Onego-Otra Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On July 26, at approximately 2 p.m. UZC, the freighter 'Onega Otra' was successfully refloated thanks to the dedicated efforts of three powerful tugboats: 'Ocean Comeau' (IMO: 7520322), 'Ocean Intrepide' (IMO: 9203423), and 'Ocean Clovis T' (IMO: 9533036). Following the successful refloating operation, the vessel was transported to Sorel-Tracy, Ontario, where it docked at 4 p.m. for necessary inspections. This rescue operation highlights the vital role tugboats play in maritime navigation and safety.

On June 30, 2026, at approximately 4:40 p.m., the MV 'Onego Otra' encountered difficulties and ran aground in the St. Lawrence River, close to Île Saint-Ours in Contrecoeur, located at the coordinates 45° 55' N, 073° 13' W. The vessel had departed from Montreal earlier that day around 3:00 p.m., bound for New Orleans. Nearly two weeks post-incident, salvage efforts commenced on June 11, utilizing the ship's own cranes for lightering operations. In support of these operations, the Canadian tugs 'Ocean Sea Hawk' (MMSI: 316027937) and 'Ocean Surf Scoter' (MMSI: 316022597) were deployed to assist with the barge transport. Additionally, the pilot boat 'Ocean Champlain II' (IMO: 8684644) undertook multiple trips between Sorel, Quebec, and the grounded 'Onego Otra.' According to the Canadian Coast Guard, the grounding was attributed to a malfunction in the vessel's rudder system. Fortunately, there were no reports of pollution, and the Coast Guard maintained an ongoing presence to oversee the safe execution of salvage operations. An exclusion zone was established around the ship, restricting drone flights within a two-nautical-mile radius and up to 2000 feet in altitude, while pleasure crafts were instructed to remain at least 250 metres away. A first salvage attempt, launched on July 14 with the deployment of four Ocean Group tugs, was ultimately unsuccessful after approximately eight hours, leaving the vessel stationary as of July 22.