UPDATE: JUNE 8, 8:30 p.m.
SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Mich. — The 689-foot bulk carrier Michipicoten has safely anchored in Thunder Bay, Ont., after combating flooding in Lake Superior earlier this morning, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes.
The coast guard has assisted the Canadian bulk carrier Michipicoten to anchorage in Thunder Bay after it initially reported taking on water at approximately 7 a.m. today.
The cause of the flooding is unknown at this time.
Coast Guard assets involved in the response include two helicopters from Air Station Traverse City and a response boat from Station Bayfield.
Although no injuries were reported on the vessel, the Coast Guard coordinated with a National Park Service boat from Isle Royale to transfer 11 of the 22 crew members aboard the Michipicoten. All U.S. Coast Guard assets have been released from the scene, and the Coast Guard remains closely engaged with Canadian counterparts.
The cause of the flooding and any other damage to the bulk carrier will be investigated once the vessel has moored in Thunder Bay.
ORIGINAL REPORT
The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a freighter taking on water in Lake Superior Saturday near Grand Portage, Minnesota.
At around 7 a.m., the Coast Guard received a report that the 689-foot bulk carrier Michipicoten was experiencing flooding.
According to a USCG Great Lakes social media account, the ship – which is carrying taconite – struck something underwater while passing about 55 km southwest of Isle Royale.
Water pumps were able to displace some of the water, which reduced listing from an initially reported 15 degrees to 5 degrees. There were no signs of spillage.
“Half of the 22-person crew has since been removed from the vessel for safety,” the Coast Guard said in a news release.
“The bulk carrier is currently en route to a nearby port to complete inspections and effect repairs.”
Another freighter, the Edwin H. Gott is currently alongside the Michipicoten, and vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and National Park Service are actively involved in the response.
The Coast Guard says officials will be able to look into the cause of the flooding and get an idea of the damage to the vessel once the situation is stable.
