Detained bulker allowed to depart Duluth

DECEMBER 18, 2015 — The owner and operator of the motor vessel Cornelia and the U.S. Coast Guard reached an agreement Tuesday that will allow the 24,516 dwt, 2001-built bulk carrier to depart Lake Superior.

As we reported earlier this month (see story), the vessel had been at anchor in Duluth, MN, since November 5, as the Coast Guard continued investigations of alleged environmental crimes.

Now that the agreement is in place to protect the U.S. government’s interests the vessel will start making preparations to depart the Great Lakes before the winter lock closures.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota accepted the case for criminal investigation Nov. 9, 2015.