On Saturday morning, the US Coast Guard reported that a freighter stretching 689 feet struck an unseen object underwater in Lake Superior close to Grand Portage, Minnesota. The incident resulted in the ship taking on water and necessitated the evacuation of approximately 11 out of the 22 crew members on board.
The freighter, named Michipicoten, was laden with taconite – a form of iron ore – and was positioned some 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale when the flooding began.
Despite its proximity to the incident, Isle Royale is actually administered as part of Michigan.
A reassuring update indicated that no pollutants had escaped into the surrounding waters, as the vessel’s onboard pumps worked assiduously to manage the ingress. Their efforts successfully reduced the ship’s list from an initial 15 degrees down to 5 degrees.
The Michipicoten is currently en route to port for necessary repairs while being accompanied by the bulk carrier Edwin H. Gott.
In response to the incident, the US Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and National Park Service boats are actively engaged at the site, the Coast Guard confirms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the freighter in Lake Superior?
A: The freighter, named Michipicoten, hit an underwater object and started taking on water, resulting in the evacuation of some crew members.
Q: Were there any environmental impacts from the incident?
A: No, there were no pollutants reported to have spilled into the lake, and the freighter’s onboard pumps are actively managing the water ingress.
Q: What measures are being taken following the incident?
A: The ship is headed to port for repairs with the assistance of another bulk carrier, and various US agencies, including the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and National Park Service, are involved in the response.
Q: Is the collision under investigation?
A: Yes, the cause of the collision is currently under investigation to understand how it occurred.
Q: Where did the collision take place?
A: The collision took place in Lake Superior, near Grand Portage, Minnesota, which is roughly 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale.