Video: Canadian Bulk Carrier Refloated After 3 Weeks Of Grounding In St. Lawrence River

The Canadian-flagged bulk carrier Tim S. Dool has been successfully refloated after being stuck on Crysler Shoal in the St. Lawrence River for more than three weeks.

The 57-year-old vessel owned by Algoma Central Corporation, ran aground on November 23, 2024, while carrying wheat grain through U.S. waters near Massena, New York. It became grounded southwest of the Eisenhower Lock, outside the navigation channel.

The ship’s position remained stable outside the channel throughout the grounding, which caused no disruptions to other shipping traffic.

However, the initial refloating efforts by three tugboats were unsuccessful, and the decision was made to offload the cargo onto four barges. This lightering operation began on December 6, 2024.

The ship was finally freed on the morning of December 17, 2024, after weeks of effort. Two tugboats, Ocean Tundra and Ocean Serge Genois, successfully pulled the vessel free with help from the ship’s own power.

The ship was then moved to Wilson Hill Anchorage for inspection.

No injuries or environmental contamination were reported during the grounding. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that there were no signs of pollution or major water ingress, and the crew remained unharmed.

ICYMI – Tim S Dool was freed from Crysler Shoal this morning on the St Lawrence River just before 8am after running aground on November 23 and undergoing an excessive salvage plan. Four barges were loaded with grain from the ship to lighten before tugs were able to pull it free. pic.twitter.com/txGVMcmymy

— Michael Folsom, Seaway Ship Watchers Network ⚓️ (@theshipwatcher) December 16, 2024

Video Credits: Michael Folsom, Seaway Ship Watchers Network/X

The cause of the grounding is still under investigation, but no other vessels were involved.

The lightering operation, which removed wheat grain from the vessel, was critical to freeing the ship. The operation paused on December 16 after enough weight had been removed.

On December 17, tugboats began pulling the ship at high tide, and by 8 a.m., the vessel was successfully refloated.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Corporation confirmed that the ship was now at Wilson Hill, New York, where it will undergo a full inspection before continuing its journey.

During the refloating operation, the U.S. Coast Guard temporarily suspended operations in the area of the St. Lawrence Seaway. While there were speed restrictions on the river during the lightering process, the waterway remained open to other vessels.

The grounding of Tim S. Dool garnered attention from the ship watchers and locals, with many speculating about the cause of the incident. However, no official cause has been confirmed yet.

This is not the first time a ship has been grounded in the St. Lawrence River. Last year, another vessel ran aground near Cornwall, Ontario, but it was freed within two days.

This incident, however, lasted for more than three weeks before a successful refloat. The St. Lawrence Seaway is preparing for the winter closure of the navigation season, which is scheduled for January 5, 2025, in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section and January 10 in the Welland Canal.

Reference: Ottawa

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