| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: June 9, 2016 |
Lightering operations completed on motor vessel Roger Blough
SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. (June 6) - The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond to the motor vessel Roger Blough after the vessel ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.
Lightering operations continue while the vessel is anchored in Waiska Bay to transfer its cargo to the Philip R. Clarke and Arthur M. Anderson.
The Arthur M. Anderson joined the cargo transfer efforts Saturday.
A detailed damage assessment will be conducted once the iron ore is completely off-loaded from the Blough. Results from the assessment will determine the extent of repairs and mode of transit to its final destination.
The Waiska Bay anchorage area remains closed to all vessels not part of the operation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided assistance during the initial lightering operations and have confirmed the Birch Point Range channel is safe for navigation.
Motor vessel Roger Blough safely anchored in Waiska Bay
SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. (June 4) - The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond as the motor vessel Roger Blough is safely anchored in Waiska Bay, Saturday afternoon, after the vessel ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.
The vessel made way under its own power to Waiska Bay where it will be further evaluated for repairs and its remaining cargo transferred to other vessels.
Lightering operations ended early Saturday morning and the vessel was refloated at 10:45 a.m.
The Philip R. Clarke arrived on scene with the Blough Thursday afternoon, and lightering operations started Friday at 5:45 a.m.
Plans continue to progress to lighter the Blough's iron ore and conduct detailed damage assessments through the combined efforts of Canadian partners, company representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Waiska Bay anchorage area is closed to all vessels not part of the operation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided assistance for lightering operations and will ensure the Birch Point Range channel is safe for navigation.
An overflight is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Lightering operations begin on Roger Blough in Lake Superior
SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. (June 3) - The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond as lightering operations begin on the motor vessel Roger Blough, Friday, after the vessel ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.
The Philip R. Clarke arrived on scene with the Blough Thursday afternoon, and lightering operations started Friday at 5:45 a.m.
The safety perimeter has been increased from 500 yards to 750 yards.
Plans continue to progress to safely free the Blough from Gros Cap Reef through the combined efforts of Canadian partners, company representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Boom remains in place at the rear of the vessel as a preventative measure against pollution and Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response personnel are in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a large inventory of pollution control equipment with procedures in place and equipment readily available for all possible ship-source spill scenarios.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be providing assistance for lightering operations and will ensure the Birch Point Range channel is safe for navigation after the Blough is removed from the grounding site.
There have been no changes in the rate of flooding and the crew remains in good condition.
A Transport Canada overflight was conducted Thursday afternoon and reported no pollution.
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