Bulker in winter lay-up catches fire at Bay Shipbuilding

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(STURGEON BAY, Wis.) — Firefighters from around the area were at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding on Monday morning to put out a fire on a bulk carrier in winter lay-up, the Door County Daily News reported.

The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the 858-foot Roger Blough, a self-unloading bulker. Smoke could be seen for hours after the initial call. Firefighters were still on the scene as of 11 a.m. after the fire was put out.

In a statement from Roger Blough’s operator, Keystone Shipping of Bala Cynwyd, Penn., the company announced there were no injuries to the crew, and it thanked the first responders for their response. Keystone is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to assess the damage and to determine the cause.

Roger Blough has docked at the Bay Shipbuilding several times over the years for winter repairs. In 2016, it ran aground near the Gros Cap Reef Light off the shores of Ontario. The ship was also one of the many vessels that went out to search for Edmund Fitzgerald after it sank in 1975.

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By Professional Mariner Staff