Vessel Grounded in Montreal South Shore Canal
March 31, 2011
Cornwall, Ontario (March 31, 2011) – The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) reported this morning that navigation is currently halted within the Seaway’s South Shore Canal.
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 has been reported as a consequence of the grounding.
Inspectors are currently in the process of boarding the vessel in order to assess any damage and formulate a plan to free the vessel. Seaway officials estimate that the vessel may be moved out of the canal by Thursday evening, enabling the full restoration of navigation within the canal.
As of 9:20 a.m. Thursday morning, there were five vessels delayed due to the grounding.
Please consult the www.greatlakes-seaway.com website for more information on the St. Lawrence Seaway.