On the morning of August 12, the 180 meter long, 37144 dwt bulk carrier Federal Yamaska (IMO: 9609665) ran aground on the St. Lawrence River near Verchères, Quebec. The Federal Yamaska departed from Trois Rivières bound for Montreal with a cargo of sugar when it suffered engine failure and lost power. The bulk carrier drift out of the navigation channel and stranded. The Canadian Coast Guard reports there has been no injuries and no pollution released.

Authorities have stated the vessel owner is to provide a salvage plan to refloat the Federal Yamaska. There was no indication that the bulk carrier would be refloated in the next few days. Reports do state the Federal Yamaska partially rests in the navigation channel, but the vessel is not blocking traffic.

Some reports have speculated the grounding was due to the low water levels being at the lowest in 15 years. However, the Canadian Coast Guard has stated that water levels had no part in this incident.

The vessel reportedly lost power and drifted out of the main shipping channel before grounding. Although it is currently located outside the main navigational lane, the Canadian Coast Guard has issued advisories for nearby vessels to minimize wake and give the grounded vessel a wide berth while passing. Additionally, no meeting or overtaking of other vessels is permitted in the area. A Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the grounding is ongoing, but preliminary assessments indicate it is not related to low water levels. The vessel, which was en route to Montreal carrying a cargo of sugar, had reported a loss of power and subsequent drift south of the designated channel.