On July 7, the 194 meter long, 18602 dwt bulk carrier Ojibway caught fire on Lake Huron at Sarnia, Ontario. The fire started in the vessel’s galley and quickly intensified. Local fire fighters were requested and were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. No reports of injuries to the 24 crew, but one fire fighter sustained injuries and taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state the Ojibway sustained damage around $100,000 (Canadian Dollars).
The 1004 foot long self-unloading bulk carrier American Spirit ran aground in the Straits of Mackinac between Round Island and Mackinac Island. The American Spirit was en route from Two Harbors, Minnesota to Gary, Indiana with 64,800 tons of iron ore when it was pushed by strong winds out of the navigation channel onto a muddy bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The bulk carrier Sam Laud unloaded some of the iron ore off the American Spirit and pulled the American Spirit free. The American Spirit proceeded to an anchorage off St. Ignace for inspection.
One hundred years ago, one of the ferocious storms struck the Great Lakes. Before radar or weather forecasts, vessel went out onto the lakes where two storms merged into a tempest. Between November 7th and 10th, 30 vessels stranded and 12 vessels were lost with all hands and over 250 total people lost their lives.
Vessels foundered during the storm:
