Bulk ships collide, hulls damaged in icy Straits of Mackinaw

The following is a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
(ST. IGNACE, Mich.) — The Coast Guard is investigating a collision between two vessels in the Straits of Mackinaw 15 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge March 28.

No injuries and no pollution was reported. There was reported damage to both vessels, however neither vessel is taking on water. 

 The motor vessel Cason J. Galloway and the motor vessel American Republic collided. The American Republic was beset in the ice approximately 15 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The Cason J. Galloway was attempting to clear the ice impeding the American Republic when it sheered in the ice and made contact with the American Republic. Both vessels suffered damage to the starboard sides of their forward peaks. Both vessels remain at the site pending arrival of Coast Guard investigators. The waterway has not been closed.

Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie launched a helicopter out of Air Station Traverse City. The helicopter crew surveyed the scene and confirmed there was no sign of pollution at the collision site. Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay is enroute to the site to assist the vessels.

Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie has video of the vessels available upon request.

Further inquiries can be made by phone to LT Kevin McCormack at (906) 635-3319 or via email at Kevin.J.McCormack@uscg.mil.

By Professional Mariner Staff