*UPDATE ON MICHIPICOTEN CURRENTLY IN THUNDER BAY

The 72 year old MICHIPICOTEN will depart for Superior to go on the dry dock (ETD TBD). She will have a tug escort out of Thunder Bay and about half way to Superior, they will meet a U.S. tug to escort her the rest of the way.

The starboard hull crack is 1/2 inch wide and 13 feet long. After the crack, the water seeps into a ballast tank normally used to keep the ship on an even keel while loading and unloading cargo. They have now welded straps across the crack to keep it from expanding while she is under way. Steel hulls do ripen with age and when flexed many, many times, becomes brittle leading to cracking.

Lots of inspections and safety concerns will be required to be met before she leaves Thunder Bay.

Her cargo was slowly and carefully removed by Manitoulin to not stress the spot where she is already damaged. Weather for this trip will be crucial.

For those wondering why she needs to travel – unfortunately, the dry dock in Thunder Bay, owned by Heddle, has been shut down and not available.

This is what we know now, things can and will likely, change.

Janey Anderson

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/