Hon. James L. Oberstar
On the afternoon of June 8, the 246 meter long, 31204 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Hon. James L. Oberstar (IMO: 5322518) ran aground on the St. Marys River in the East Neebish Channel off Neebish Island, Michigan. The Hon. James L. Oberstar was proceeding with limestone when it reported striking the bottom. The bulk carrier sustained some hull damage, but there were no injuries or pollution released.
The Hon. James L. Oberstar was allowed to procced to a nearby anchorage. The Coast Guard dispatched vessels to the site and deployed pollution containment equipment around the stern of the bulk carrier. On June 11, the 234 meter long bulk carrier Kaye E. Barker (IMO: 5097450) arrived on site to allow transfer of the limestone cargo. After the transfer is completed, the Hon. James L. Oberstar will proceed for repairs.