730-foot vessel 'dead in the water', says Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard says a 730-foot long bulk carrier, which lost power and is adrift in Lake Superior, will be towed to port for repairs.

The Tim S. Dool -- which is owned by Algoma Central Corporation — lost all power at about 3 a.m. this morning, said Lieutenant Dan Every, senior investigating officer for Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie.

It remains adrift about 65 nautical miles northwest of Whitefish Point.

The ship’s crew spent much of the day making repairs on the generators that provide power to the vessel.

“The main engine that drives the propeller is out of service, but they were able to get some generators online. It’s limited, but they at least have lights now,” said Every.

With no means of propulsion, the vessel will be towed to port by Purvis Marine Ltd.'s Anglian Lady tug, which is based in Sault Ste. Marie and is currently on scene.

Every expects it will take all night for the vessel to be towed to Sault Ste. Marie.

“Being a ship that size under tow, you can imagine doesn’t travel fast,” said Every.

He said the vessel is currently in deep water and no dangerous weather has been forecast.

“I think there is no additional safety concern beyond the fact there’s a ship that is dead in the water,” said Every.