In a dramatic maritime incident, the MSC Baltic III, a container ship operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), ran aground off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, after losing power during a severe winter storm on February 15, 2025. All 20 crew members were successfully rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard under challenging conditions.
The vessel experienced a complete power failure approximately 12 nautical miles from the Bay of Islands, rendering it unable to anchor amidst 75 mph winds and 20-foot waves. Consequently, the ship was driven ashore in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour. The Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaker Henry Larsen and a Cormorant helicopter were instrumental in the swift evacuation of the crew.
The MSC Baltic III, built in 2003 and registered in Liberia, has a capacity of 2,478 TEU and is 679 feet in length. Authorities are currently assessing the vessel for potential environmental risks, as it carries marine diesel fuel. As of now, no fuel leaks have been reported.
This incident adds to a series of recent challenges faced by MSC vessels, including an engine room fire on the MSC Sao Paulo V in Quebec in March 2024, and the seizure of the MSC Aries by Iranian forces in April 2024.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the power failure and to develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.