1,000-foot ship nearly strikes seawall under U.S. border
Freighter's Near Miss Sparks Coast Guard Investigation
PORT HURON, MI — A dramatic incident unfolded earlier this week when a 1,000-foot Great Lakes freighter narrowly avoided colliding with a seawall beneath the Blue Water Bridge, which connects the United States and Canada. The M/V American Spirit veered alarmingly close to the Michigan riverbank while navigating the St. Clair River on Tuesday, May 27. Fortunately, the vessel corrected its course just in time, preventing a potential disaster.
Incident Details and Response
At approximately 1:45 p.m., video footage captured the M/V American Spirit drifting dangerously close to the western bank of the St. Clair River. The ship, which was heading north towards Lake Huron, appeared to be on a collision course with the seawall before it managed to regain its proper trajectory. The U.S. Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident, although Lt. Phillip Gurther confirmed that no collision occurred. “We are looking into it,” he stated, emphasizing that they are aware of the situation.
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The American Spirit is a self-unloading bulk carrier operated by the American Steamship Company, a subsidiary of Rand Logistics. Despite attempts to reach Kevin McMonagle, the president of American Steamship, for comments, no response was received. Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), which oversees the U.S. side of the bridge, assured the public that the freighter’s erratic maneuvering posed no threat to the structure. MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Garza explained, “While it does certainly appear to be a close call, the bridge was never in any danger of being hit due to the size (specifically the height) of the freighter and the distance between the seawall and the pier.”
Safety Measures and Future Precautions
Garza further clarified that the bridge does not have piers extending into the water, which minimizes the risk of damage should a freighter strike the seawall. “Should a freighter hit the seawall, it’s very unlikely any damage would reach the pier,” she noted. Fortunately, the M/V American Spirit corrected its course before making contact, averting any potential harm to the seawall or the bridge itself.
This incident raises important questions about navigational safety in busy waterways. The Coast Guard’s investigation will likely focus on the circumstances that led to the freighter’s erratic path. As shipping traffic continues to increase in the Great Lakes region, ensuring the safety of vessels and infrastructure remains a top priority for authorities. The swift response and preventive measures taken during this incident highlight the ongoing commitment to maritime safety in the area.
