Second Bulker Stuck In St. Lawrence River In A Month Will Use Lightering To Refloat

Efforts are underway to refloat the Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier MV Maccoa, which has been stuck in Canada’s St. Lawrence River since December 24, 2024.

The ship ran aground near Vercheres, Quebec, after experiencing a power failure shortly after departing Montreal.

The 185-meter-long vessel, built in 2009, veered off course and ended up positioned sideways outside the navigation channel.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) reported that the ship had not suffered any damage. Its 20 crew members are safe, with no signs of pollution in the water.

To free the ship, over 3,000 metric tons of corn from its cargo will be removed. Two Ocean Group barges, each capable of carrying 1,500 tons, will be used for the lightering process.

The operation has begun today (January 2) and will continue until January 4, depending on weather conditions.

The Coast Guard plans to make the second attempt to refloat the ship on January 5. Initial efforts on December 27, which involved three tugs, failed to move the vessel.

Rain in the forest might delay the lightering operation, as the corn cannot be unloaded in wet conditions. Earlier, efforts to free the vessel were also slowed due to the holidays.

Coast Guard spokesperson Emilie Proteau-Beaulieu said the unloading equipment is being mobilised, and the ship’s condition remains stable.

Supplies, heaters, and generators have already been delivered to the crew to ensure their safety and comfort during the extended operation. The St. Lawrence Seaway’s navigation season is nearing its end, adding urgency to the operation.

Ships must clear the section between Montreal and Lake Ontario by January 5. Ports east of Montreal usually remain open during winter, but icy conditions make navigation increasingly difficult.

This is the second bulker in a month to require lightering in the St. Lawrence, Earlier in December, the Tim S. Dool, operating from the Great Lakes, grounded below Montreal. It was freed after part of its cargo was offloaded using barges and a crane.

Officials believe the two incidents were coincidental and not caused by any abnormal river conditions. However, they are focused on freeing the Maccoa before harsher winter weather makes the take more challenging.

The Maccoa, carrying a cargo of corn bound for Ireland, has been stuck for over a week. The Coast Guard monitors the situation closely to ensure the ship is freed safely and quickly.

References: GlobalNews, Montreal CTV News

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