Freighter collision occurs west of Mackinac Bridge

by Peter Jakey– Managing Editor

The Coast Guard is investigating a collision between two vessels last Friday afternoon 15 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The mishap resulted in significant damage to the Cason J. Callaway and the American Republic, but no injuries to any crew members. According to a Coast Guard press release, The American Republic was beset in ice, while the 767-foot long Callaway was attempting to clear the impeded 623-foot long vessel, when it sheered in the ice and made contact.

BOTH VESSELS suffered significant damage to the starboard sides of their forward peaks. The American Republic took on what was believed to have been a small amount of water, which was quickly removed. “We went on board to do a damage survey,” said inspections officer Lt. John Peterson. ?There were some holes but they were way above the waterline.” Coast Guard officials allowed the Callaway and American Republic to proceed on their journeys with the ultimate destination for both being Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin so repairs could be made. “We wanted to make sure they were still suitable to carry their crew and cargo and that they were still seaworthy,” said Peterson.

The Callaway continued to Gary, Indiana to unload its cargo before a return northbound. “THE NEXT step is to talk with the crew members and condu

ct an investigation and try to put the pieces together about what happened and that is the stage we are in right now,” said Peterson. Investigators are still taking preliminary statements and gathering data. “The Coast Guard’s main goal in conducting these investigations is to determine cause and to see if anything can be done in the future to prevent these type of accidents,” said Peterson. Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie launched a helicopter out of the Traverse City air station. The helicopter crew surveyed the scene and confirmed there was no sign of pollution at the collision site.

Coast Guard cutter Katmai Bay was dispatched to the area and arrived several hours later. The American Republic has been on the lakes since 1981 and was the last of 10 ships launched for American Steamship Company under Title IX of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The Callaway sailed on her maiden voyage September 16, 1952 light for Duluth to load iron ore. It was lengthened by 120 feet in the mid 1970s.