Antigua and Barbuda-Flagged Cargo Ship Remains Grounded in Canada After Refloating Effort Fails

An Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship remains grounded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River more than three weeks after it encountered a steering problem while travelling through the busy waterway.

The Onego Otra ran aground June 30 between Île St-Ours and Contrecoeur, northeast of Montreal, according to information reported by the Montreal Gazette.

Canadian Coast Guard spokesperson Craig Macartney said the grounding resulted from a problem with the vessel’s rudder.

Despite remaining stuck, the general cargo ship is positioned outside the main shipping channel and is not blocking other vessels from navigating the river.

Macartney said no one was injured and no pollution has been detected. Authorities have described the situation as stable as efforts continue to free the vessel.

Crews conducted lightering operations July 12 and 13, removing 2,720 metric tons of cargo from the Onego Otra. Lightering involves unloading cargo to reduce a vessel’s weight and make it easier to refloat.

Three tugboats were deployed July 14 in an attempt to pull the ship free, but the operation was unsuccessful.

The Onego Otra, built in 2010, is approximately 146 metres long and sails under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. It had departed Montreal before running aground.

The vessel’s continued grounding has not disrupted traffic on the St. Lawrence River because of its location outside the designated navigation channel.

Authorities have not indicated when another attempt will be made to refloat the ship.

Information credited to the Montreal Gazette.

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