensure that any signs of pollution are promptly addressed. The focus remains on preventing further environmental damage while working towards a resolution for the stranded vessel.