UPDATE 3/29/24
“The American Mariner was cleared to start its move to a place to anchor down for additional inspection,” the Coast Guard said Friday afternoon.
The Coast Guard reported that the ship is using its own power with a tug boat behind it in case it needs assistance.
The Mud Lake Junction Aid is back to being functional, they reported. Once the American Mariner clears the channel and is anchored down, all shipping traffic can resume.
3/28/24
SAULT STE. MARIE — The Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service closed the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday morning, officials said.
The river was closed from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes following an incident involving a commercial vessel.
The Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes responded to what they call a “marine casualty” in Munuscong Lake Thursday around 1 a.m.
The American Mariner, a 714-foot bulk cargo ship, suffered a marine casualty and struck the Mud Lake Junction Buoy with their bow. The vessel, which was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident, reported there were no injuries on board.
The vessel is currently anchored and reported that no pollution was caused by the incident.
Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes responded with boats from Station Sault Ste. Marie, a helicopter from Air Station Traverse City and the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, homeported in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service has closed the St. Marys River from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes until the vessel can be safely moved from the channel.
The American Mariner. Photo by Jim Lehocky, 9&10 News
The American Mariner. Photo by Jim Lehocky, 9&10 News
The American Mariner. Photo by Jim Lehocky, 9&10 News
