Navigation Resumes in Montreal South Shore Canal
March 31, 2011
Cornwall, Ontario (March 31, 2011) – The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced this afternoon that navigation within the Seaway’s South Shore Canal resumed at 1:21 p.m.
At approximately 3:13 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, the BBC Steinhoelft veered off course and became grounded in the South Shore Canal between the St. Lambert Lock and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. No pollution and no injuries have been reported as a consequence of the grounding.
Inspectors from the SLSMC and Transport Canada boarded the vessel to complete an inspection, and formulate a plan to move the vessel back into the channel. This afternoon at 1:15 p.m. two tug boats began to assist the grounded vessel in freeing itself. The work was successfully accomplished at 1:20 p.m. A total of eight vessels were delayed due to the grounding (seven upbound and one downbound).
The vessel is proceeding to the Port of Montreal, where a dive inspection will be conducted to assess any damage.
Please consult the www.greatlakes-seaway.com website for more information on the St. Lawrence Seaway.