Great Lakes Bulker Algoma Equinox Grounds in St. Clair River, Freed After Overnight Operation

The Canadian laker Algoma Equinox (39,400 DWT) ran aground in a shallow area of the St. Clair River near Sarnia, Ontario, at approximately 1500 local time on July 21 while departing Cargill's Sarnia Grain Terminal bound for Baie-Comeau, Quebec. The vessel remained stuck overnight before being freed the following afternoon.

Two tugs were dispatched but determined the stern was firmly aground. The crew lightened the vessel by pumping ballast water into the forward tanks. Following two unsuccessful attempts on the morning of July 22, the Algoma Equinox was freed at approximately 1430 local time with the assistance of two tugs and her own propulsion.

The Canadian Coast Guard conducted a survey and confirmed no hull damage and no pollution. The vessel resumed her voyage to Baie-Comeau with her grain cargo intact.

The Sarnia Harbour operator indicated the grounding may have involved the captain navigating too close to the shallow area, though wind conditions associated with an approaching storm were also noted as a possible contributing factor.

Algoma Equinox and entered service in 2013. The vessel is 740 feet in length.

The Canadian Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances of the grounding.