Bulker refloated after eight days aground on Lake Superior reef

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The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.) — The U.S. Coast Guard continued to monitor and respond as the motor vessel Roger Blough was safely anchored in Waiska Bay on Saturday afternoon. The vessel ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.

The vessel made way under its own power to Waiska Bay where it will be further evaluated for repairs and its remaining cargo transferred to other vessels.

Lightering operations ended early Saturday morning and the vessel was refloated at 10:45 a.m.

M/V Philip R. Clarke arrived on scene with Blough on Thursday afternoon, and lightering operations started Friday at 5:45 a.m.

Plans continue to progress to lighter Blough’s iron ore and conduct detailed damage assessments through the combined efforts of Canadian partners, company representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Waiska Bay anchorage area is closed to all vessels not part of the operation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided assistance for lightering operations and will ensure the Birch Point Range channel is safe for navigation.

An overflight was scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

By Professional Mariner Staff