Tug MADISON; South Lake Huron, near the entrance to St Clair River, MI

South Lake Huron, near the entrance to St Clair River, MI | 2012-Jul-19

Initial Notification: On 19 JULY 2012 (time unknown), Sector Detroit received report of a 110' Dredge and 38' Tug sank in Lake Huron. Tug DRUMMOND ISLANDER II (Flag: US) and Tug MADISON (Flag: US) were pushing a 110' dredge downbound in Lake Huron en route to Pointe Mouillee, when the 110' dredge sank also causing the Tug MADISON to flip over approximately 5 nm NNW of the entrance to the St Clair River. All personnel were safely transferred to the Tug DRUMMOND ISLANDER II. The DREDGE BARGE Arthur J sank and the Tug MADISON capsized. Sector Detroit reported that the dredge had 12 sections of 1000' pipe onboard that has broken loose. SSC was contacted at 1037 (eastern) by Sector Detroit requesting a weather update, as well as a trajectory. As of 1037, sheening has been observed but catastrophic release has not been observed. Air Station Detroit will conduct an overflight as soon as weather conditions permit. NRC Notification #1018236