SAULT STE. MARIE — An investigation into a marine casualty incident involving the Hon. James L. Oberstar freighter is continuing, as the U.S. Coast Guard announced on Tuesday, June 10 it had established a Unified Command.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 8 when the 800-foot freighter experienced vibrations while underway east of Neebish Island in the St. Marys River, prompting concerns that it might have struck something in the water. The freighter then anchored in Hay Lake, where it remained as of Tuesday, according to the Coast Guard.
The Unified Command was established to continue the response to the marine casualty incident while response and salvage efforts are ongoing.
According to the Coast Guard, the Hon. James L. Oberstar has a total maximum capacity of 108,000 gallons of fuel and other product. It is currently carrying a cargo of limestone. There have been no reports of pollution in the water or surrounding area, and no injuries onboard have been reported.
The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Chippewa County and Interlake Steamship Company. Multiple federal, state, local and partner organizations are also assisting in the response, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Tribe and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Coast Guard officials said the command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and responders, protecting wildlife and the environment, ensuring economic activities in the area are minimally affected, and the safe transit of the vessel.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Investigation into Hon. James L. Oberstar freighter incident on St. Marys River continues
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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