Shipwreck Log

The 158 meter long, 19414 self-unloading bulk freighter Alpena became trapped in Ice in Green Bay, Lake Michigan.  The Alpena had stopped during the night when it encountered thick ice.   The freighter became trapped as the ice and water around the vessel refroze.   Two Coast Guard Cutters arrived the following day and freed the Alpena.   The Cutters began ice breaking operations in the southern section of Green Bay.   No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

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During it’s first voyage of 2012, the 125 meter long, 3058 dwt ro-ro ferry S.S. Badger ran aground in the harbor at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The Badger had left Ludington, Michigan behind schedule when it reached Manitowoc.   As it approached the pier,  it became struck bottom in the harbor.   A tug was requested and a few hours it was able to assist the ferry to the pier.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.  The Badger remained in Manitowoc another four hours after one of the engines suffered a malfunction.

photo: USCG

The integrated tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons went aground on Lake Michigan just outside the breakwall at Manistee, Michigan.  The vessel suffered damaged to its a shaft and suffered water ingress into the engine room.   The vessel requested assistance and was supplied de-watering pumps by the Coast Guard.   The vessel was later freed by tugs and proceeded to Sturgeon Bay where a diver will conduct an inspection.   There were no reported injuries, but there was small amount of oil pollution released.  Reports state the navigation channel has not been dredged since 2010 and silting most likely led to the grounding.   The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident.

The 630 foot, 19335 dwt self-unloading freighter Manitowoc went aground on Lake Michigan off the breakwater piers of the St. Joseph River, Michigan.   The Manitowoc was attempting to enter the twin harbors of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor with a cargo of 12,500 tons of limestone when it struck shallow waters.   A sounding showed the water level was at 18 feet with the freighter requiring 18.9 feet.   The channel depth was to be maintained at a depth of 21 feet, but dredging maintenance has not been funded for many smaller ports in the Great Lakes.  The Manitowoc was able to free itself and was able to proceed after an inspection.   No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.