Robert S. Pierson free after running aground in the Detroit River

   DETROIT (WXYZ) — People walking along the Detroit River Thursday morning were greeted with a surprise: another freighter stuck in the mud. This marks the second vessel to run aground in the area within the last month.
   The freighter Robert S. Pierson became stuck Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m. in front of William Milliken State Park, according to the United States Coast Guard. Tugboats eventually freed the 630-foot vessel from the mud.
   Two tugboats worked throughout the night and morning to free her.
   James McMullen from Detroit was on his morning walk and stopped to see the tug boats in action, trying to move the Robert S. Pierson. “It is pretty magnificent despite the unfortunate circumstances,” McMullen said.
   Ethan Severson from St. Clair Shores said these incidents have been pretty common over the last few years. “Second one this year and fourth one in the last four years,” Severson said.
   Freighters running aground has become a common sight in the Detroit River. Earlier this month, the 730-foot Paul J. Martin ran aground in the same area.
   “I don’t know how it got stuck here,” Severson said. Severson works on tugboats like the ones used to help free the Robert S. Pierson, which was stuck in 24 feet of water about 30 feet from the breakwall. He came down to photograph the freighter after hearing about it on social media.
   “All along here along the shoreline is completely mud,” Severson said.
   Severson explained the tugboats’ strategy. “What they’re trying to do is use the mud and the suction. They’re trying to rotate her, kind of like having it sitting in and rotate her in while the main ship pulls the stern and pulls her into the main river,” Severson said.
   According to the Coast Guard, the Robert S. Pierson was fully loaded with over 18,000 tons of stone. The vessel became stuck shortly after leaving Windsor on its way to Lorain, Ohio.
   The Coast Guard reported no crew members were injured and there was no pollution or impact to other freighter traffic. Tugboats eventually freed the ship from the mud, and it returned to Windsor for inspection.
   Mike Arkison was on the way to the Lions game and stopped by to see the stuck frieghter and the progress in freeing her from the mud.
   “It’s crazy, and it’s amazing that these tugboats are even able to push that thing,” Arkison said.

[WXYZ Detroit]

Thanksgiving gales send vessels to anchor around lakes

FRIDAY UPDATE: While some vessels are now on the move, many are still anchor. The Welland Canal remained closed Friday morning.

ORIGINAL REPORT: With a severe winter storm bringing high winds and snow to much of the Great Lakes basin, many vessels have gone to anchor while others are taking courses that put them in the lee of the Michigan and Wisconsin shores.

LIST UPDATED LATE THURSDAY:

LAKE SUPERIOR
   By Wednesday evening, Atlantic Huron was anchored off Superior, WI, and will load when the James R. Barker leaves. American Century and Stewart J. Cort were anchored in Terrace Bay, just west of Marathon, ON, on the north shore of Lake Superior.

ST. MARYS RIVER
   Onego Duero, Kaye E. Barker, Victory/Maumee, Patagonman, CSL St. Laurent and Sharon M 1/barge Huron Spirit were anchored above DeTour. Goulais Bay, above the locks on the Canadian side, hosted Hon. James L. Oberstar, Joseph L. Block, Captain Henry Jackman and Joyce L. VanEnkevort. Algoma Mariner was anchored off Bay Mills. By Thursday morning, Algoma Bear and John D. Leitch had joined the Thanksgiving party, dropping their hooks on northern Lake Huron just southwest of DeTour.

LAKE MICHIGAN
   Wilfred Sykes and Dirk S. VanEnkevort anchored off Port Inland. Clyde S. VanEnkevort found shelter off the Sturgeon Bay ship canal, but resumed her trip Thursday morning. Manitowoc was on the hook off Milwaukee, while American Spirit anchored off Waukegan. American Integrity is anchored north of Indiana Harbor.

LAKE HURON
   Saginaw tucked herself into the north lee of Cockburn Island (but was on the move Thursday mornkng) while Algoma Compass anchored near Meldrum Bay. Algosolis is tucked in north of St. Ignace. Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Algoma Equinox, Federal Bering, Federal Beaufort, Federal Yukina, Drawsko, Gaia Desgagnes and Johanna G were anchored at the southern end of Lake Huron. American Courage and Algoma Compass are stopped in Saginaw Bay.

LAKE ERIE
   With sieche conditions on Lake Erie, several vessels were sheltering in the lee of Long Point including Whitefish Bay, Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, Manitoulin, Algoma Endeavour, Tamarack, Algoberta, Algocanada and Northern Venture. Cedar Point is providing shelter for Algoma Intrepid, Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder, Algoma Innovator, Algoma Niagara and H. Lee White.

WELLAND CANAL
   Weather has also closed the Welland Canal, sending several vessels to anchor at the Lake Ontario end, including Federal Nakagawa, Federal Hunter, Bonita Ann, FWN Alantide and Barbouni. Torrent is moored at the Port Weller Pier, Blair McKeil is stopped at Thorold and Federal Welland is cooling her heels at Port Colborne.

[Baotnerd Staff Reports]