Accident closes St. Marys River (update)

11:25 a.m. update:

The following information was released by the US Coast Guard:

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes responded to a marine casualty in Munuscong Lake, Mich., this morning.

At approximately 1 a.m., the American Mariner, a 714-foot bulk cargo ship, suffered a marine casualty and struck the Mud Lake Junction Buoy with their bow. The vessel, which was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident, reported there were no injuries on board. The vessel is currently anchored and reported that no pollution was caused by the incident.

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes responded with boats from Station Sault Ste. Marie, a helicopter from Air Station Traverse City and the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, homeported in Sault Ste. Marie. The Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service has closed the St. Marys River from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes until the vessel can be safely moved from the channel.

10:45 a.m. update

A laker struck a mud lake navigational aid reports SooLeader's Jim Lehocky who is currently on the scene.

A United States Coast Guard (USCG) Northern Great Lakes Sector spokesperson on the scene reports no injuries, deaths, or observable leakage.

Also on the scene are two tugs, the Anglian Lady and the W. I. Scott Purvis. A coast guard ship is near the vessel in distress apparently assisting in efforts to free it and to monitor the situation.

More information is expected soon from the USCG.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We incorrectly reported that the ship ran aground in an earlier version of this story. 

Original story 8:35 a.m.

Traffic on the St. Marys River is at a stand still following a vessel accident, also known as a marine casualty, near Munuscong Lake Junction.

This year's shipping season officially opened less than a week ago on March 22 as the Joseph L. Block locked through the Poe Lock.

The following news release was issued by the US Coast Guard:

The Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River closed the St. Marys River from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes following a marine casualty to a commercial vessel near Munuscong Lake Junction.

There is currently no estimated time for re-opening of the St. Marys River. Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River will provide updates on the restoration of the waterway as conditions improve.

Further inquiries can be made by phone to at 906-635-3299 or via email at SOOTFC@USCG.MIL