Officials Race To Contain Diesel Spill From Freighter In Lake Michigan

MANISTEE, MI — Officials are working to contain a Wednesday diesel spill in Lake Michigan near Manistee after a freighter reported damage to its diesel tank, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Officials said the 612-foot bulk carrier motor vessel Manitowoc reported a hull breach on its starboard diesel tank at 2:50 p.m. roughly 1.5 nautical miles from the Manistee shoreline.

A short time later, officials identified a red slick roughly 1.6 miles by 200 yards wide northeast from the vessel. The maximum spill potential is 45,174 gallons of diesel, officials said.

The vessel activated their response plan and their diesel spill removal organization is on scene at this time working to contain the spill, officials said.

The vessel is not leaking any more diesel fuel and internal diesel transfers were lowered to plug the hole in the leaking tank, officials said.

A Unified Command was created to oversee and direct cleanup response efforts. The group includes representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, the responsible party, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Manistee County Emergency Management, Benzie County Emergency Management, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee and Benzie County Sheriff’s Offices, and the City of Manistee.

Officials did not report any impact to beaches or drinking water in the area.

Diesel is a hazardous material and can present significant health hazards. Officials asked the public to stay away from areas that have diesel and do not attempt to rescue injured wildlife. The number to call for any confirmed sighting of diesel reaching the shoreline is (231) 723-6241.