Bulk Carrier Hull Breach and Spill of Marine Diesel into Lake Michigan, Manistee, MI

Manistee, MI, USA | 2023-Aug-02

Initial Notification: On August 2, 2023, the 612’ bulk carrier Manitowoc reported a hull breach on its starboard fuel tank, reportedly carrying approximately 10,000 gallons. At the time of the report, the vessel was at anchor 1.4 nautical miles off shore, NNW of where the Manistee River enters Lake Michigan. Initial reports indicate that red was observed around the hull, indicating that marine diesel has been released to the environment. The extent of the damage and release is not yet known. USCG Sector Lake Michigan pollution responders are deploying to the scene to evaluate. USCG Sector Lake Michigan reports that the vessel operator is transferring fuel from the impacted tank to alternate tanks, and there has been no report of taking on water. The NRC report indicates that boom has been deployed by the crew around their vessel. USCG is requesting trajectory and fate analysis.