(MASON COUNTY, Mich.) — The historic Lake Michigan ferry S.S. Badger sustained damage to its stern sea gate after hitting a moored sister ship Wednesday in Ludington Harbor, MLive.com reported.
Badger struck S.S. Spartan about 6:50 p.m. while docking, officials said. No passengers were injured.
Marine engineers assessed the damage to determine what repairs were needed to safely continue operations. Badger’s passenger and vehicle ferry service, running between Ludington, Mich., and Manitowoc, Wis., was scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Thursday.
The 410-foot Badger was bought by Interlake Maritime Services in 2020. The ship has a lift gate on its stern for the ramp to the vehicle deck; it appears the gate was in the raised position as the vessel docked. The ferry can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.
