MSC Baltic III Wreck Being Pulled Ashore in Newfoundland

Wreck removal crews have begun the slow process of pulling the grounded containership MSC Baltic III toward shore in Newfoundland and Labrador, marking a major new phase in a salvage operation that has stretched on for months.

The Canadian Coast Guard said Thursday that pulling operations began July 31 near Wild Cove, with crews reporting some movement of the vessel toward shore.

“It is expected to be a slow, gradual process,” the Coast Guard said in its latest update. “The wreck will be deconstructed as it comes onshore.”

The operation follows the completion of cargo removal and deconstruction of the vessel’s superstructure. Of the 472 containers that were aboard the MSC Baltic III, 471 have been removed. One container, which could not be safely extracted because of its damaged condition, is expected to remain with the wreck until it is brought ashore.

Crews had spent weeks preparing for the pulling operation, including installing chains and chain pullers and constructing or improving road access to the site. Resolve Marine, retained by MSC to carry out the wreck removal, began deconstructing the vessel in June with support from the barge MM Newfoundland.

The Coast Guard said the wreck will continue to be dismantled as it is pulled onto shore.

Pollution remains a concern during the operation. Although the vessel’s bulk fuel has been removed, residual fuel remains onboard, and pollution-response equipment and personnel are standing by in case of a release during pulling.

Daily shoreline monitoring is also continuing when conditions permit. Authorities said limited quantities of tar balls and oily debris are still being found and removed.

Earlier phases of the operation also encountered hydrogen sulfide associated with submerged containers, requiring specialists to monitor atmospheric conditions and crews to take additional safety precautions. Authorities said the hazard did not pose a risk to the public.

The MSC Baltic III grounded near Wild Cove on Newfoundland’s west coast in February 2025 after losing power during severe weather. All 20 crew members were safely evacuated by helicopter.

The vessel subsequently became firmly lodged against the shoreline and sustained extensive structural damage, turning the response from a conventional refloating effort into a lengthy cargo recovery and wreck-removal operation.

The Canadian Coast Guard has overseen the response, including pollution monitoring and review of MSC’s wreck-removal plans to ensure the work protects public safety and the marine environment.

Authorities are continuing to warn the public to stay clear of the work site as activity increases during the pulling and dismantling operation.

“The safety of workers and the protection of the marine environment continue to be the main priorities,” the Coast Guard said.

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