MV Algontario; Middle Neebish Channel, Michigan

Middle Neebish Channel, Michigan | 1999-Apr-05

Initial Notification: On April 5, 1999, the M/V Algontario ran aground in the St. Mary's River near Johnson's Point in Middle Neebish Channel. No release of cargo or fuel bunkers was seen during the initial USCG overflight. The vessel grounded on the Canadian side of the river, and for the most part, Canadian interests conducted the response efforts. However, the grounding posed a high risk of contamination that would involve United States' efforts if a spill were to happen. By day two, the vessel's Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) had boomed off the ship and lightering operations were underway. OSRO are many cleanup agencies or companies that can be contracted by a vessel that has a U.S. port on its itinerary. The names of OSRO's are supplied to the vessel by the USCG to be used voluntarily to secure an agency to perform cleanup operations during the ship's transit in US waters. The Canadians have a similar program but they are called simply ROs (Response Organizations). The National Strike Team (NST) Coordination Center reviews each company that wishes to be included on the OSRO list. They must meet certain criteria to be allowed as a response organization. Once approved any vessel determines which OSRO will be suitable for their area of transit and what they are carrying. Or they may contract an organization elsewhere to suit their's and the USCG's needs. On day three the vessel was successfully pulled off and anchored for a hull inspection by divers. There was no major damage to the vessel's integrity so she was allowed to steam to a dry dock facility for repairs. The USCG monitored the situation. The ship is carrying a cargo of powdered cement and has 98.2 metric tons(105,000 gallons) of IFO 180 fuel oil and 98.2 metric tons(27,000 gallons) of diesel. No product has been spilled. USCG district 9. Keyword: potential.