Nearly a year after running aground off Newfoundland’s west coast, the container ship MSC Baltic III remains at the mercy of harsh North Atlantic winter storms. Salvage teams are working to stabilize the damaged vessel and prevent further environmental pollution, but operations continue to be slowed by severe weather.
The 207-metre ship lost power and grounded near Wild Cove in the Bay of Islands on 15 February 2025 during heavy winter conditions. All 20 crew members were safely rescued by a Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter shortly after the incident.
In its latest update, the Canadian Coast Guard said ongoing winter weather is still restricting access to the wreck site and delaying salvage work. Crews have installed a shore-based ropeway system to reach the vessel when conditions allow, but workable weather windows remain limited.
As access becomes possible, teams continue assessing the vessel’s condition and removing oil-contaminated debris from the engine room. Preparations are also underway to collect an oil-water mixture that remains onboard after recent storms.
The situation deteriorated further following a series of powerful storms in early December. Inspections on 7–8 December revealed new deformation of hull plating on both sides, while the stern has visibly settled deeper in the water. Since then, the ship has developed multiple hull breaches and has partially settled onto the seabed, effectively ruling out a straightforward refloat.
At the time of grounding, the vessel carried heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, and around 470 containers, many of them empty. While most remaining fuel was pumped out and hundreds of containers were removed, as of December 65 containers were still under deck and flooded. These will need to be lifted, drained, and removed—an operation that can only be carried out in calm conditions.
Environmental concerns are increasing. Coast Guard shoreline patrols and drone surveys have reported a rising amount of oil-contaminated debris washing onto nearby beaches. Cleanup continues, but recurring storms, heavy seas, and strong winds repeatedly interrupt work and contribute to further damage to the vessel.
The Coast Guard has maintained an enhanced safety zone around the site and says it remains focused on stabilizing the wreck and minimizing pollution, while preparing for the next phase of salvage once weather conditions improve.
