Wreck removal crews have pulled the grounded containership MSC Baltic III about 53 meters toward shore in Newfoundland and Labrador as salvage teams continue dismantling the vessel and removing steel from the wreck near Wild Cove, where the ship grounded in February 2025 after losing power during severe weather. The Canadian Coast Guard said contractor Resolve Marine plans to continue pulling the vessel during high tides, when added buoyancy can help move the wreck closer to shore, with cutting and lightering operations ongoing aboard the hulk. Crews have removed about 4,200 tonnes of material so far, equal to roughly 40% of the wreck’s total tonnage, according to the Coast Guard, following the completion of superstructure and cargo removal work by the end of July.
The 207-meter, 33,767-deadweight-ton vessel ran aground after losing power en route from Montreal to Corner Brook, prompting a helicopter rescue of all 20 crew members amid 75 mph winds and 20-foot seas. Earlier phases of the operation encountered hydrogen sulfide associated with submerged containers, requiring additional monitoring, though officials said the hazard did not pose a threat to the public. Resolve Marine, working with subcontractors under a contract from vessel owner Mediterranean Shipping Company, expects to continue dismantling and pulling operations until winter weather sets in, with the full removal and shoreline restoration project not expected to be completed until 2027.
Source: gCaptain — https://gcaptain.com/msc-baltic-iii-wreck-pulled-toward-shore-as-removal-advances/
Tags: Newfoundland, Salvage Operations, MSC Baltic III, Wreck Removal
