Second attempt to free ship stuck in Saint Lawrence River could take place Wednesday
A tugboat tries to release the MV Maccoa after it ran aground in the Saint Lawrence River in Verchères, Que., Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)
A second attempt to free a ship that ran aground on Christmas Eve in the Saint Lawrence River northeast of Montreal could take place Wednesday morning.
The Canadian Coast Guard says part of the ship's cargo of corn has been unloaded onto a barge, and a second barge is in transit toward the ship, with another unloading to be completed Tuesday morning.
The corn is being unloaded to lighten and help refloat the Cyprus-flagged 185-metre bulk carrier, which ran aground in the early hours of Dec. 24 near Verchères, Que., after a power failure.
The unloading operation was supposed to start last week, after a failed attempt to free the ship late last month, but it was postponed until the weekend because it took longer than expected to prepare the barges in Quebec City.
More than 3,000 metric tonnes of corn must be off-loaded to get the ship floating, and a total of 1,250 metric tonnes have so far been unloaded onto the first barge.
Twenty crew members remain on board the vessel, which is deemed to be in stable condition, with no pollution detected in the area.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Massive high-tech Canadian helicopter helps navy in hunt for submarines
Canadian warships on a mission to promote peace in the hotly-contested waters of the Indo-Pacific includes a highly-skilled specialized crew from the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
Mexico's president offers sarcastic retort to Trump's 'Gulf of America' comment
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum responded sarcastically on Wednesday to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's proposal to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES 'Terrifying' L.A. fires at 0% containment, 2 deaths reported
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Follow along here for the latest updates.
Regina murder suspect who appeared on national most wanted list arrested
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has arrested a suspect that appeared on Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted list – in relation to a homicide that occurred in May of 2024.
At least 60 University of Guelph students sick as 'cluster of illness' hits residence
The University of Guelph is dealing with what they are calling a ‘cluster of illness’ among students living in residence.
Canada among 'top 5 losers' in new passport ranking
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.
Cabinet ministers say take Trump threats seriously, but don't overreact
Canada should not overreact to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's comments about annexing Canada, but should still take them seriously, several federal cabinet ministers said Wednesday.
JetBlue passenger suddenly opens exit door as flight is taxiing for takeoff at Boston airport
A person on board a plane at Boston Logan International Airport that was taxiing for takeoff suddenly opened an exit door and was quickly restrained by other passengers, authorities said.
Toronto
-
Toronto police arrest one of Canada's most wanted fugitives
One of Canada’s most wanted fugitives, who is the suspect in a fatal double shooting in south Etobicoke more than two years ago, has been arrested.
-
Man arrested after violent Mississauga home invasion in 2023: Peel police
Peel police have arrested a man they say is connected to a home invasion robbery in Mississauga nearly two years ago.
-
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
Ottawa
-
Sign change leads to fewer tickets for violating no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus
A sign change on a busy street near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus has resulted in a significant drop in tickets issued to drivers violating the winter no-stopping zone, according to Ottawa Bylaw Services.
-
Ottawa police constable demoted following impaired driving crash in police vehicle
An Ottawa police constable has been demoted for 22 months in connection to an impaired driving crash while in an unmarked police vehicle on St. Patrick's Day last year.
-
A look at the proposed designs for new north-side stands at Lansdowne
The City of Ottawa is providing a glimpse of the plans for a new north-side stands at TD Place and a new 'Event Centre,' ahead of public consultations on Lansdowne 2.0 this month.
Atlantic
-
Suspect in two N.S. homicides wanted on Canada-wide warrant
Police are looking for a New Brunswick man wanted for the deaths of two people in Nova Scotia last month. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for the arrest of Ronald Albert Canuel of Bathurst.
-
Longtime friend mourns the death of N.S. woman killed in Edmonton
Kenda Hayman from Pictou County, N.S., is mourning the death of her long-time friend, Ashley Burke, who was killed in Edmonton, Alta, in an act of intimate partner violence.
-
Drugs discovered at N.B. prison in December were dropped by drone: CSC
Nearly a month after a high-value package of illicit drugs was discovered on the grounds of a maximum-security facility in Renous, N.B., the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is now admitting it was dropped by a drone.
N.L.
-
Adviser says Quebec-N.L. energy deal is 'very good,' as Opposition vows not to vote
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives vowed Wednesday that they will not vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is scrutinized by independent experts.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
-
Part of street washed away and state of emergency declared in N.L. town after storm
Damaging winds and pounding surf that washed away part of a street in a small northeastern town in Newfoundland on Sunday triggered a state of emergency in the coastal community.
Northern Ontario
-
Motorist was driving 168 km/h on Hwy. 69, northern Ont. police say
A 21-year-old from Sturgeon Falls has been charged with stunt driving and is accused of exceeding the speed limit by 58 km/h.
-
Northern Ontario airport expanding security screening
The Timmins airport will begin expanding security screening this month for flights in northern Ontario and western Quebec, at the request of Mushkegowuk Council.
-
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
London
-
Sarnia inmate charged with first degree murder following jail cell violence
Early Wednesday morning, Sarnia police responded to a call from the Sarnia jail after an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell.
-
Attempted robbery of London jewellery store has LPS on the hunt for four suspects
According to police, at roughly 4:15 p.m., four men arrived in a white SUV, and entered a jewellery store in the 400-block Wharncliffe Road South.
