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Tag: Neebish Island

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.

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.

 

Harvest Spirit

Harvest Spirit

Harvest Spirit
Photo: sooleader.com

On the evening of January 12, the 152 meter long, 16736 dwt bulk carrier Harvest Spirit (IMO: 9655951) ran aground on the St. Marys River off Neebish Island, Michigan. The Harvest Spirit was en route from Thunder Bay to Windsor with a cargo of canola when it suffered mechanical failure and power failure. The bulker carrier continued to drift until it went aground on the sandy bottom. The river current eventually swung the Harvest Spirit stern around and freed the vessel a few hours later. The 31 meter long tug Wilfred M. Cohen (IMO: 7629271) arrived on scene and assisted the Harvest Spirit to turn around and continue on its voyage down river.  The vessel would proceed under its own power to Mud Lake where it dropped anchor.

No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.