More than a year has passed since the 207-metre container ship MSC Baltic III (IMO: 9241475) ran aground about 12 nautical miles from the entrance to the Bay of Islands, Newfoundland, Canada. After the safe evacuation of 20 crew members, the Canadian Coast Guard shifted its focus to risk reduction — removing fuel and dealing with the ship’s cargo.
Over the past year, response teams have pumped out almost the entire fuel inventory — nearly 1.7 million litres of heavy fuel oil and marine gasoil. Around 400 containers have also been discharged, including a significant number carrying dangerous goods. Inspections, however, identified serious structural damage, including multiple breaches in the hull. The ship later developed midship deformation, making any refloating or recovery effort increasingly complex.
Operations were repeatedly paused due to poor weather and heavy seas. During this period, the vessel’s condition continued to deteriorate: the stern sat progressively lower, large cracks appeared along the port side, and further deformation was observed on both port and starboard.
Several oil releases were reported during the response. According to accounts, an oily mixture reached nearby beaches after water ingress into the engine room. As of 2026, more than 60 containers remained on board, flooded on the lower decks, and debris from these units has washed ashore. The Coast Guard deployed skimmers and shoreline response teams to manage pollution and recover debris.
In 2026, Canadian authorities announced a tender for the full salvage of MSC Baltic III. The main work is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed before the following winter. Details of the chosen recovery method — whether primarily from shore or from the water — have not yet been disclosed.
