A grounded handysize bulker has been refloated in Michigan’s Detroit River.
The 30,000-dwt Barbro G (built 2010) ran aground outside Belle Isle Anchorage on Monday, the US Coast Guard said.
The ship, which is said to be carrying a cargo of 21,000 tons of wheat bound for Italy, is controlled by Sweden’s Olof Brodin Chartering, according to VesselsValue.
No pollution, damage, injuries or impact to commercial traffic were reported, the Coast Guard said.
The Great Lakes Towing Co said it deployed three tugboats to assist in the salvage operation following a request from the pilot on board the stranded vessel.
It initially dispatched two tugboats, but a decision was taken to send a third tugboat, “ensuring a comprehensive and effective response”.
Over two days, the Great Lakes Towing Co said it worked closely with the vessel’s agents, the Coast Guard, salvors and the insurance company representing the owners.
“Once given the green light by the [Coast Guard], the Great Lakes Towing Company’s three tugboats went to work, employing their expertise to successfully free the grounded vessel in less than two hours,” the company said.
The Coast Guard said: “The Barbro G has been successfully refloated and will now securely anchor nearby. A third-party class society will assess the ship’s seaworthiness to decide if it can proceed on its journey to Italy.”
Lindsay Dew, director of operations & compliance at the Great Lakes Towing Co, said: “Our team’s quick response and seamless coordination with the various entities involved underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.”
