Canadian freighter Michipicoten docked in Thunder Bay, investigation underway for cause of leak

The Canadian bulk carrier freight ship Michipicoten left Two Harbors just before 5 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, Jun.7. By 7 a.m. on Saturday, the vessel was taking on water.

The nearly 700-foot freighter was located 35 miles Southwest of Isle Royale and had taken on enough water that it was listing about 15 degrees when the crew called for help. Reports that the ship was taking on water reached Cook County emergency dispatch early on Saturday. It was quickly determined, however, that given the ship’s size and location, Cook County Search and Rescue did not have the capacity to assist with the vessel. Search and Rescue confirmed with dispatch that the freighter did have adequate life rafts aboard.

The U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service were called on to ensure that crew members made it safely into harbor. According to a press release from the US Coast Guard, assistance came from stations in Traverse City, MI, and Bayfield, WI. A National Park Service boat based at Isle Royale evacuated 11 of the 22 crew members from the Michipicoten.

The US Coast Guard Great Lakes announced through X, formerly Twitter, that pumps aboard the ship were able to reduce listing. Additionally, there was not apparent spillage of the load of taconite that Michipicoten was carrying.

The initial reports that the ship was taking on water stated that ship may have collided with an underwater object. Investigators are now saying that the cause is unknown.

Michipicoten successfully reached Thunder Bay, Ontario, it’s intended destination, at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). There were no injuries reported among crew members. The vessel will remain in Thunder Bay until it can safely be moved.

Kirsten Wisniewski June 10, 2024