The Thamesborg has run aground in the Franklin Strait, a remote and sensitive area of the Canadian Arctic. No fuel spill reported
Yellowknife – The cargo ship Thamesborg, on a voyage from China to Québec, has run aground in the Franklin Strait, in the southern part of the central Canadian Archipelago, within the legendary and dangerous Northwest Passage.
The area, over 1,200 km northeast of Yellowknife, is extremely remote and difficult to access, making any rescue operations complex. Fortunately, according to the broadcaster Cabin Radio, the crew is unharmed and no pollutant spills have occurred.
According to AIS data, provided by Pole Star Global, the ship is located on a shoal in the southwestern part of the strait, accompanied by two Canadian Coast Guard vessels, including the Sir Wilfred Laurier, an icebreaker and buoy tender. Satellite imagery does not detect the presence of ice in the area, although cloud cover makes analysis difficult.
The Northwest Passage, although fascinating, is known for its shallow waters and floating ice blocks, which represent high risks even during the short navigation season. Historically, most vessels crossing the area have shallow drafts.
The largest ship to have completed the route was the oil tanker SS Manhattan in 1969, in ballast and with extensive icebreaker support. The feat has never been successfully replicated since due to persistent ice.
