Foul smell from rotting food on a stranded cargo ship in Lark Harbour being monitored for public safety

    Friday, 19 September 2025 06:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Just under 1700 m3 of heavy oil and other pollutants have been removed so far and there are only 65 containers remaining onboard the vessel at this time - mostly below deck and submerged in water.

    Officials are monitoring a foul smell coming from a grounded cargo ship in Cedar Cove on the south shore of the Bay of Islands. The MSC BALTIC lll has been there since losing power in February. The Coast Guard’s Bruce English says  fluctuating levels of hydrogen sulfide gas have been detected onboard the vessel due to spoiled food in some of the cargo. There is no risk to the public.

    Just under 1700 m3 of heavy oil and other pollutants have been removed so far but English says there is still residual fuel in the tanks that has to be cleaned. There are only 65 containers remaining onboard the vessel at this time - mostly below deck and submerged in water.

    The containers must be lifted and drained before they can be moved off the vessel. English says ballast water is being added to keep the vessel stable.  He says work on a cableway system to get workers from the shore to the ship is ongoing.  English says the vessel will  be there throughout the winter and plans are for it to be taken apart and removed in the spring.

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