SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond to the motor vessel Roger Blough after the vessel ran aground May 27 on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.
Lightering operations continue while the vessel is anchored in Waiska Bay to transfer its cargo to the Philip R. Clarke and Arthur M. Anderson.
The Arthur M. Anderson joined the cargo transfer efforts Saturday.
A detailed damage assessment will be conducted once the iron ore is completely off-loaded from the Blough. Results from the assessment will determine the extent of repairs and mode of transit to its final destination.
The Waiska Bay anchorage area remains closed to all vessels not part of the operation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided assistance during the initial lightering operations and have confirmed the Birch Point Range channel is safe for navigation.
Information updates will continue to be released as they become available. Previous releases for this response are available: release 1, update, update 2, update 3, update 4, update 5, update 6, update 7, update 8, update 9, update 10 and update 11.
Media with questions should contact Lt. Rachel Wellman at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie at 906-635-3267.
For questions regarding the Canadian Coast Guard response, media should contact Carol Launderville at Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 519-383-1804.