After more than a month stranded in the remote Franklin Strait, the Dutch cargo ship Thamesborg has finally been refloated and is now heading toward safety outside the Arctic.
The 14,500 dwt vessel, owned by Royal Wagenborg, ran aground on September 6 off Prince of Wales Island during its voyage through the Northwest Passage. For 33 days, the ship remained stuck in one of the most isolated areas of Canada’s Arctic waters, prompting a complex salvage effort.
To lighten the vessel, around 5,000 tons of carbon blocks were transferred to two support ships. The refloating was carried out early on October 9 with the assistance of the offshore support vessel, using specialized equipment to manage the damaged ballast tanks.
The operation was completed without further harm to the ship or the environment. The Thamesborg’s 15 crew members and an ice advisor remained on board throughout the ordeal and are all safe.
Following a hull inspection, the vessel has been cleared to proceed to Baie-Comeau, Canada, where it is expected to arrive on October 24. Wagenborg expressed gratitude to Canadian authorities and rescue teams, noting that the operation was completed just in time – before worsening weather conditions close the Arctic route for winter.
Photo: Wagenborg
