MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie responded to a report by a submerged tug along the breakwater outside Marquette on Friday.
At 11:40 am on January 15, the Coast Guard received a report from a tugboat submerged in 26 feet of water off the breakwater at Marquette.
The 30-foot tug was transiting to the lower port when it lost strength and hit the breakwall due to local weather conditions. The two people on board were able to safely disembark from the ship, with no reports of injuries. Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Coast Guard Pollution Officers reported the scene.
The barge owner started rescue operations to remove the vessel. The maximum pollution potential was determined at 100 gallons of oil and diesel. There is no glow coming from the vase. The Coast Guard continues to work together with EGLE and the ship’s owner to mitigate damage to the environment.
The Coast Guard is in coordination with EGLE to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. Local emergency managers were notified of the sunken ship.
The photo above shows the rescue barge along the breakwater at Marquette. The sunken tug is visible on the right side of the photo.
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