-
Snow Wednesday afternoon, snow squall warning continues
Under the heaviest part of the snowsquall another 10 to 15 centimetres is possible heading into the evening, with squalls creating varied conditions throughout the region
Kitchener
-
At least 60 University of Guelph students sick as 'cluster of illness' hits residence
The University of Guelph is dealing with what they are calling a ‘cluster of illness’ among students living in residence.
-
Pedestrian suffers 'very serious' injuries following collision with bus: Guelph Police
Police have closed Wyndham Street North at Macdonnell Street for a collision investigation involving a pedestrian.
-
Strike averted as Ontario college faculty union, employers enter binding arbitration
The bargaining agent for Ontario's 24 public colleges and the union representing faculty have agreed to enter into binding arbitration, avoiding a strike.
Windsor
-
Fourth suspect arrested after east Windsor armed robbery
All the suspects wanted after an east end armed robbery have now been arrested.
-
Police identify 65-year-old woman in theft case
Windsor police have identified a senior woman wanted for retail and grocery thefts.
-
Former NHL legends taking on local emergency responders
NHL legends are coming to Essex County on Sunday to face off against local emergency responders and law enforcement.
Barrie
-
Police warn about ‘aggressive text scam’ circulating locally
The Barrie police fraud unit is warning residents about an “aggressive text messaging scam” it says is circulating locally.
-
ATM scammers wanted by police
Three suspects pulled off several bank frauds in New Tecumseth.
-
Colleges avert strike by agreeing to binding arbitration
Students might scramble to finish those assignments now that the teacher's union will be back in the class in short order.
Vancouver
-
B.C. child killer denied parole
Child killer Shane Ertmoed has been denied day parole.
-
'Passenger overboard' prompts BC Ferries cancellations
BC Ferries crews arriving at the Tsawwassen terminal Wednesday morning responded to a report of a passenger overboard, according to the company.
-
Mask requirement returning to B.C. health-care facilities
In an effort to curb respiratory illnesses, medical masks will once again be required in B.C. health-care settings for staff and patients in most circumstances, effective immediately, CTV News has learned.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. child killer denied parole
Child killer Shane Ertmoed has been denied day parole.
-
'Passenger overboard' prompts BC Ferries cancellations
BC Ferries crews arriving at the Tsawwassen terminal Wednesday morning responded to a report of a passenger overboard, according to the company.
-
Mask requirement returning to B.C. health-care facilities
In an effort to curb respiratory illnesses, medical masks will once again be required in B.C. health-care settings for staff and patients in most circumstances, effective immediately, CTV News has learned.
Winnipeg
-
Protesters block heavy equipment from entering Lemay Forest; trees still being cut down
It's full-blown Lemayhem in St. Norbert. On Wednesday morning, protesters blocked the road to Lemay Forest in an effort to stop more tree cutting in the area.
-
Worker no longer with Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority following 'deeply hurtful' social media post
An employee is no longer with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority following a post on social media about the landfill search for two murdered Indigenous women.
-
Ricki's and cleo retail brands closing, Bootlegger restructuring
Several Canadian fashion retailers will be closing their doors after ownership company Comark Holdings announced it has filed for creditor protection.
Calgary
-
Calgary Flames game postponed in L.A. as wildfires burn nearby
The Calgary Flames game in Los Angeles on Wednesday night has been postponed due to the wildfires raging through the area.
-
Changes are coming to optometry coverage for Alberta children and seniors
Effective Feb. 1, Alberta's UCP government will be decreasing payments and delisting some services for children and seniors.
-
Airport rail service to kick off Calgary city council's 2025 meetings
Calgary city council is back for the first meeting of 2025, with a committee getting a look at the possibility of train service to the airport.
Edmonton
-
Woman dies after being hit by 2 cars in north Edmonton
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the death of a pedestrian who was hit by multiple vehicles in Eastwood on Tuesday.
-
'Well-known' drug dealer charged and arrested in Lloydminster
Specialized enforcement teams from both sides of the provincial border have teamed up to arrest a well-known, wanted drug dealer in Lloydminster.
-
Calgary Flames game postponed in L.A. as wildfires burn nearby
The Calgary Flames game in Los Angeles on Wednesday night has been postponed due to the wildfires raging through the area.
Regina
-
Regina murder suspect who appeared on national most wanted list arrested
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has arrested a suspect that appeared on Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted list – in relation to a homicide that occurred in May of 2024.
-
Saskatchewan town sees flurry of construction with $30K housing cheque program
An official with a town in southeastern Saskatchewan says its plan to offer $30,000 cheques to anyone building homes in the community is paying off.
-
Saskatchewan residents fined over $17K for illegal hunting after photo of deer posted online
Three Saskatchewan residents are facing a total of $17,240 in fines for illegal hunting activity the province says was discovered after a photo of a deer was posted on social media.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan man shares story of losing $30,000 to text scam just before Christmas
A Prince Albert man said he lost nearly $30,000 to a text message scam just before Christmas.
-
'Call it a career': Another landmark Saskatoon restaurant has sold
After serving meals for over 50 years, the locally owned and operated Cave Restaurant on 8th Street has been sold.
-
Saskatoon Blades enter 'new era' with major trade
The Saskatoon Blades have acquired two players and five draft picks from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk and shutdown forward Misha Volotovskii.
