More than seven months after running aground off Wild Cove, Newfoundland, the MSC Baltic III is set to winter at the site, with MSC and salvage teams preparing the vessel for the coming season.
The 2,478-TEU ship has remained grounded since 15 February, after sustaining major hull damage that made refloating impossible. To date, 399 containers and over 1,600 cubic metres of heavy oil and pollutants have been removed. 73 containers still onboard, most submerged below deck, require careful draining and lifting.
Decomposing food in some containers is producing hydrogen sulfide gas, generating unpleasant odours, the Canadian Coast Guard said. There is no risk to the public, and crews are taking precautions while monitoring conditions.
MSC has requested winterisation measures, and a cableway is under construction to provide safe access for salvage personnel. This zipline-like system will transport personnel safely to and from the vessel, supplementing access via boat and the port-side walk-to-work platform aboard the EEMS Dublin.
Salvage operations continue with daily monitoring of hull conditions through dive surveys. Ballast water is being pumped into the vessel to stabilise it for winter. The condition of the inner hull will ultimately determine whether the ship can be refloated or dismantled on site.
Authorities continue to monitor for pollution along nearby shorelines. Small tar stains have been cleaned since the wreck, with no new tar balls reported since July.
Salvage operations will proceed as weather permits, with the EEMS Dublin remaining available to support crew and container transfers until the cableway is completed and cargo operations are finished.
