MSC Baltic III cargo ship crew rescued after running aground on Newfoundland coast

TORONTO : The Canadian Coast Guard says the cargo ship MSC Baltic III reported a loss of power then ran aground on the western coast of Newfoundland.

The Port of Corner Brook says early this morning, the vessel lost power and issued a mayday call before running aground. They are extending thanks to the immediate and coordinated efforts of multiple response teams all 20 crew members were safely evacuated.

Rescue crews included: Cormorant helicopter crew from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, Canadian Forces Base 9 Wing Gander; the CC-130H Hercules aircraft and crew from 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS; and the Canadian Coast Guard/Garde côtière canadienne vessel Henry Larsen.

All 20 people on board the ship were safely airlifted from the vessel Saturday morning by a Cormorant helicopter.

The Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Port aux Basques, N.L., received a mayday call from the ship that was near Lark Harbour, N.L. Saturday morning.

The MSC Baltic III was about 12 nautical miles outside of the entrance to Bay of Islands when it reported losing power.

The Coast Guard says weather and sea conditions were “unfavourable” and the ship was unable to secure an anchor when it ran aground.