On February 15, 2025, the container ship MSC Baltic III ran aground off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, after encountering extreme weather conditions. The vessel was traveling from Montreal to Corner Brook when it experienced a complete power failure approximately 12 nautical miles from the Bay of Islands. Despite efforts to anchor, the ship was unable to hold its position due to strong winds reaching 120 kilometers per hour and waves measuring up to six meters.
Following the distress call, the Canadian Coast Guard launched a swift rescue operation. A Cormorant helicopter from the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Gander was dispatched to evacuate all 20 crew members. The rescue operation was successful, with no injuries reported. The icebreaker Henry Larsen was also deployed to assist and monitor the situation.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the power failure while monitoring the vessel for any potential environmental hazards. As of now, there have been no reports of fuel spills or containers lost at sea. Salvage operations are being planned, contingent upon weather improvements.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of navigating through Newfoundland’s harsh maritime conditions. The effective response by the Canadian Coast Guard and search and rescue teams underscores the importance of coordinated emergency preparedness in such critical situations.
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