Successful Refloating of the Bulker Maccoa after two Weeks on St. Lawrence
The Canadian Coast Guard has successfully refloated the bulker Maccoa, which had been grounded for two weeks. The vessel, registered in Cyprus, was aground after departing from Montreal on Christmas Eve. Efforts to free the ship were complicated by the holiday season, but the Coast Guard has now moved the vessel to undergo further inspections and surveys. This incident highlights the challenges of maritime navigation, especially during busy holiday periods.
Challenges Faced During the Refloating Efforts
The Maccoa ran aground shortly after leaving Montreal, believed to have suffered a power failure while navigating the St. Lawrence River. The vessel was found sideways outside the navigation channel, which posed significant challenges for the Canadian Coast Guard. Initial attempts to refloat the ship were unsuccessful, prompting the need for a different approach. The Coast Guard determined that offloading a portion of the vessel’s cargo was necessary to lighten its load.
Delays in the refloating efforts were primarily due to the Christmas holiday, which slowed down the arrival of necessary equipment and personnel. The Coast Guard had to wait for barges to be brought in from Quebec to facilitate the lightering process. The first barge successfully removed 1,250 tonnes of corn from the Maccoa by January 6. A second barge was then positioned to take on additional cargo, with plans to offload approximately 3,000 tonnes in total. The coordination of these efforts was crucial to ensure the vessel could be safely refloated.
On January 7, three tugs were finally placed alongside the vessel for a second attempt to refloat it. This time, the operation was successful, and the Maccoa was moved back into the shipping channel. The vessel is now under power and being escorted by a tug as it makes its way to Sorel-Tracy for inspection. The Coast Guard reported no signs of pollution during the grounding, but the upcoming survey will determine if any repairs are necessary.
Understanding the Recent Groundings in the St. Lawrence River
The grounding of the Maccoa is not an isolated incident. Just a month prior, another vessel, the Tim S Dool, also ran aground in a different area of the St. Lawrence River. While these two incidents occurred within a short timeframe, the Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada believe they are coincidental. They have not identified any specific conditions on the river that would make navigation more difficult.
Both vessels required lightering operations before they could be refloated, indicating that this is a common practice in maritime rescue operations. Lightering involves transferring cargo from a grounded vessel to another vessel or barge to reduce weight and facilitate refloating. This method is often essential in ensuring the safety of the vessel and the surrounding environment.
As the Maccoa undergoes its inspection, the maritime community will be watching closely. The outcome of the survey will determine the next steps for the vessel, including whether it can reload the cargo that was transferred to the barges. The successful refloating of the Maccoa serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maritime navigation and the importance of quick and effective response measures in the face of unexpected challenges.
