Ex-Federal Yamaska Scrap Tow To Leave Montreal Wednesday

WEDNESDAY 9 A.M. UPDATE: At approximately 05:00 on April 15, 2026, McKeil Marine tugs Tim McKeil and Lois M. began the dead tow of the former Federal Yamaska  from Montreal Section 41, bound for the Marine Recycling Corporation shipyard in Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, for recycling. Groupe Ocean tugs assisted as they pulled her away from the docks.

ORIGNAL REPORT: MONTREAL, QC – At approximately 5 a.m. on April 15, McKeil Marine tugs are scheduled to begin a dead tow of the former Federal Yamaska (now “Muin”) from Montreal Section 41, bound for the Marine Recycling Corporation shipyard in Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, for recycling.

The vessel has been laid up in Montreal since August 2025 after running aground near Verchères. She was bound from Brazil to Montreal with sugar at the time. During the incident, the propeller struck bottom, resulting in significant main engine damage. On Aug. 13, five tugs failed to move the ship. A lightering operation began Friday, Aug. 15, to free the vessel. With repair costs deemed uneconomical, the decision was made to decommission and scrap the vessel. Following her sale to Marine Recycling, the ship was stripped of identity—her name painted over—and has remained idle through the winter, awaiting suitable conditions for towage.

The operation will involve five tugs.

Tim McKeil will serve as the lead tow tug. Lois M. will act as the tail tug as far as Les Escoumins. Beverly M1 will provide additional support. Two Groupe Ocean tugs will assist in pulling the vessel off the dock. River pilots will be onboard both the tow and tail tugs to support navigation.

Janey Anderson – Ship Junkies