From the Facebook page of Interlake Steamship Co.:
(MUSKEGON, Mich.) — At approximately 10 a.m. Monday, the bulk carrier Kaye E. Barker grounded just off the Muskegon outer breakwall as it approached the harbor at a slow speed.
The vessel was freed from the sandbar Monday evening after a small amount of cargo was transferred to a barge that was brought alongside the ship. The vessel was then able to safely enter the harbor and discharged the remainder of the cargo without issue.
The vessel was loaded with approximately 25,408 net tons of stone from Meldrum Bay, Ontario, when the incident occurred. The vessel was inspected and it was determined that the soft grounding on the sandbar did not cause any damage.
No injuries were reported. There has been no pollution or any harm to the environment. Additionally, there does not appear to be any damage to the vessel.
When the vessel was loaded for Muskegon, it was loaded based upon the most recent bottom survey which indicated that there was sufficient water depth at the entrance. The sandbar developed after the last bottom survey was conducted and Interlake is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the area dredged soon.
