Canadian Coast Guard teams rescued 20 crew members from the MSC Baltic III at the weekend after she lost power and ran aground off the coast of Newfoundland.
The Coast Guard reported that the Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Port aux Basques had received a mayday call from MSC Baltic III on Saturday after she experienced a blackout and lost power about 12 nautical miles off the coast of the Bay of Islands in Newfoundland.
“Weather and sea conditions in the area were unfavourable and the vessel was unable to secure an anchor and ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The rescue team established a two-nautical-mile zone around the vessel to facilitate operations and support marine safety. A helicopter flew over the scene to assess the situation. Additional crews and equipment responded to the scene to start the rescue operation.
“There were 20 people on board. All crew have been safely airlifted from the vessel by a Cormorant helicopter. The cause and extent of the incident are not yet known,” the Coast Guard said.
“With the crew rescued, the focus shifts to assisting with the salvage effort, and marine environmental and hazards response.”
The Coast Guard added that weather in the area continued to be a factor on Sunday as its teams worked to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
“Canadian Coast Guard crews and Eastern Canada Response Corporation representatives are establishing a staging area in Lark Harbour, Newfoundland,” said the Coast Guard.
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Jean Goodwill is expected transit to the site from Canso as weather permits, and the CCGS Henry Larsen is standing by in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, to facilitate operations.
“The owner of the MSC Baltic III has been cooperating and responsive,” said the Coast Guard.
A team from the salvage company contracted by the owner was expected to arrive to assess the situation.
