Algoma Guardian’s Near Miss Shakes Brockville
In a startling incident on Wednesday morning, the bulk carrier Algoma Guardian came alarmingly close to the Brockville waterfront, nearly colliding with the shoreline. Witnesses reported that the vessel veered off its course, prompting immediate concern among residents. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported, and the ship has since resumed its journey.
Close Call on the St. Lawrence River
Residents along the Brockville waterfront were left in disbelief as the Algoma Guardian approached dangerously close to the shore, just 30 meters from Cunningham Park on Thomas Street. Eyewitness Tina Gardiner, who lives on the 20th floor of a nearby condominium, 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 recounted. Gardiner was in her kitchen preparing breakfast for her granddaughter when she noticed the ship making an unexpected turn toward land.
As the vessel changed its course, Gardiner observed thick black smoke billowing from the ship, suggesting that the crew was attempting to slow down. “I was wondering if they had it under control. It was heading pretty quickly toward that neighborhood near Jessie Street,” she said, expressing concern for those living nearby. The incident unfolded rapidly, with the ship initially traveling down the river before making a sharp turn that alarmed onlookers.
Response and Aftermath
Algoma Central Corporation, the owner of the Algoma Guardian, issued a statement acknowledging the incident. They confirmed that all relevant authorities had been notified and emphasized that there were no injuries, contact, property damage, or environmental impact. The company stated, “The vessel is continuing its planned voyage and is currently stopped due to traffic in the Seaway.”
At the time of the incident, a Canadian Coast Guard vessel was present in the area conducting buoy work. Coast Guard officials noted that while they witnessed the close call, they did not provide assistance as they were not engaged in emergency operations. Fortunately, the Algoma Guardian managed to avoid contact with the shoreline and the sandbar in front of the park, safely 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 on its route to Baie-Comeau, Quebec. The incident has raised questions about maritime safety in the region, but thankfully, it concluded without any harm to individuals or the environment.
