On February 15, the MSC Baltic III, a container ship (33,767 deadweight tons), ran aground near Wild Cove, Newfoundland. Due to its remote location and winter weather conditions, including strong winds and freezing bays, the rescue efforts have been complicated.

Since the 679-foot (203-meter) vessel ran aground, winter storms have been affecting the area. Previous attempts at salvage operations were often hindered by the inability of rescue teams to board the ship, and the weather also obstructed some water-based operations.

Reports in early March indicated that divers had confirmed significant damage or breaches below the waterline. The ship is firmly resting on the seabed, with no obvious breaches near the waterline yet observed. However, there is some deformation of the hull, and cracks may develop.

The latest news is that with improving weather conditions in the area, the salvage team has been able to position a barge nearby.

Weather conditions around Newfoundland, Canada, have allowed the salvage team to make their first progress in reducing the pollution risk from the stranded container ship "MSC Baltic III." The Canadian Coast Guard emphasized that dangers still exist, but no pollution from the stranded ship has been detected so far.

The Canadian Coast Guard stated in its latest update: "Tugs and barges contracted by Mediterranean Shipping Company were able to approach the MSC Baltic III to load some fracturing tanks and oil containment booms onto the ship. The fracturing tanks will be used for storing and offloading fuel."

The immediate concern is the fuel and other potential pollutants on board. After inspecting the vessel, the salvage team reported that it is resting on the seabed but has suffered severe hull damage. It is reported that there is water in the cargo holds and engine room, and the ship cannot be safely refloated at this time. Tank probing confirmed that there are approximately 1.7 million liters of heavy oil and marine gasoline on board.

The Coast Guard reported that several containers holding what are believed to be hazardous cargo of polymer beads (plastic pellets) have been removed from the ship. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company had previously stated that these containers were sealed to reduce the risk of cargo leakage.

The fuel on board needs to be heated before it can be pumped out of the tanks. MSC and its salvage company have proposed several salvage plans, including transferring the fuel and containers to a barge or using land access. However, the road needs to be upgraded to transport heavy equipment to the ship's location.

Local news media reported that rescue operations are ongoing, with fishermen hoping for progress by the end of the month. The local fishing season is set to begin on April 1, and concerns remain about accessing the area and the ongoing risk of pollution.