A freighter named Michipicoten collided with an underwater object in Lake Superior on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The incident occurred approximately 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale and resulted in the vessel taking on water. At least 22 people were aboard the ship at the time of the collision.
The U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the incident around 6:53 a.m., and boat crews, helicopter support, and members from various agencies including Border Patrol and National Park Service responded to assist.
According to reports, pumps aboard the Michipicoten have been able to remove some water from the ship. The freighter is now making its way to a nearby port for inspection and repairs, accompanied by another bulk carrier, the Edwin H. Gott.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
The Michipicoten is carrying taconite, a low-grade iron ore often mined from the Mesabi Iron Range and sailed to various steel-making areas around the Great Lakes for processing.
Isle Royale, located about 20 miles east of Grand Portage, Minn., just south of the Canadian border, is not yet clear whether the ship was in Minnesota or Michigan waters when the collision occurred.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
