Royal Wagenborg’s general cargo vessel Thamesborg is aground in the Northwest Passage in the Franklin Strait, Canada. Lightering of the vessel started on 22 September reports the Canadian Coast Guard and is still continuing. A salvage plan for the vessel has meanwhile been approved.
Thamesborg is a modern ice-class vessel, which was on its way from Asia to Baie Comeau on the East coast of Canada, when it ran aground in the Franklin Strait off Prince of Wales Island on 6 September. The ship is carrying a cargo of carbon blocks. All crew aboard the Thamesborg are safe and in good condition.
The Franklin Strait is an Arctic waterway in Northern Canada’s territory of Nunavut. It is located between southeastern Prince of Wales Island and the Boothia Peninsula and is part of the Northwest Passage. The cause of the grounding is as yet unknown.
Also read: Thamesborg to be lightered before salvage attempt
Salvage plan approved
The Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada have reviewed the salvage plan submitted by Royal Wagenborg and consider it reasonable and appropriate to start salvage operations.
Meanwhile lightering of the vessel continues. On 22 September, the Norwegian-flagged Silver Copenhagen arrived on scene and has since been receiving cargo from the Thamesborg. The Silver Copenhagen is a 1B ice-class cargo vessel that can safely operate in icy waters. The tug Beverly M is stationed nearby to assist, as needed, with icebreaker MSV Botnica underway to do the same.
Also read: Wagenborg vessel runs aground in Northwest Passage
No pollution
The Canadian Coast Guard continues to monitor salvage operations, and the CCGS Des Groseilliers is still on location. There is currently no pollution, and the vessel remains stable.
Canada follows the “polluter pay principle”. Vessel owners are responsible for taking the appropriate measures to address any risks or hazards posed their vessel, as well as the associated costs.
Picture: Dutch-flagged vessel MV Thamesborg pictured aground in the Franklin Strait, on 8 September (photo by the Canadian Coast Guard).
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