Bulk carrier Federal Yamaska runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Montreal

MONTREAL — The Canadian Coast Guard says a 180-metre bulk carrier has run aground in the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

A spokesman for the coast guard says the Federal Yamaska ran aground near Verchères, Que., at around 5:45 a.m. following a complete loss of engines.

Francis Lapointe says there were no injuries reported and there doesn’t appear to be any pollution in the water.

Lapointe says the ship, which is carrying sugar, is partially in the channel but other vessels are able to navigate around it.

He says authorities are working with the ship’s owner to come up with a refloating plan, which could take anywhere from several hours to several days.

The coast guard says low water levels in the river don’t appear to have played a role in the grounding.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.

The Canadian Press