Close Call for Algoma Guardian Near Brockville Waterfront
On the morning of December 31, 2025, the bulk carrier Algoma Guardian narrowly avoided a collision with the Brockville waterfront in Ontario. Witnesses reported that the vessel came alarmingly close to the shoreline, just about 30 meters from Cunningham Park on Thomas Street. The incident raised concerns among local residents, who observed the ship making an unexpected sharp turn towards land.
Tina Gardiner, a resident of the Tall Ships condominiums, described the scene as surreal. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – it felt like it wasn’t real, like an AI video that you would see on the internet,” she stated. Gardiner was in her kitchen preparing breakfast for her granddaughter when she noticed the Algoma Guardian approaching the riverbank. Initially, the ship appeared to be navigating normally before it suddenly veered perpendicular to the shoreline, heading straight for land.
Witness Accounts and Company Response
Gardiner and her granddaughter watched in disbelief as the ship emitted large plumes of black smoke, presumably as the crew attempted to slow its momentum. “I was wondering if they had it under control,” Gardiner remarked, expressing concern for residents in the nearby Jessie Street area. The situation prompted questions about the safety measures in place for large vessels navigating close to populated areas.
In response to the incident, Algoma Central Corporation, the owner of the Algoma Guardian, issued a brief statement acknowledging the event. The company confirmed that all relevant authorities had been notified and emphasized that there were no injuries, property damage, or environmental impacts resulting from the close call. The vessel continued its planned voyage after the incident and was later reported to be stopped due to traffic in the St. Lawrence Seaway.
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Coast Guard Presence and Aftermath
At the time of the incident, a Canadian Coast Guard vessel was conducting buoy work in the vicinity. Coast Guard officials noted that while they witnessed the close encounter, they did not provide assistance, as they were not in a position to intervene. Fortunately, the Algoma Guardian managed to steer clear of the shoreline and a sandbar located in front of the park, successfully returning to the river.
As of late Wednesday, the Algoma Guardian was anchored in the Maitland area of the St. Lawrence River, awaiting the resumption of traffic. The ship’s final destination is Baie-Comeau, Quebec. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with large vessels navigating near urban areas and the importance of maintaining safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
