According to assessments by the Canadian Coast Guard and salvage teams, the grounded containership MSC Baltic III has sustained further significant structural damage after a powerful storm struck the vessel earlier this month near Cedar Cove, Newfoundland.
The 207-metre ship ran aground on 15 February 2025 after losing power in severe winter conditions near Wild Cove in the Bay of Islands. Inspectors now report clear changes in the hull’s condition, including deformed steel plating on both the port and starboard sides. The vessel’s stern has also settled deeper in the water, and damage to onboard emergency and rescue equipment was noted during inspections carried out on 7–8 December.
All 20 crew members were safely evacuated by Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter shortly after the grounding. The ship was carrying heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil, as well as around 470 containers—many empty, while others held cargo such as food products and lumber.
Since the incident, the Canadian Coast Guard has maintained continuous oversight of pollution response and salvage operations, working closely with contracted salvors, the shipowner, and MSC. Despite extensive efforts to remove fuel from damaged tanks and discharge hundreds of containers, as of 25 September there were still 65 containers on board, flooded below deck. These units must be lifted and dewatered before removal—an intricate operation that can proceed only in favourable weather.
The recent storm also intensified environmental concerns in the area. When conditions allow, teams continue on-water and shoreline surveys in Cedar Cove and on nearby beaches, where heavy weather has increased the amount of oil-contaminated debris. Cleanup work is ongoing, but harsh seas, wind, and repeated storms have frequently disrupted operations and contributed to further movement and deterioration of the hull.
Salvors have documented ongoing hull deformation and structural shifts that continue to complicate recovery plans. From the outset, the vessel suffered major breaches and settled onto the seabed, making any refloating attempt unsafe without substantial preparatory salvage work.
With winter storms continuing to affect the region, operations have shifted toward stabilizing the vessel in place and preparing for a safe continuation of salvage and pollution-prevention activities when weather windows open. A safety exclusion zone remains in effect to protect responders and the public, while regular overflights and drone surveys continue to monitor for pollution. Minor oil traces—such as tar smears and small tar balls—have been found intermittently on nearby beaches and removed during response operations.
