UPDATE 7: M/V Roger Blough aground in Lake Superior, dive operations continue

Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response personnel are in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a large inventory of pollution control equipment May 31, 2016. Procedures are in place and equipment is readily available for all possible ship-source spill scenarios.(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Coast Guard) Coast Guard crewmembers watch as salvage divers from DonJon-Smit prepare to enter the water to conduct a hull survey, May 31, 2016, near Gros Cap Reefs in Lake Superior.DonJon crews dove to ensure all available information on the Blough's condition was available prior to salvage operations.(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Craig Groman) Coast Guard crewmembers continue thier inspections aboard the motor vessel Roger Blough, May 31, 2016, at Gros Cap Reefs in Lake Superior.Coast Guard inspectors were aboard the Blough to investigate the cause of the grounding and to ensure safety of all operations involved with the salvage.(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Craig Groman)

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond to the motor vessel Roger Blough, Tuesday, after the vessel ran aground Friday afternoon on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.

Plans continue to progress to safely free the Blough from Gros Cap Reef through the combined efforts of Canadian partners, company representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response personnel are in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a large inventory of pollution control equipment. Procedures are in place and equipment is readily available for all possible ship-source spill scenarios.

DonJon-Smit salvage divers have commenced their underwater survey of the Blough's hull and a completed salvage plan has been submitted to U.S. and Canadian officials for review and approval. Lightering operations are scheduled to begin in the next few days.

Preventative booming remains in place around the Blough and a Coast Guard Auxiliary overflight from this afternoon revealed no signs of pollution.

The Coast Guard led investigation into the cause of the grounding continues, with the assistance of the National Transportation Safety Board.

The 500 yard safety zone remains in effect around the Blough.

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.

Media with questions should contact Lt. Creighton Chong or Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Yaw at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie, at: 906-635-3309.

For questions regarding the Canadian Coast Guard response, media should contact Carol Launderville at Fisheries and Oceans Canada 519-383-1804.