Algoma Guardian’s Near Miss Shakes Brockville
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, prompting concerns among local residents. Fortunately, no injuries or damage occurred during the incident, and the ship has since resumed its journey.
Close Call at Cunningham Park
Residents near Cunningham Park were taken aback as the Algoma Guardian approached the city’s coastline, coming within approximately 30 meters of the shore. Tina Gardiner, a resident of the Tall Ships condos, described the scene from her 20th-floor kitchen. “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 remarked. Gardiner was preparing breakfast for her granddaughter when she noticed the ship making an unexpected turn toward land.
Witnesses reported seeing black smoke billowing from the vessel, suggesting that the crew was attempting to slow down. Gardiner expressed her concern, wondering if the situation was under control as the ship sped toward the nearby neighborhood. “I was wondering what the people over there were seeing and thinking,” she added, reflecting the anxiety felt by many in the area.
Response and Investigation
Algoma Central Corporation, the owner of the Algoma Guardian, acknowledged the incident in a statement but did not provide details on the cause of the close call. “Algoma is aware of the situation involving the Algoma Guardian in Brockville earlier today and all relevant authorities have been notified,” the company stated. They confirmed that there were no injuries, contact, property damage, or environmental impact, and the vessel continued its planned voyage after the incident.
At the time of the incident, a Canadian Coast Guard vessel was nearby conducting buoy work. Although they witnessed the close call, Coast Guard officials indicated that they did not provide assistance, as they were not in a position to intervene. Fortunately, the Algoma Guardian managed to avoid a collision with the shoreline and the sandbar in front of the park, safely returning to the river.
As of late Wednesday, the Algoma Guardian was halted on the St. Lawrence River near Maitland, awaiting traffic to resume on its route to Baie-Comeau, Quebec.
