Question Period Note: Grounding of MSC ALTAIR

Grounding of MSC ALTAIR

On November 24, 2021, the MSC Altair, a 366-meter container ship, broke its mooring lines and drifted across Prince Rupert Harbour and ran aground.

The Canadian Coast Guard(CCG), the ship owner, and all its partners worked to free the vessel. There were no injuries on board the ship or ashore, and there is no indication of pollution.

The vessel is currently being assisted to a safe anchorage in Chatham Sound.

• On the afternoon of November 24, 2021, MSC Altair, a 366-meter containership, broke lines and drifted across the harbour to ground in Prince Rupert Harbour.
• The CCGC McIntyre Bay was dispatched to monitor the situation, and the CCGS Atlantic Eagle was tasked from Quatsino Sound to assist. Three commercial assist tugs were dispatched from Saam Towing Prince Rupert, and the harbour patrol vessel Amwaal was on scene monitoring. No water ingress has been reported, and the vessel reported no engine or thruster issues. There are no reports of pollution.
• On of November 24, 2021, MSC Altair was removed from its aground position and is currently being assisted by commercial tugs to an anchorage in Chatham sound. Two British Colombia Coast Pilots were onboard the vessel overnight, and two relief pilots were flown up to Prince Rupert at the earliest opportunity.
• There were no injuries on board the vessel and no reported injuries ashore from the lines when they broke.
• Ship and Agents have not confirmed any plan for the ship to re-berth yet.

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