Grounded laker: lightered, refloated, anchored

Written by Nick Blenkey
image description

Roger Blough at anchor in Waiska Bay

JUNE 6, 2016 — After successful lightering operations that began Friday (see earlier story) the grounded Great Lakes self-unloader Roger Blough has been refloated and, by Saturday afternoon, was safely anchored in Waiska Bay.

The vessel, which is owned by Great Lakes Fleet and operated by Keystone Shipping subsidiary Key Lakes, ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.

Another Great Lakes Fleet self-unloading bulker, the Philip R. Clarke arrived on scene with the Blough and lightering operations started at 5:45 a.m. June 3.

Lightering operations ended early Saturday morning and the vessel was refloated at 10:45 a.m.

The vessel made way under its own power to Waiska Bay where it will be further evaluated for repairs and its remaining cargo transferred to other vessels.

The Coast Guard says that plans continue to further lighter the Blough’s iron ore and conduct detailed damage assessments.

The Waiska Bay anchorage area is closed to all vessels not part of the operation.

Categories: Salvage Tags: , , ,

Leave a Reply