SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE: The Michipicoten is safely anchored in Thunder Bay, Ontario after taking on water in Lake Superior early Saturday morning.
USCG Sector Northern Great Lakes assisted the Canadian bulk carrier to anchorage.
No injuries were reported on the vessel, but the USCG coordinated with a National Park Service boat from Isle Royale to transfer 11 of the 22 crew members aboard the Michipicoten.
The cause of the flooding is unknown at this time. The cause of the flooding and any other damage to the carrier will be investigated once the vessel has moored in Thunder Bay.
USCG assets involved in the response included two helicopters from the Air Station Traverse City and a response boat from Station Bayfield. ALL USCG vessels have been released from the scene. The USCG remains closely engaged with Canadian counterparts.
Original report:
The U.S. Coast Guard reports a bulk carrier crossing Lake Superior has taken on water early Saturday morning.
The USCG says the 689-foot bulk carrier Michipicoten sent a call around 7 a.m. that the carrier was experiencing flooding near Grand Portage, Minn. while in transit southwest of Isle Royale National Park.
At the time of the press release, about half of the 22-person crew had been removed from the vessel for safety.
The bulk carrier is en route to a nearby port to complete inspections and effect repairs. The cause of the flooding and any other damage to the vessel will be investigated once the situation is stabilized. As of approximately 3 p.m., MarineTraffic.com indicated the Michipicoten was nearing Thunder Bay, Canada.
The bulk carrier Edwin H. Gott is currently alongside the Michipicoten, and USCG, Border Patrol, and National Park Service vessels are also actively involved.
