Trapped on the MSC Baltic III: The Mystery of Containers Overflowing with Spoiled Food

Work on the grounded MSC Baltic III, which has been stuck off Wild Cove, Newfoundland, for over seven months, has shifted to keeping it stable through winter. This 2,478-TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) vessel ran aground on February 15 and cannot be refloated due to serious damage to its hull.

Currently, salvage efforts focus on removing fuel and cargo. So far, 399 containers have been taken off, but progress is slow because of harsh weather. Authorities report that 1,665.7 cubic meters of heavy oil and pollutants have already been cleared. There are 73 containers left, most submerged and requiring careful draining before they can be removed. This process is complex and will continue as weather permits.

The Canadian Coast Guard noted fluctuating levels of hydrogen sulfide gas aboard the ship, stemming from spoiled food in the cargo. This situation is creating unpleasant odors, but officials assure the public that there is no risk. They are closely monitoring gas levels and taking safety precautions for personnel working on site.

To prepare for winter, ballast water is being pumped into the MSC Baltic III for stability. The ship’s owner, MSC, has requested a winterization plan. Regular dive surveys are being conducted to monitor the hull’s condition and inform these efforts. Coast guard teams are also spotting and cleaning small tar stains around Cedar Cove and nearby shores.

To ensure safe access for salvage workers, a cableway is being constructed from shore to the vessel. The Dutch general cargo vessel EEMS Dublin is on site to assist with personnel and container transfers, and it will remain there until all operations are completed. Continuous surveys, both on water and on land, as well as drone flights, are being used to monitor pollution as conditions allow.

As recent statistics indicate, marine shipping incidents have been rising, leading to heightened focus on environmental safety and salvage operations. Experts suggest that improving preventative measures and technology in shipping could significantly reduce such events.

For further details on maritime safety standards and recent developments in salvage operations, you can refer to the Canadian Coast Guard or explore research on maritime environmental impacts.

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