Cargo Vessel Heemskerkgracht Runs Aground Near Montreal

The Canadian Coast Guard has confirmed that a general cargo ship, the Heemskerkgracht, ran aground in the Kahnawake region close to Montreal, Quebec. On August 22, at approximately 6:40 PM local time, the vessel encountered engine failure while maneuvering through a waterway of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The Heemskerkgracht, with a deadweight tonnage of 12,678, drifted forward and became lodged on the riverbank at a 45-degree angle, effectively obstructing the waterway.

The Coast Guard asserted that there was no water ingress in the ship’s cargo hold, and no environmental pollution was detected in the area. However, the incident led to the suspension of navigation in the South Shore Canal, leaving 14 vessels anchored and waiting.

On August 24, it was announced that the Heemskerkgracht was successfully refloated with the assistance of two tugboats, Ocean Pierre Julien and Ocean Intrepide. The ship was then towed to a dock for further inspection.

Heemskerkgracht, a cargo vessel built in 2009 and registered under the Dutch flag, was carrying scrap metal at the time of the incident. According to data, the vessel is currently docked at Cote-Ste-Catherine Port in Canada, with its next destination set as Huelva, Spain.