Manitowoc Aground
The 630 foot, 19335 dwt self-unloading freighter Manitowoc went aground on Lake Michigan off the breakwater piers of the St. Joseph River, Michigan. The Manitowoc was attempting to enter the twin harbors of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor with a cargo of 12,500 tons of limestone when it struck shallow waters. A sounding showed the water level was at 18 feet with the freighter requiring 18.9 feet. The channel depth was to be maintained at a depth of 21 feet, but dredging maintenance has not been funded for many smaller ports in the Great Lakes. The Manitowoc was able to free itself and was able to proceed after an inspection. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
