Lightering Requires to Free Bulker Stuck for a Week in St. Lawrence

The Cyprus-flagged bulker Maccoa has been stranded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River since December 24. The vessel lost power shortly after leaving Montreal and veered off course, grounding itself in the river. This incident marks the second time in a month that a bulker has required lightering to free it from the river. The Canadian Coast Guard is now implementing a new plan to remove a portion of the ship’s cargo to facilitate its release. The situation highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the St. Lawrence River during the winter months.

Details of the Incident

The Maccoa, with a deadweight tonnage of 30,898, encountered difficulties shortly after departing from Montreal. The vessel lost power and drifted a few miles down the St. Lawrence River before grounding itself sideways outside the navigation channel. Fortunately, the Canadian Coast Guard confirmed that the ship did not sustain any damage. However, the grounding posed significant challenges for the crew and the authorities involved in the recovery efforts.

Cargo Ship Runs Aground On St. Lawrence Seaway Near Montreal Blocking Maritime Traffic

On December 27, three tugboats attempted to dislodge the Maccoa using their wash to create movement. Despite multiple efforts, the tugs were unable to free the vessel. As a result, a new plan was devised to lighten the ship’s load. This plan involves placing two barges alongside the bulker to offload over 3,000 metric tons of corn cargo. The lightering operation is expected to take at least two days, with a target date of January 5 for the attempt to refloat the vessel. However, weather conditions may delay these efforts, as the Coast Guard has indicated that rain could hinder the movement of the corn cargo.

Comparative Incidents and Navigation Challenges

This incident is not isolated. Earlier in December, another bulker, the Tim S Dool, also required lightering after becoming stuck further south on the St. Lawrence River. Initial attempts to refloat the Tim S Dool were unsuccessful, necessitating the use of a crane and barges to assist in its recovery. Canadian authorities have stated that the simultaneous grounding of two vessels in the same month appears to be coincidental. There have been no reports of unusual conditions on the river, but the urgency to free the Maccoa is heightened by the approaching harsh winter weather.

The navigation season for the St. Lawrence Seaway is nearing its end. All vessels must clear the section between Montreal and Lake Ontario by January 5. The Welland Canal closed on December 26, with limited access allowed until January 10. While ports east of Montreal typically remain open during winter, ice can create significant challenges for navigation. The Seaway is expected to reopen in late March, depending on weather conditions. As the Maccoa remains stranded, the focus is on ensuring the safety of the crew and preventing any environmental impact while working to free the vessel before winter conditions worsen.