Minntac investigating mine structure collapse, no injuries
Mountain Iron, MN – Minntac is investigating following a structural failure that led to a collapse at their Mountain Iron, Minnesota mine. Photos of the scene show a conveyor system collapsed on a pile of taconite pellets.
According to Minntac officals, the were no injuries as a result of the collapse and they are not anticipating an impact to customers or the supply chain.
“Today at Minntac we had a structural failure on the conveyor system. We are investigating the cause and developing plans for repair. The area was cordoned off at the time of the incident, so there was no one in the area. There was no danger to personnel at any time, and there were no injuries. At this time, we do not anticipate impact to our customers or supply chain,” said Amanda Malkowski, with United States Steel.
Local USW leaders say it’s too early to tell if there will be impacts to production or on jobs, but they will be a part of the investigation.
Coast Guard working to ease ice jam in St. Clair River
St. Clair, MI – Authorities have been working to break up an ice jam in the St. Clair River amid wintry conditions and rising water levels.
U.S. officials are working alongside the Canadian Coast Guard to break up the ice. The Canadian Coast Guard is reportedly sending two vessels through the river Thursday and over the coming days to help break up the ice and address the blockage.
The news comes after a snowstorm passed through Southeast Michigan on Wednesday, leaving anywhere from 3-11 inches of snow — much less than initially forecasted for the region. Towns along the St. Clair River like Algonac and Marine City received 4.2 inches and 5.5 inches of snow, respectfully, as of Thursday morning.
18 rescued on Lake Erie after ice sheet breaks away during snowmobile ride
More than a dozen people were rescued in Lake Erie after a sheet of ice broke away while they were riding snowmobiles, officials said.
The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan saved 18 people off the coast of Catawba Island in Ohio after the ice floe broke away, the agency said. All of the rescued were on ATVs and snowmobiles, according to the Coast Guard.
Rescue efforts started at about 1 p.m. after a Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Detroit noticed people stuck on the ice. Seven people were rescued by helicopter, while four were rescued by a Coast Guard airboat. Seven others were rescued by a good Samaritan who arrived at the scene with an airboat.
Officials warned people seeking recreation on the ice “to take precautions, not chances” by dressing appropriately for the water temperature, not the air temperature; wearing a life jacket; carrying a reliable form of communication; and carrying icepicks or screwdrivers that can help them self-rescue if they go through the ice.
“There’s no such thing as safe ice, but people can mitigate their risks,” Lt. Jeremiah Schiessel of the Coast Guard Sector Detroit said in a statement. “Always be sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Great Lakes ice is unpredictable, and conditions can change fast.”
ABC
Journal of the World Ship Society demolitions for February
Vessels with Great Lakes / Seaway connections reported as a casualty or sold for demolition, taken from February 2022 issue of Marine News – Journal of the World Ship Society.
Casualties: None
Sold for Demolition: Gold Tulip (9141405; Comoros) (Golden Tulip-21, Kristin Knutsen-18 – 1st seaway trip 2013) 12,184 / 1998 – Chemical / Products tanker. By Golden Tulip Ltd (Golden Ships Management Co Ltd), Liberia, to Leela Responsible Recycling LL, India and arrived at Alang 24.10.2021 – commenced demolition 26.10.2021
Mississagi (5128467; Canada) (1st seaway trip 2001) (Hill Annex-43, George A Sloan-01) 10,588 / 1943 – Bulk Carrier self-discharging laker. By Lower Lakes Towing Ltd, Canada, to Canadian breakers, and arrived Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario 6.10.2021 – commenced demolition
6.10.2021
Report prepared by Barry Andersen and René Beauchamp
