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Tag: Michigan

Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Presque Isle
Photo: sootoday.com

On the morning of July 29, the 305 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Presque Isle (IMO: 7303877) released pollution on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island, Michigan. The Presque Isle was heading upbound towards the Soo Locks when it suffered steering issues. The bulk carrier proceeded several miles where it could drop anchor and investigate the issue. During the investigation, the crew found some 20 gallons of hydraulic oil had been discharged into the river with a visible sheen.  A boom was placed around the stern of the Presque Isle to contain the pollution. Traffic was halted on the river while authorities completed a survey. Reports stated that traffic was reopened later and that the oil sheen had dissipated a few days later.

Peregrine

Peregrine

Peregrine
Photo: nps.gov

Just after midnight on June 14, the 25 foot long National Park Service vessel Peregrine ran aground on Lake Superior at the northern end of the Keweenaw Upper Entrance in Hancock, Michigan. The Peregrine was heading to Houghton, Michigan from Isle Royale with 6 persons on board when it struck the breakwater. The United States Coast Guard was contacted and launched the 45 foot long response boat to the scene. There the Coast Guard transferred two passengers, who were being transported from the island to the mainland for medical treatment, to a nearby boat launch where they were met by medical responders.  The Coast Guard returned and safely transferred the remaining park service rangers to shore. No reports of injuries. Reports states the Peregrine was towed to Houghton later that afternoon.  No reports of any pollution was released.  The cause of the grounding and amount of damage to the Peregrine was not disclosed.

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar
Photo: USCG

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.