Tugboat and Dredger Capsize and Sink in Lake Huron

Posted in Barge Accidents,Tug Boat Accidents on July 19, 2012

A 110-foot dredge and the tugboat that was pushing it capsized and partially sank Thursday morning in Lake Huron, spilling diesel but luckily sparing any injuries to crewmembers.

The USCG said it received a call at approximately 4:35 am saying that the M/V Arthur J., a 110-foot dredge, sank and the M/V Madison, a 38-foot tugboat, had capsized about five nautical miles north-northwest of the entrance to the St. Clair River, just one mile from the Michigan shoreline.

Both vessels are owned by MCM Marine Inc., based in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  The company has reported that the tugboat has some 300 gallons of diesel fuel aboard and the barge was loaded 1,500 gallons diesel along with a minor amount of lube oil for dredging equipment.

The USCG says that a 500-foot sheen was initially reported and emergency agencies responding to the scene have deployed more than 1,400-feet of boom.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known however cleanup crews have been experiencing some delays due to some heavy weather in the area.  Specifically, reports of 2- to 4-foot seas with 15- to 20-knot winds and heavy rain have been reported from the scene.