Ship Grounds in St. Lawrence Seaway

The Motor Vessel Toro ran aground at Lighted Buoy 1 near Cornwall Island. The 585-ft., Greek registered vessel is laden with canola meal destined for Progresso, Mexico. There was a Canadian Pilot on board the Toro at the time of the grounding. There are no reports of injuries or pollution at this time. Responders were on scene at the vessel within a very short period of time. An initial dive survey has been completed to assess the damage to the vessel and provide the basic information necessary to develop a salvage plan to re-float the vessel. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) (U.S.), the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) (Canada), Transport Canada and the ship's owners and insurers will meet to assess the situation and discuss possible salvage options.

The cause of the incident is under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada. The results will be made known upon conclusion of the investigation. Incidentally, local, state, and federal responders are currently holding an exercise in Alexandria Bay to test response procedures and equipment that would be needed for response to an oil spill. The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, SLSDC, SLSMC, State and local responders and Save the River have engaged in what has been a very successful exercise.