Company needs to take action in tackling grounded vessel, says Qalipu chief

The chief of Qalipu First Nation says the owners of a cargo ship run aground in western Newfoundland need to take immediate action in advancing its cleanup — and make the Indigenous group part of the process.

"We need to be included in this conversation," Jenny Brake told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning on Wednesday.

"They need to understand that our traditional knowledge can guide a process like this in a good, meaningful way."

The MSC Baltic III has been grounded near Lark Harbour for more than two months. It still holds nearly 1,600 tonnes of heavy fuel.

The Canadian Coast Guard reported earlier this month that tar balls the size of tennis balls have been appearing on the shoreline near the grounded vessel.

The vessel also sits in a hard to access area. Lark Harbour Mayor Wade Park had requested a nearby ATV road be fixed up to allow easier access, but the town has learned that the ship's owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), won't commit to helping build it.

A request for proposals to build the road was issued over a month ago, Brake says, but no further movement has happened.

"We're really confused as to why they're not doing that," she said.

"There's boats coming and going and they're checking on it, but really it just feels like everyone's waiting for something really bad to happen and then respond to it."

Following a post on the Qalipu First Nation website on April 18 about the concerns of the negative environmental impact of the grounded MSC Baltic III, she says MSC contacted her earlier this week.

In an email, she says MSC told her it saw her message and wanted her to know the company is doing what it can and would like to meet with her.

"We're really hoping that they will put everyone's mind at ease, and they will do the right thing and allow us to be a part of this process. And they will do things, and get it done quickly. Because waiting is not an option," she said.

CBC News has requested an interview with MSC but hasn't heard back.

Speaking on behalf of Brake, on Thursday Caron Hawco told CBC News that MSC is going to call Brake soon to open up a dialogue with Qalipu First Nation and the company is considering a visit to the region in the near future.

Calls for stricter guidelines

Brake says Qalipu First Nation has been engaged in talks with the provincial Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Coast Guard since the ship ran aground — but feels the group can bring more to the table.

"We have to have oversight of this as the First Nation… These are waters that my family have fished in for generations, and I want my children to fish in, for, you know, generations to come," she said.

Brake says she also wants to see stricter federal guidelines in place for future incidents like the MSC Baltic III, adding any company who can't act responsibly on the water shouldn't be allowed on it.

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