By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The shipping vessel that ran aground over a month ago was refloated in the Franklin Strait — off Prince of Wales Island, north of Taloyoak — at 6 a.m. Eastern on Oct. 9, according to the company that owns the ship.
Getting the ship Thamesborg back into the water involved transferring 5,000 tons of cargo to two salvage vessels and draining water out of its damaged tanks by a third salvage vessel, all owned Dutch shipping firm Royal Wagenborg.
The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Des Groseilliers is still on scene.
“Following inspection and clearance from official parties, the Thamesborg is en route to a port of refuge,” stated Guus van der Linde, manager of corporate communication for Royal Wagenborg.
That port of refuge has not yet been determined.
On Sept. 6, Thamesborg ran aground in the Franklin Strait while navigating the Northwest Passage.
The ship was carrying carbon blocks for industrial use from China to Quebec.
The cause of the grounding remains unknown.
The crew remained on board the entire time and will navigate the vessel to its destination.
No injuries or pollution has been reported during the event.
“The exact cause of the grounding is still under investigation in full cooperation with Canadian authorities, including the Transportation Safety Board of Canada,” van der Linde said.
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