The incident began Saturday morning, February 15, when the vessel issued a MAYDAY call after losing power approximately 12 nautical miles from Bay of Islands, NL. Unable to anchor due to unfavorable weather conditions, the ship ran aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour.

All 20 crew members were safely evacuated by Cormorant helicopter following the grounding.

“No pollution was observed” during the initial visual assessment conducted by the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) after weather conditions improved.

The vessel is carrying approximately 470 containers, with more than half reported empty. The remaining containers hold food, lumber, and paper supplies. Officials are working to confirm the quantity of diesel fuel onboard.

Maritime authorities have established a two-nautical-mile restricted zone around the vessel, prohibiting drone operations due to ongoing helicopter activities in the area.

The vessel’s owner has been “cooperative and responsive” throughout the incident, with salvage teams deployed to assess the situation.

The MSC Baltic III was en route from Montreal to Corner Brook, NL when the incident occurred.