A bulk carrier navigating the St. Clair River had a close call on Tuesday afternoon when it nearly allided with a seawall near Port Huron, Michigan. The incident occurred just below the Blue Water Bridge and was captured on drone footage, showing the vessel coming within meters of the riverbank.
Incident Details and Vessel Movement
The near-miss took place around 1:45 p.m. as the vessel was moving upstream toward Lake Huron on the U.S. side of the International Blue Water Bridges. Despite the strong current and narrow channel, the crew managed to regain control and avoid impact.
Vessel Specifications and Background
Built in the late 1970s at a shipyard in Ohio, the vessel is designed for self-unloading operations and is typically used for transporting bulk materials such as iron ore across the Great Lakes. It is powered by twin 16-cylinder diesel engines and features a 1,000 horsepower bow thruster to assist with tight maneuvering near ports.
Safety Response and Aftermath
No injuries or environmental damage were reported following the incident. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the cause, but maritime safety experts suggest mechanical or navigational challenges could have played a role. An investigation is likely to follow, considering the narrow escape and potential risk to infrastructure.
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Source: gCaptain
