The Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock was involved in a collision with a 990' motor vessel in northern Lake Michigan Sunday morning.
The Hollyhock, a 225' sea-going buoy tender homeported in Port Huron, Mich., was conducting an ice escort at the time of the collision.
At about 10:45 a.m., the Hollyhock was breaking ice in front of the motor vessel Mesabi Miner when the collision occurred. The cutter's crew reported significant damage to the stern and fantail, as well as two punctures in the hull about 20' above the waterline. The crew of the Mesabi Miner, en route to Gary, Ind., reported a 12" crack in the bow about 4' above the waterline and said the bow is pushed in about 8 to 12".
No pollution or injuries have been reported concerning the incident and neither vessel has reported any flooding.
The Hollyhock arrived and moored up in St. Ignace, Mich., at about 8:30 p.m., Sunday. It is currently undergoing a complete damage assessment. The Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay, a 140' ice-breaking tug, homeported in St. Ignace, escorted the Hollyhock as a precaution.
The Mesabi Miner will unload its cargo in Gary, Ind., and then the damage and planned repairs will be assessed.
