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Paul R. Tregurtha Hits Ground in Sault Ste Marie

By KBJR News 1

Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo, courtesy Sault Ste. Marie Vessel Traffic Service

The motor vessel Paul R. Tregurtha, a 1,000-foot freighter, sits aground in the downbound channel of the St. Marys River on the west side of Neebish Island, Mich., Aug. 15, 2012. The freighter ran aground early this morning and the owner of the vessel, Interlake Shipping Company of Ohio, is working with Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. and the Salvage Engineering Response Team to determine the safest approach to re-floating the vessel.

August 15, 2012 Updated Aug 15, 2012 at 8:48 PM CDT

Sault Ste Marie, MI (Northland's NewsCenter) - A 1,000 foot freighter with coal hit ground in St. Marys River in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

The US Coast Guard reports the Paul R. Tregurtha, owned by Interlake Shipping Company, hit ground during the early morning hours, causing some damage to the ship.

The Coast Guard says the "Queen of the Lakes," is hard aground at its bow and stern and the ship spans the width of the shipping channel, blocking potential traffic.

The Coast Guard says no cargo or fuel leaked after the accident.

Coordinators at the Sault Ste. Marie Command Center are in communication with the vessel's crew and with responders aboard the ship.

The vessel is carrying approximately 62,000 tons of coal.

Kevin Jacobsen
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