Dive operations continue on M/V Roger Blough aground in Lake Superior

Jun 1st, 2016 

Coast Guard crewmembers watch as salvage divers from DonJon-Smit prepare to enter the water to conduct a hull survey, May 31, 2016.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Craig Groman)

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor and respond to the motor vessel Roger Blough, Tuesday, after the vessel ran aground Friday afternoon on Gros Cap Reef in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior.
Plans continue to progress to safely free the Blough from Gros Cap Reef through the combined efforts of Canadian partners, company representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response personnel are in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a large inventory of pollution control equipment. Procedures are in place and equipment is readily available for all possible ship-source spill scenarios.
DonJon-Smit salvage divers have commenced their underwater survey of the Blough’s hull and a completed salvage plan has been submitted to U.S. and Canadian officials for review and approval. Lightering operations are scheduled to begin in the next few days.
Preventative booming remains in place around the Blough and a Coast Guard Auxiliary overflight from this afternoon revealed no signs of pollution.
The Coast Guard led investigation into the cause of the grounding continues, with the assistance of the National Transportation Safety Board.
The 500 yard safety zone remains in effect around the Blough.