SS Badger collides with sistership at Ludington Harbor

Last week, the historic Great Lakes passenger-and-car ferry SS Badger sustained damage to its stern sea gate on Sept. 17, after colliding with its permanently moored sistership, the SS Spartan.

The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. while the 410’ Badger was backing down into its dock in Ludington Harbor. The vessel overshot its intended position and struck the Spartan, which has been stationed in the harbor since it was retired from service. Officials said the collision occurred after the Badger’s engines failed to respond during docking. The precise cause of the malfunction has not yet been reported.

Lake Michigan Carferry, which operates the Badger, said marine engineers immediately inspected the vessel following the collision. The stern sea gate was damaged during the contact. The gate was removed overnight, and the Badger resumed its regularly scheduled 9 a.m. departure from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wis., the following morning.

The company said the inspection and repairs were carried out to ensure the vessel’s continued safe operation. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.