Tar Balls Wash Up Near Grounded Ship on Canada’s Eastern Seaboard

Tar balls have emerged on beaches near to where the MSC Baltic III remains grounded on Canada’s eastern seaboard, with the boxship remaining firmly lodged in place more than two months after it ran into difficulties.

The Canadian Coast Guard has said there is still no sign of any persistent pollution coming from the wrecked ship.

Ship Ran Aground in Wild Cove

The MSC Baltic III lost power in a storm outside the entrance of Bay of Islands on February 15, the crew issuing a mayday, with the 22-year-old ship running aground in Wild Cove west of Lark Harbour.

The hull of the ship has been damaged, and salvors have said the vessel cannot be refloated. There are still an estimated 1,600 metric tonnes of hydrocarbons, including heavy fuel and oils, that must be removed.