The rescue operation of the MSC Baltic III off the coast of Newfoundland is progressing well, with over 68 percent of its cargo cleared so far. This ship, which ran aground in February 2025, has been under rescue operations since then.
Details of the Rescue Operation
At the beginning of October, about 6,000 tons of the ship's cargo had been recovered, and this figure has recently increased to 7,445 tons. The rescue operation is carried out in two phases: the first phase involves clearing fuel and potential pollutants, while the second phase pertains to the ship's recovery. This second phase began in May 2026 and has been entrusted to Resolve Marine.
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Recent Progress in Clearing
During the summer, this operation included cutting and recovering the upper sections of the ship's hull. By the end of July, the upper structures of the ship's hull were completely demolished, and the operation to move the remaining parts toward the shore began. On September 9, a large section of the bow of the MSC Baltic III was detached.
According to recent reports, the front and middle sections of the ship's hull have been moved forward by 170 meters, and the rear section has also been moved by 78 meters. This operation will continue as long as weather conditions permit, and some operations may be postponed to 2027.
Environmental Consequences
During this operation, an increase in oil pollution levels in the area has been observed. Although the ship's tanks have been emptied, the presence of residual oil in the systems has caused it to be released into the sea. New reports indicate that oil slicks have been observed in the Cedar Cove area, affecting plants and debris.
Daily monitoring of the shores continues, and cleanup operations to reduce pollution in areas that are safely accessible are underway. According to Canadian regulations, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is responsible for the costs of the rescue and recovery operations.
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