Barge Breaks Lose, Runs Aground

From a US Coast Guard Press Release:
25 November 2011

MILWAUKEE — Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan are conducting a marine casualty investigation after a barge broke free while being towed by a tug and ran aground in Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, Wis., Nov. 24, 2011.

Marine investigators from Sector Lake Michigan arrived on scene on Friday Morning and are monitoring the situation until the barge can be re-floated and examined. The barge is reportedly carrying a cargo of rocks. There are no reports of pollution or environmental hazards.

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MILWAUKEE — Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan are conducting a marine casualty investigation on a tug-and-barge, after a barge being towed broke free and ran aground in Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, Wis., Nov. 24, 2011.

The Coast Guard advises that people stand clear of the salvage area until the barge is free of the lake bottom.

The empty barge broke away from the tugboat Donald C during a routine transit toward Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday evening. The crew of the Donald C was unable to regain control of the barge because of rough seas and heavy winds.

Marine investigators from Sector Lake Michigan arrived on scene on Friday Morning and are monitoring the situation until the barge can be re-floated and examined. The barge is reportedly carrying a cargo of rocks. There are no reports of pollution or environmental hazards.

For more information contact Lt. Casey Steuer, Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, at 414-747-7151.