The U.S. Coast Guard provided an update on the Michipicoten, the vessel that began taking on water early Thursday morning in Lake Superior.
Around 11:30 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard reported that half of the Michipicoten’s 22-person crew had been removed from the ship for safety reasons. They also said the ship was en route to a nearby port to carry out inspections and carry out repairs.
The bulk carrier Edwin H. Gott stands alongside the Michipicoten as it continues its journey, with vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol and National Park Service remaining actively involved.
The situation began Saturday morning in Lake Superior.
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes said it received a report that the 689-foot Michipictoen carrying “taconite” was taking on water 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale. According to the US Coast Guard, the ship collided with an unknown object underwater, causing water to enter the ship’s interior. In response, the U.S. Coast Guard said a helicopter and several boat crews were on scene to assist.
It appears that the pumps inside the ship may have helped remove the water, causing the ship to stop tilting at a 15 degree angle and start tilting at a 5 degree angle. Additionally, no spills have been reported.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, taconite is a low-grade iron that saved Minnesota’s mining industry.
This is a developing story, 5 Eyewitness News will provide updates as we receive them.