A recent windstorm caused damage inside the MSC Baltic III, a container ship grounded on Newfoundland’s west coast, according to the Canadian Coast Guard. Structural issues were observed below deck, including walkways and walls, following severe weather conditions last week. The vessel had already shown exterior damage since running aground in February at Cedar Cove, which is now visible from the interior.
The Coast Guard reported damage to the ship’s framing, bulkheads, and water ballast tank. Salvage crews worked on Monday to salvage and remove equipment from the deck, much of which had been damaged. Shoreline assessments conducted during the inclement weather revealed debris, including a tar ball on Cedar Cove and various equipment washed ashore.
Concerns about additional damage to the MSC Baltic III persist, especially with more severe weather predicted. The ship’s vulnerability to environmental forces makes preventing further harm challenging. Assessments of previously safe areas on board are being conducted to ensure crew safety and equipment integrity.
Ongoing cleanup and salvage operations have been in progress since the vessel ran aground in February. Crews anticipate working through the winter, with plans to potentially remove the ship in the spring. However, this task is expected to be complex and challenging.