Fourth update

•Canadian Coast Guard crews conducted both an assessment from the shoreline and an overflight of the site, and no pollution was observed.

•The CCGS Ann Harvey remains on scene providing assistance as required.

•The CCGS Jean Goodwill has been delayed due to ongoing work to maintain shipping lanes through ice and will be transiting to the area as soon as operational and environmental conditions allow.

•The salvage team was able to safely board the MSC Baltic III and are continuing their assessment.

•Sea conditions continue to hamper some operations including the ability to deploy response equipment.

Third update

•The CCGS Ann Harvey arrived on scene on Monday, February 17. Weather hampered activity in the early part of the day. When weather improved, they launched their Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for a visual assessment of the vessel. No pollution was observed.

•The owner of the MCS Baltic III continues to be cooperative and responsive. We have been advised that the vessel contains approximately 470 containers, over half of which are empty. The others contain items such as food, lumber, and paper supplies. We are still trying to confirm the amount of diesel onboard

•A drone restricted area has been established around the grounded cargo ship MSC Baltic III as we have helicopters conducting operations in the area. Drone operators should not conduct any flight operations within 2 nautical miles in the area of the MSC Baltic III to ensure there’s no conflict between aviation assets and drones. Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations and respect all other laws when flying a drone.

Canadian Coast Guard press release