US-Flagged Bulk Carrier Briefly Grounds in Michigan

The U.S.-flagged bulk MV Calumet ran aground in Michigan’s Saginaw River on Thursday night after high winds pushed the ship off course and set the stern against the channel’s edge, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. The ship was refloated about 12 hours later.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it received a report of a 630-foot long soft Calumet aground at 8:00 p.m. near the Lake State Railroad Bridge, in the Saginaw River.

The vessel was obstructing traffic in the channel, although there were no inbound or outbound vessels expected within 24 hours.

An update from the Coast Guard on Friday said the ship was successfully refloated this morning at 7:50 a.m. with the help of tug Kurt Luedtke. The ship transited under its own power to BVD Dock in the Saginaw River. No one was injured and there were no indications of leakage or pollution from the ship.

The MV Calumet is reportedly carrying approximately 19,000 metric tons of limestone and 96,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The U.S. Coast Guard worked with the vessel owner, Grand River Navigation Company Inc, Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy, and Lake State Railway to assist with the response and salvage plan.

MV Calumet is one of five U.S.-flagged self-unloading bulk carriers operated by Grand River Navigation, the U.S. operating company of Rand Logistics. Rand also uniquely operates a fleet of nine Canadian self-unloading and conventional bulk carriers.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up