U.S. Coast Guard: Canadian Freighter Evacuated After Taking on Water in Lake Superior

A 689-foot ship began taking on water after colliding with an underwater object in Lake Superior on Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said.

The massive freighter, known as the Michipicoten, was carrying taconite — a low-grade iron ore — about 35 miles southwest of Michigan’s Isle Royale when it hit the obstacle, Fox News reported. 

The USCG received a report at around 6:53 a.m. local time, hearing that 22 people were on board. Half needed to be evacuated “for safety,” officials said in a press release.

#HappeningNow #News – #USCG received report at 6:53 a.m. from 689’ M/V MICHIPICOTEN w/ 22 POB, that they allided with something underwater and are taking on water, approx. 35 miles SW of #IsleRoyale #LakeSuperior

AIRSTA Traverse City helo and STA Bayfield boat crews en route. pic.twitter.com/5kLUyLadev

— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) June 8, 2024

The nearly thousand-foot bulk carrier Edwin H. Gott, owned by the Great Lakes Fleet, accompanied the Michipicoten along with USCG boats, helicopters, and other official vessels to anchorage in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

#Update 4 – #USCG and partner agencies have assisted the M/V MICHIPICOTEN to anchorage in #ThunderBay, #Ontario #LakeSuperior

Read the press release here:https://t.co/LOCRK9q0dy pic.twitter.com/eY5A1BYp88

— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) June 9, 2024

The Michipicoten is owned and operated by Canadian shipping firm Lower Lakes Towing, according to the Marine Traffic database. 

The USCG said there was no sign of anything from the boat contaminating the water, and that the cause of the damage is under investigation.