MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The U.S. Coast Guard sector, Sault Sainte Marie, responded on Friday to a report of an underwater tugboat next to the breakthrough outside Marquette.
At 15:40 on January 15, the Coast Guard received a report of an underwater tug in 26 feet of water from the breakwater in Marquette.
The 30-foot tugboat was on its way to the lower harbor when it lost power and hit the breakthrough due to the weather conditions at the scene. The two people on board were able to board the vessel safely without injuries. Michigan’s Department of Environment, Large Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Coast Guard pollution respondents reported at the scene.
The owner of the barge began salvage work to remove the vessel. The maximum pollution potential has been set at 100 liters of oil and diesel. There is no glare coming from the vessel. The Coast Guard continues to work with EGLE and the vessel owner to alleviate damage to the environment.
The Coast Guard coordinates with EGLE to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. Local emergency drivers were notified of the sunken vessel.
The photo above shows the storage rack next to the doorknob in Marquette. The sunken tugboat is visible on the right side of the photo.
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