Bulk carrier safely anchored after flooding in Lake Superior

TThe distress call was received by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northern Great Lakes Sector at around 7 a.m. The 22-member crew of the Michipicoten reported an unexpected collision with an underwater object, which had led to water ingress.

Initially the ship had a list of 15 degrees to starboard, raising fears that it might capsize. However, the ship’s pumps reduced the list to 5 degrees, reducing the risk of capsizing.

In response to the situation, the U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service dispatched two helicopters from Traverse City Air Force Base and a response boat from Bayfield Station to the scene.

To ensure the safety of the crew, 11 of the 22 crew members were transferred from Michipicoten to a National Park Service boat from Isle Royale.

Despite the serious circumstances, no injuries were reported among the crew.

As explained, the M/V Manitowoc, a River-class self-unloading freighter, was built in 1973.