SAULT STE. MARIE — The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating an incident involving the 1,000-foot tug and barge vessel Presque Isle after it experienced maneuverability issues and discharged an estimated 20 gallons of hydraulic oil on the St. Marys River late Monday night.
Coast Guard officials said the Presque Isle was heading upbound on the southeast side of Neebish Island around 11 p.m. when the crew reported the problem. The vessel traveled several more miles before dropping anchor about seven miles downstream from the Soo Locks.
The vessel was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident.
The St. Marys River was temporarily closed to upbound traffic while the Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the channel. It was reopened after the inspection.
Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes reported that the vessel’s crew discovered a possible hydraulic oil discharge from an onboard system and deployed a containment boom around the stern. All oil was removed from the system.
“All local and tribal partners were notified,” said Ensign Maximillian Morise, a command center watchstander. “We suspect the sheen to be residual from within the system.”
No injuries were reported. Officials said the investigation is ongoing. A similar incident involving the James L. Oberstar occurred in the same area last month.