Stranded MSC Baltic III Cannot be Safely Refloated Reports Coast Guard

Twelve days after the containership MSC Baltic III (33,767 dwt) lost power and was driven ashore in Canada during a winter storm, the Canadian Coast Guard reports the vessel cannot be safely refloated. Weather continues to hamper the efforts of the Coast Guard and a private salvage team with the latest update reporting they are focusing on the fuel and other possible contaminants aboard.

The vessel was abandoned on February 15 after it was driven onto the rocky shoreline of western Newfoundland. The Canadian Coast Guard organized a helicopter rescue for the crew.

Since the 679-foot (203-meter) vessel went ashore, winter storms have continued to i…