Coast Guard Helping Star Line Ferry Vessel in the Straits of Mackinac
UPDATE:
According to the Coast Guard, all 144 passengers have been transferred to The Senator and were safely brought to St. Ignace.
The four Huron crewmembers stayed aboard the ship. Katmai Bay stood by while the towing arrangements were finalized.
“Tonight’s incident can serve as a reminder that life on the Great Lakes is far from predictable,” said Lt. Tyler Carslgaard of Sector Sault Ste. Marie. “Fortunately good cooperation and simple precautions like making sure everyone on board was wearing a life jacket helped everyone get home safely.”
The CEO of Arnold Line Ferry who sent their freight ferry to the rescue says they’re glad they could help.
“It’s just all about when an emergency situation comes up. We are all out to help each other out and we’re here to assist. And it is a satisfying to know that all the training that everyone does in the marine industry, you know. It just makes everyone’s job easier. And it’s, we’re proud that we were able to help,” said Veronica Dobrowolski, CEO and Co-owner of Arnold Freight Company.
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The Coast Guard is responding to the Straits of Mackinac Tuesday after a ferry with passengers aboard lost steering off Mackinac Island after departing the island.
The Star Line Ferry vessel Huron lost steering about 6 p.m. and is currently drifting slowly with the current and in no danger of grounding, according to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay is on its way to help by towing the Huron.
Meanwhile the Arnold Line freight vessel, The Senator, has responded and taken all Huron passengers on board, headed toward St. Ignace.
2 of 2: … and is currently drifting slowly with the current and in no danger of grounding. The Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, which was breaking ice in the area, is enroute to assist, as is an Arnold Line freight vessel. More details will be released as they become available.
— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) April 5, 2022
Update: (2 of 2) … Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, which was breaking ice in the area and has diverted to assist. Huron continues to drift slowly in open water and is not in distress. Will update as info becomes available.
— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) April 6, 2022
