Coast Guard Investigating Incident With Presque Isle
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is currently investigating an incident with the 1,000-foot tug/barge Presque Isle. They say the vessel, operated by Great Lakes Fleet, Duluth, MN., was heading upbound on the southeast side of Neebish Island around 11 p.m. Tuesday when it had maneuverability issues.
It travelled several more miles upbound about nine miles downriver of the Soo Locks to drop anchor and do an investigation. As of 8 p.m. Wednesday she was still at anchor.
The Coast Guard said crew members aboard the vessel discovered approximately 20 gallons of hydraulic oil may have been discharged from an on-board system. There was no cargo on board. In response, a spill boom was placed around the back, or stern, of the vessel and removed all oil from the system. There was some sheen visible on the river.
“The St. Marys River was closed to unbound traffic but after Army Corps of Engineers completed a survey of the channel, the channel was reopened.” All local and tribal partners were notified. We suspect the sheen to be from residual from within the system,” said ESN Maximillian Morise, Command Center Watchstander.
Just last month, the Hon. James L. Oberstar had a similar incident in this same area.
Soo Today
Get ready to set sail at Tall Ships 2025
with DCMM and Destination Sturgeon Bay
Experience a piece of maritime history as the Tall Ships return to Sturgeon Bay July 31–August 3. This event brings four vessels to Door County: Liberty Clipper, Pride of Baltimore II, Utopia, and When and If. Each ship has its own unique story from historic voyages to missions of peace and exploration.
The last time these historic ships graced Sturgeon Bay’s shores was in 2019. Locals and visitors alike will have the chance to see these majestic vessels up close and learn their history.
Liberty Clipper and When and If will be docked at Stone Harbor Resort (107 North 1st Avenue). Pride of Baltimore II and Utopia will be docked behind DCMM (120 North Madison Avenue).
When and If and Liberty Clipper just added a Sunday, August 3 twilight sailaway, 7-9pm All other sailaways are completely SOLD OUT.
Buy tickets here: https://sturgeonbay.net/tall-ships/
