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Tag: Lake Huron

Keep the Change

Keep the Change

Keep The Change
Photo: Facebook

On March 10, the 30 foot long fishing tug Keep the Change sank on Stokes Bay on Lake Huron at its berth at Howdenvale, Ontario, Canada. The Keep the Change had been tied up the dock for several years when it sprung a leak and partially sank.  Reports state the vessel had diesel fuel that leaked out when the vessel suffered water ingress. The vessel owner placed an absorbent boom and pads to collect the pollution while the Canadian Coast Guard deployed a containment boom to prevent the diesel fuel spreading.

On March 13, contractors arrived on site and pulled the fishing tug ashore and removed any remaining fuel and oil on board the vessel. Authorities have stated the likely cause of the sinking was poor maintenance of the vessel.

Gary M
Gary M recovered in 2024. Photo: Brucepeninsulapress.com

Reports state this is the third vessel to sink around Stokes Bay in the last year.  On September 5, 2024 the fishing tug Gary M sank at the Stokes Bay dock releasing diesel fuel into the water. Authorities stated that 7,000 litres of polluted water was recovered.

Ojibway

Ojibway

Ojibway
Photo: theobserver.ca

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).

 

American Spirit

American Spirit

American Spirit
Photo: abc10up.com

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.