Crew rescued after cargo vessel runs aground on Newfoundland’s west coast

All crew members of the MSC Baltic III have been rescued after their vessel ran aground close to the Lark Harbour shoreline off Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast.

Early Saturday morning, the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in nearby Channel-Port aux Basques received a mayday from the cargo ship, around 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) off the entrance to the Bay of Islands.

At that time, the ship reported a loss of power. 

Conditions were not in their favour. A winter storm warning was in effect in the region at the time of the incident, with winds up to 120 km/h. Ferry crossings to Nova Scotia from nearby Port aux Basques had been cancelled for the day.

As such, the crew were unable to secure an anchor, leaving them adrift.

According to the Canadian Coast Guard, shortly after losing power the ship ran aground in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour, with 20 crew members aboard.

Photos and video posted to social media show the vessel against the rocks, close to the cliffs.

Premier Andrew Furey confirmed this morning that all 20 crew members had been safely evacuated. 

The crew were airlifted from the Baltic III via Cormorant helicopter. 

The Halifax Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre said they were alerted of the full power blackout on the vessel this morning. In a social media post, they said “thanks to 103 and 413 #SAR Squadrons’ swift response, all 20 crew were airlifted to safety.” 

The Canadian Coast Guard ship Henry Larsen was in the area and search and rescue aircraft, including a Cormorant helicopter also joined the rescue effort.

The incident occurred on the anniversary of the Ocean Ranger disaster, during which 84 men lost their lives.

The cause of the lost of power aboard MSC Baltic III is not yet known.

More to come.