On 9/22/1993 , the vessel ZIEMIA CIESZYNSKA (Official Number 4311) was involved in a grounding - under power (non-intentional) in MILE 10.55, ABOVE BRIDGE 11, WELLAND CANAL,.

The vessel, with 23 persons on board, experienced the incident while engaged in regular operations. Fortunately, the ship was able to continue its voyage. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and there was none pollution.

This incident was officially recorded by Transport Canada on 2/15/1994 . Weather at the time was reported as fog with winds from the NW at 2.00 knots.

After clearing Bridge 11 during an upbound transit of the Welland Canal, Ontario, at night and in thick fog, the "ZIEMIA CIESZYNSKA" veered to starboard and grounded on the western bank. The vessel was under the conduct of a pilot. Soon after, she was refloated, unassisted, and proceeded, under her own power, to a lay-over berth in the canal. The vessel sustained considerable damage to the forward underwater area. There was neither pollution nor injury as a result of this occurrence.

The Board determined that the "ZIEMIA CIESZYNSKA" grounded because the pilot, while disorientated, made an unexpected and erroneous alteration of course. The sudden formation of advection fog and the fact that there was no continuous exchange of information between the pilot and the master also contributed to the grounding.