Overview of the Incident

A bulk carrier remains stuck in the St. Lawrence River just north of Montreal after losing power on Christmas Eve, bringing attention to potential risks and the challenges of maritime operations during the holiday season.

Details of the Vessel and Incident

The MV Maccoa, a 185-meter-long vessel with a 24-meter beam flying under the Cyprus flag, halted its journey shortly after midnight on Tuesday. The ship had set sail from Montreal on December 23, destined for Waterford, Ireland, when a sudden power failure caused it to run aground in the Verchères region.

Investigation and Coast Guard Response

Kariane Charron, a spokesperson from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), confirmed that the reason for the blackout is still unknown and is currently under investigation. Fortunately, the Maccoa is situated between Ile Marie and Vercheres, outside main shipping lanes, and does not obstruct maritime traffic.

Current Status of the Crew and Vessel

As of now, there have been no reports of leaks or any injuries on board, which hosts a crew of 20 members. The CCG swiftly dispatched a team to monitor the situation, ensuring environmental safety by deploying a helicopter to check for any signs of pollution.

Efforts to Restore Power and Future Plans

In an update shared by Charron, essential supplies including generators and heaters were delivered to the ship, which enabled the crew to restore power by Tuesday night. Experts also boarded the vessel yesterday to evaluate its condition and initiate a refloating plan.

Challenges Ahead Due to the Holiday Season

However, Charron clarified that the ongoing holiday season is complicating the availability of personnel from various contractors, making it difficult to determine when a refloating attempt might occur.

Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring

This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in maritime operations, especially during festive periods when resource availability is strained. As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the CCG as they work towards a resolution, ensuring safety for both the crew and the surrounding waters.

Looking Forward

Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding maritime story—what will happen next for the MV Maccoa?