Great Lakes Towing helps refloat bulk carrier

(CLEVELAND) — The 603-foot Canadian bulk carrier Mississagi was successfully refloated by The Great Lakes Towing Company on Saturday, April 25 by 1 p.m. with no injuries or pollution, after the vessel went aground earlier that morning on the St. Marys River at Big Trout Island in U.S. waters.

The vessel was transiting downbound the St. Marys River from Bruce Mines, Ontario, early Wednesday carrying more than 17,000 tons of stone when it ran aground in Potagannissing Bay. Once on scene, the towing company’s tug Missouri responded and freed the vessel within five hours.

Capt. Mike Patterson, tug captain for The Great Lakes Towing Company in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., was the first to respond. “One of the things I’ve always liked best about this job is that a captain can’t do it alone. We work as a team.” Patterson worked with his crew to quickly and safely free Mississagi. Paterson’s crew included mate Evan Keating, engineer Fred Carr and deck hand Dan Gallagher.

The Great Lakes Towing Company offers lakes-wide comprehensive towing service with readily available "around the clock" tugs and crews. In addition to harbor services, the company provides emergency assistance to vessels that are wrecked, disabled, or in distress on the Great Lakes. No claim for salvage under the maritime laws is made by the towing company for emergency services provided under the company’s contract. 

To learn more, visit www.thegreatlakestowingcompany.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff