The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding to a U.S.-flagged freighter that ran aground and reported mechanical issues in the St. Marys River.
Around 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, the 806'x75' self-discharging bulk carrier Honorable James L. Oberstar reported vibrations while underway east of Neebish Island, Mich.
According to the vessel's owner, the Interlake Steamship Company, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, the ship grounded while attempting to make a turn about 30 miles downriver from the Soo Locks.
The Honorable James L. Oberstar was carrying limestone at the time of the incident and reported there were no injuries on board.
The laker, which is now at anchor, has a total maximum capacity 108,000 gals. of fuel and other product, according to the Coast Guard. No pollution has been reported.
Interlake said the vessel is stable and added that its incident response team has been on site actively supporting response efforts since the initial incident.
On Tuesday, a unified command was established consisting of the Coast Guard; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Chippewa County; and Interlake.
Federal, state, local, and partner organizations are also aiding the response. Representatives from the Northern Michigan Area Committee, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Tribe, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie are advising the unified command team.
"The [unified command’s] operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and responders, protecting wildlife and the environment, ensuring economic activities in the area are minimally affected, and the safe transit of the vessel," the Coast Guard said.
"We are working in full cooperation and coordination with the appropriate authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the third-party OSRO [oil spill removal organization], salvage response teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure a safe and effective resolution," Interlake said.
Ship's history
The ship known today as the Honorable James L. Oberstar was originally named the Shenango II, built by the American Ship Building Company, Toledo, Ohio, in 1959 as a 710' gearless bulk carrier for the Shenango Furnace Co.
The vessel was acquired by Interlake Steamship Company and renamed Charles M. Beeghly in 1967. In 1972, it was lengthened by 96' at Fraser Shipyards, Superior, Wis., and in 1981, the ship was converted at the same yard to become a self-unloader capable of discharging cargo at a rate of 6,000 tons per hour.
During its 2008–2009 winter layup at Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, Wis., the ship's General Electric Co. steam turbine power plant was replaced with two Bergen B:32:40L diesels, and diesel exhaust scrubbers were installed at the same yard in 2015.
In 2010, the vessel was renamed Honorable James L. Oberstar.
