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Tag: Self-Unloader

Radcliffe R Latimer

Radcliffe R Latimer

Radcliffe R Latimer

On the night of August 11, the 225 meter long, 37257 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Radcliffe R. Latimer (IMO: 7711725) caught fire in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior near Ile Parisienne, Canada. The Radcliffe R. Latimer was headed for Port Daniel, Quebec with a cargo of petroleum coke when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able to quickly extinguish the blaze using the bulk carrier’s CO2 fire suppression system, but the fire left the vessel without power. With the vessel adrift, the Radcliffe R. Latimer requested assistance of a tug. The tug assisted the bulk carrier to an area where it could drop anchor.  The United States Coast Guard had deployed its response boat from Sault Ste. Marie to be on scene to monitor.

Reports state there were no injuries to the 21 crew and no pollution was released. Canadian authorities have taken charge of the salvage plan.

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.