Cargo ship incident forces temporary closure of St. Marys River

Ben Raymond
·1 min read

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WJMN) – An incident involving a cargo ship early Thursday morning resulted in the temporary closure of the St. Marys River.

According to Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes, around 1 a.m. Thursday, The American Mariner struck the Mud Lake Junction Light.

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No injuries were reported from the incident. The ship was not carrying any cargo, and no pollution has been reported as a result of the incident.

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City responds to the American Mariner marine casualty in Munuscong Lake, Michigan, March 28, 2024.
Courtesy Photo | U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City responds to the American Mariner marine casualty in Munuscong Lake, Michigan, March 28, 2024.
Courtesy Photo | USCG Great Lakes via X
Courtesy Photo | USCG Great Lakes via X

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes sent boats to assist at the scene. A helicopter from Air Station Traverse City and the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay also joined in the effort.

Just before 3:00 p.m. the cutter Katmai Bay was on scene assisting the American Mariner.
Just before 3:00 p.m. the cutter Katmai Bay was on scene assisting the American Mariner.

The St. Marys River is closed from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes while work begins to move the ship out of the waterway.

The incident comes less than a week after the Soo Locks opened early for the 2024 shipping season.

As of late Thursday night, the American Mariner was safely anchored. Efforts continue on Friday to remove the vessel from the waterway.

On Friday afternoon, the USCG posted via X, “Inspections are still underway on the AMERICAN MARINER with no reported pollution. Once it is determined that the vessel can be safely moved, the channel will be reopened. Canadian Coast Guard Ship SAMUEL RISELY is en route to provide on-scene support.”

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