Canadian pollution control specialists respond to grounded ship

Plans to free the Roger Blough continue

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)

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. COAST GUARD

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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.

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