On 10/12/2002, the vessel STELLANOVA (Official Number 682) was involved in a grounding - not under power (includes drifting) (non-intentional) in SOUTH SHORE CANAL, ST.LAWRENCE, QUE., QUEBEC (QC).

The vessel, with 13 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 minor pollution.

This incident was officially recorded by Transport Canada on 12/5/2002 . Weather at the time was reported as clear with winds from the ESE at 6.00 knots.

At approximately 1850 eastern daylight time on 12 October 2002, the upbound Stellanova was going west through the South Shore Canal on the St. Lawrence Seaway while the downbound Canadian Prospector was preparing to enter the South Shore Canal eastbound just after transiting Lake St. Louis.

As it approached Mile 12, the Stellanova was on the south side of the channel when the pilot called the Canadian Prospector and arranged a starboard-to-starboard passing. The master of the Canadian Prospector concurred with the arrangement and manoeuvred the vessel towards the north side of the channel. The Stellanova was manoeuvred in order to keep it on the south side of the channel, but it sheered towards the centre of the channel, and the Stellanova and the Canadian Prospector collided.

Both vessels sustained significant damage. The Stellanova struck the bank, causing minor pollution, which was eventually brought under control by St. Lawrence Seaway authorities. One member of the Stellanova crew sustained minor injuries as a result of the impact.