St. John’s, NL (April 22, 2025) – Lela Evans, Progressive Conservative MHA for Torngat Mountains and Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, today raised concerns about delays with the cleanup and removal of the MSC Baltic III that ran aground near Lark Harbour on February 15 after losing power.

It would be hypocritical of us as a province and a country to be celebrating Earth Day without the action required to protect the surrounding waters, our waters.

Evans said, “On a global scale, we are all realizing that the environment we live in is precious and sustains us; collectively, we must ensure that we can manage our footprint – this includes minimizing any environmental impact from the grounded Baltic III.”

Evans said two months have passed without any cleanup, adding that the fisheries union, community leaders, and area residents have been looking for answers to no avail.

“There is very little activity at the site. No plan or update has been released to the public. If that vessel ruptures, we could have an environmental disaster that would devastate fishing and tourism in the region. Tar balls have now been recovered near the site which is very troubling. We need a detailed plan from the owner, insurance company, or Coast Guard immediately.”

Evans noted it took many years of lobbying before the federal Liberals finally took action to clean up the Manolis L. near Change Islands in 2018.

Evans said Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should not be left suffering the environmental consequences. “If you want to travel in Canadian waters then your company must be held responsible now and not later – after our waters and fishery are impacted. If the owner or insurance company is delaying, why doesn’t the Federal Government take action under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act? Passed in 2019, the federal legislation is intended for this exact purpose. Every day that passes the risk gets bigger,” concluded Evans.