Bulk Carrier Algoma Equinox Refloated After St. Clair River Grounding

The Canadian-flagged bulk carrier Algoma Equinox successfully refloated after it ran aground on the St. Clair River near Sarnia two days earlier. The incident caused no disruption to maritime traffic on the waterway.

Bulk Carrier ALGOMA EQUINOX, image credit: Carson Last

At around 3:00 p.m local time on 21 July, the 225.55-meter-long bulk carrier carrying grain from the Cargill grain terminal to Baie-Comeau, Quebec, became stranded in a shallow area near the Sidney Smith Dock.

The refloating operation was launched, focused on lifting the vessel's stuck stern by transferring ballast water towards the bow. Two tugs assisted the operation by applying continuous pulling force while additional tugs from nearby ports were placed on standby but were not required.

The Algoma Equinox was freed shortly after 2 p.m. on 22 July and resumed its voyage. No injuries, water ingress, pollution, or significant damage have been reported.

According to local harbour officials, strong wind may have contributed to the Algoma Equinox grounding, while another source familiar with the incident suggested the vessel may have entered a known shallow section of the river. The exact cause of the grounding is yet to be determined by the authorities.