Debris in Steering System Causes Bulk Carrier’s $2 Million Collision with Navigation Aid
Mike Schuler
May 13, 2025
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that a piece of O-ring-type material debris caused a steering system failure that led to a bulk carrier’s collision with a navigation aid in Michigan’s St. Marys River.
The incident occurred on March 28, 2024, when the bulk carrier American Mariner struck the Munuscong Channel Junction Light near Sault Ste. Marie. The collision resulted in the vessel taking on water, though crews successfully stabilized it using pumps. The accident caused approximately $800,750 in damage to the vessel and $1.25 million in damage to the navigation structure.
Fortunately, none of the 18 crewmembers were injured, and no pollution was reported.
The American Mariner was on its maiden voyage of the season after completing winter maintenance, which included the installation of a new steering control system. During the voyage, the crew noticed intermittent steering system alarms but could not identify their cause, as the rudder appeared to be responding correctly to commands.
American Mariner’s automatic identification system trackline and upbound transit in St. Marys River on March 28, 2024. Munuscong Channel Junction Light is not to scale. (Background source: MadeSmart)
American Mariner’s automatic identification system trackline and upbound transit in St. Marys River on March 28, 2024. Munuscong Channel Junction Light is not to scale. (Background source: MadeSmart)
Post-incident investigation revealed that the vessel’s No. 1 control motor, responsible for controlling the main hydraulic pump’s stroke, had failed. Upon disassembly, technicians discovered black, pliable debris lodged between the control motor’s rotating gears, preventing proper operation. The steering system returned to normal functionality after the installation of a replacement control motor.
Electronic technicians later recalibrated the steering control system, which resolved the alarm issues, suggesting there were also problems with the calibration parameters of the newly installed control system.
The Munuscong Channel Junction Light, which serves as a critical navigational aid in the St. Marys River, consists of a navigational light and signal mounted on a fixed concrete structure.
The NTSB has released the full details of their investigation in Marine Investigation Report 25-18.
Link to report: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2518.pdf
SS Badger season opens May 16
The historic Lake Michigan auto and passenger ferry SS Badger, the last steamship operating on the Great Lakes, is back for from repairs in Wisconsin and is set to open its season Friday, May 16.
The Badger, a passenger and vehicle ferry was was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
“The S.S. Badger (is) an outstanding example of American ingenuity in transportation technology,” the National Park Service said. “One of two of the largest ferries ever to sail Lake Michigan, and the last remaining Great Lakes rail/car ferry in operation, the S.S. Badger was … designed specifically to handle the conditions of year-round passage on Lake Michigan.
The ship will depart from Ludington 9 a.m. May 16 and is expected to arrive at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, at noon (CT). The ferry will depart Manitowoc at 2 p.m. local time and arrive back in Ludington at 7 p.m. local time, the ferry company said on its website.
“Passengers will see — and even taste — the improvements aboard the 410-foot-long cross lake ferry that is beloved in her port communities supporting tourism, trade and adventure among visitors and locals. Most visible is a completely rebuilt loading apron at the Badger’s Ludington dock,” the company said.
The city of Manitowoc is inviting the public to a maiden voyage celebratory event to welcome the ship back to its western port.
Festivities will take place at the Car Ferry dock, 900 S. Lakeview Drive, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with special guests and entertainment, including the Lincoln High School marching band, alpacas from LondonDairy Alpacas, the Red Hatters, and local elementary school students. The event also will include a variety of food vendors.
What’s new this season for the Badger?
“The new (loading) apron decking will provide an enhanced loading and unloading process for vehicles,” said Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry and Interlake’s ferry operations. “This project was a multi-year investment, and we are grateful for Interlake’s commitment to assuring the Badger will sail for many years to come.”
The new season also brings greater culinary offerings.
“We have listened to our passengers and are providing some new options to make their cruise an even more enjoyable experience,” said Wesley Paggeot, Lake Michigan Carferry director of hospitality.
The Badger Galley will feature stadium-style concessions and more healthy options such as salads, fruit and vegetable cups, and fresh sandwiches. To satisfy the sweet tooth, passengers can cool off with an assortment of ice cream treats.
The Upper Deck Cafe will feature full meals with baked chicken breast, beef tips and gravy and meatloaf. The Upper Deck Cafe will also feature full breakfast, hamburgers, and other hot sandwiches.
The Cabana Room will offer a full bar that will feature a variety of adult beverages while a coffee bar will serve whole bean coffee ground for each cup. All ships’ bars will also feature new signature drinks as well.
How large is the SS Badger?
The 410-foot-long, 72-year-old ship offers the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes and an authentic steamship experience, its website says.
The ship was built in 1953 by Christy Corp.
The Badger recently underwent repairs and upgrades at a Wisconsin shipyard, but has since returned to Michigan.
The ship can carry 600 passengers and 180 vehicles. It has a crew of 50 to 60 per voyage.
The Badger operates between May and October as an auto and passenger ferry that also is capable of transporting commercial vehicles.
The spring season for the four-hour voyage between Ludington and Manitowoc runs from May 16 to June 19, the summer season from June 20 to Sept. 1, and the fall season from Sept. 2 to Oct. 12.
The SS Badger’s 2025 sailing season will also include regular overnight crossings from June 20 to Sept. 1. Overnight sailings departing Ludington will leave at 8:45 p.m. (ET) Thursday through Tuesday, arriving in Manitowoc at 11:45 p.m. Overnight sailings departing Manitowoc will leave at 1:30 a.m. (CT) Friday through Wednesday, arriving in Ludington at 6:30 a.m. (ET).
How to get tickets for the SS Badger this season
To reserve tickets for any crossing this season, visit ssbadger.com or call 800-841-4243 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).
Tickets for those 16 and older are $86 in the summer for one-way travel and $172 for round trips. Vehicles begin at $99 and $198 with additional fees for trailers and larger vehicles.
Spring tickets are $75 and $150 for individuals. Reservations are “strongly encouraged.”
Sault News
Another new Fednav vessel headed for Lakes
Later this week, another new addition to the Fednav fleet will transit the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Federal Lexi Rose, anchored at Montreal Wednesday evening, will be bound for Hamilton.
René Beauchamp
Registration Now Open for Annual Soo Boatnerd Cruise
Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Freighter Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River!
- When: Friday, June 27, 6-9 pm, rain or shine
- Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)
- Limit: 100 passengers
- Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage
- General Adult Admission:
-Early Bird Adult $35.00 each (through May 31)
-Regular Adult $40.00 each (June 1-June 20)
-Procrastinator Adult $45 each (after June 20)
- Youth Admission, age 5-17: $15 flat rate
- Youth Admission, age 4 and under: FREE
- Students (age 18+) with a current, valid i.d. get a $5 discount off an adult ticket. The student must present their student i.d. when boarding.
This year’s St. Mary’s River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 27. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters.
Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (you cannot bring alcohol).
Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Mailed checks must be received no later than Friday, June 20.
If the cruise is not sold out by June 20, we will take online or cash (US funds only) reservations at the Procrastinator Price of $45.00 per General Admission ticket. Youth ticket rates stay the same as listed above.
Click link below to buy your ticket(s) online.
Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or to request any refunds. No refunds will be issued after June 19.
