(MILWAUKEE, Wis.) — The U.S. Coast Guard responded Monday after it was reported that the towing vessel Michigan was sinking in the Kinnickinnic River in the Port of Milwaukee.
The National Response Center reported the incident to Coast Guard watch standers at 11:27 a.m., stating that the 112-foot tug – part of an articulated tug-barge (ATB) with the petroleum carrier Great Lakes – had begun taking on water while moored and partially sank in 26 feet of water.
The Coast Guard determined that Michigan had up to 40,000 gallons of oil and fuel on board. No pollution was reported, but responders deployed 100 feet of containment boom with absorbent material as a precaution.
U.S. Venture, the owner of the tug, activated its vessel response plan and contacted a marine salvage group after the incident. Personnel from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee Harbor Patrol, the Port of Milwaukee also responded.
