People in the Bay of Islands are worried that a ship which ran aground in the winter is still sitting there, posing a significant threat to the rich fishing grounds off Lark Harbour and York Harbour.

FFAW President Dwan Street notes that the Baltic III is sitting on the rocks in Cedar Cove with hazardous materials and fuel onboard. She says they have seen reports of structural damage, leaks, and an oily mixture in the engine room. The longer the situation drags on, the greater the risk of a spill says the FFAW.

The Canadian Coast Guard, meanwhile, says crews continue on-water and shoreline assessments, and no pollution has been observed at this time.

The heating and pumping of the fuel has begun. They estimate that 1600 metric tonnes of heavy fuel and marine gas is on board, down from 1710.

Local resident Melanie Joyce says they have heard that the idea of building a road to the site has been scrapped, adding to the angst.

Her husband is a commercial fisherman, and they are very worried.