Coast Guard Cutter, Bulk Carrier Collide on Lake Michigan
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that Cutter Hollyhock, a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender homeported in Port Huron, Mich., was involved in a collision with a 990-foot bulk carrier in northern Lake Michigan Sunday morning. The Hollyhock was conducting an ice escort at the time of the collision.
At about 10:45 a.m., the Hollyhock was breaking ice in front of the motor vessel Mesabi Miner during when the collision occurred. The cutter's crew reported significant damage to the stern and fantail, as well as two punctures in the hull about 20 feet above the waterline. The crew of the Mesabi Miner, en route to Gary, Ind., reported a 12-inch crack in the bow about 4 feet above the waterline and said the bow is pushed in about 8-12 inches.
No pollution or injuries have been reported concerning the incident and neither vessel has reported any flooding.
The Hollyhock arrived and moored up in St. Ignace, Mich., at about 8:30 p.m., Sunday. It is currently undergoing a complete damage assessment. The Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay, a 140-foot ice-breaking tug, homeported in St. Ignace, escorted the Hollyhock as a precaution.
The Mesabi Miner will unload its cargo in Gary, Ind., and then the damage and planned repairs will be assessed.
uscgnews.com