Presque Isle Incident Investigation Continues
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes continues to investigate an incident with the 1,000-foot tug/barge Presque Isle. 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.
Although not officially confirmed, local waterfront reports indicate the Presque Isle may have lost her starboard rudder and possibly some propellor blades either before, or after, the incident.
Wednesday evening the supply boat Ojibway made an unusual trip down to the Nine Mile Anchorage. Ojibway was only alongside for a short time before heading back upbound. Ojibway paid another visit Thursday afternoon with American Bureau of Shipping representatives on board. The Corps of Engineers survey vessel J.D. Mackin has been working in the Johnson’s Point area.
A no swimming advisory for the area where Presque Isle grounded has been lifted by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP). The U.S. Coast Guard said crew members aboard the Presque Isle discovered approximately 20 gallons of hydraulic oil may have been discharged from an on-board system.
VIDEO: The Ship That Built Cleveland: William G. Mather
The William G. Mather was built in 1925 for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company Great Lakes fleet. During its 55 year career, it broke tonnage records and was the first U.S. ship certified with an automated boiler. Since 1991, this floating museum has been a staple of Cleveland’s lakefront and is nicknamed the ship that built Cleveland. In this video we’ll take a look at its impressive history and go on a tour from stem to stern.
