LUDINGTON — A sunken vessel was successfully recovered from Pere Marquette Lake on 5/5/2025, thanks to a coordinated effort involving Zupin Crane, Lake Street Marina, Ludington Police Department, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.
According to a May 6 Facebook post from the Ludington Police Department, during the recovery operations, a leak of oil and/or fuel was observed coming from the vessel, which was beyond the capacity of the absorbent materials on hand. Both EGLE and the USCG were notified.
The USCG Station Manistee provided oil containment boom, which was deployed to absorb and contain the leaked fluid. Environmental safety remains a top priority, and the deployment helped minimize the spread of the substance within the waterway.
The source of the oil and fuel leak has since been removed from the water. However, the containment boom will remain in place for several days to ensure that any residual fluids are fully absorbed and do not pose a risk to the local ecosystem.
“We are grateful for the professional response of all agencies and partners involved in the operation,” the department said. “Their efforts were instrumental in securing the vessel and protecting the surrounding environment. The City of Ludington funded the recovery operation and will seek full reimbursement from the vessel owner.”
