On May 13, the 53 foot long, 85 gt towboat Robert T. Knuehl caught fire on the Ohio River off Bellaire, Ohio. The Robert T. Knuehl was pushing several barges when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew was able to contain the blaze, but several crew on board suffered smoke inhalation. Two crew were later taken to a local hospital. No reports of pollution released.
The 234 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Arthur M. Anderson became stuck in ice on Lake Erie off Conneaut, Ohio. The Arthur M. Anderson had been trapped in ice that was 5 to 10 feet thick just outside the harbor as the vessel attempted to return to its winter layup in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
The 140 foot long United States Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay was beset by ice nearby. The Bristol Bay was outside Ashtabula attempting to reach Cleveland to refuel and provision the cutter before heading to help the Anderson. However, the cutter spent several days battling the ice and found itself running low on food. A helicopter was dispatched to drop food to the cutter.
The 234 foot long Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon was requested to assist both vessels. Stationed in Prescott, Ontario, the Griffon was asked to proceed to help free the Bristol Bay and clear a path to Cleveland. Afterwards, the Griffon was to continue to break a path to Conneaut to free the Arthur M. Anderson.
On January 28, the 90 foot long towboat Winnie C became stuck in the ice on the Ohio River near New Matamoras, Ohio. The Winnie C was pushing 15 coal barges when it became stranded mid-river in the ice after being stuck in the ice off Moundsville earlier the same day. Another towboat the 100 foot long Amber Brittany became stranded in the ice off Evansville, Indiana. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution. The Coast Guard reported that the ice continues to grow thicker as cold weather continues in the region. It is not uncommon for vessels to remain stranded until the ice thaws.
