According to news, the Canadian-flagged M/V Michipicoten, a 689-foot bulk carrier transporting taconite, was safely escorted to Thunder Bay, Ontario, after experiencing severe flooding in Lake Superior on 8th June.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes received the distress call around 7 a.m. The Michipicoten’s crew of 22 reported an unexpected collision with an underwater object, resulting in water ingress.
Initially, the vessel was listing 15 degrees to starboard, raising concerns about a possible capsize. However, the ship’s pumps reduced the list to 5 degrees, mitigating the capsize risk.
Responding to the situation, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service dispatched two helicopters from Air Station Traverse City and a response boat from Station Bayfield to the scene.
To ensure crew safety, 11 of the 22 crew members were transferred from the Michipicoten to a National Park Service boat from Isle Royale.
Despite the serious circumstances, no injuries were reported among the crew.
As explained, the M/V Manitowoc, a self-unloading freighter of the River Class, was built in 1973.
