Canadian bulker runs aground in Michigan waters
San Francisco: A Canadian bulk carrier that ran aground in the St Mary’s River in Michigan on Wednesday will probably be there for a few days before it can be moved, authorities said.
The 603-foot lake freighter Mississagi (15,787 dwt, built 1943), carrying a load of stone from Bruce Mines, Ontario, got stuck in Potagannissing Bay approximately 4 miles northeast of De Tour Village near St Joseph Island.
US Coast Guard inspectors are investigating the incident and plan to send another ship to remove the Mississagi’s cargo.
The grounding happened around 1am on Wednesday and the USCG sent two boats – from Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace – and a helicopter from Air Station Traverse City to look out for spillage.
The USCG set up a 500-yard safety zone around the Mississagi but there was no halt caused to traffic on the river. No crew members were hurt in the grounding and no pollution occurred.