Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Badger

On the evening of September 17, the S.S. Badger, which operates between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, encountered a serious incident when it allided with the docked S.S. Spartan. Reports indicate that the vessel's engines failed to respond, resulting in the collision. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the incident caused damage to the seagate, a critical component designed to prevent water from entering the open car deck of the Badger. Following the accident, the damaged seagate was promptly removed overnight, allowing the Badger to resume its scheduled crossings on Lake Michigan by the morning of September 18. It is important to note that without the seagate, the vessel is restricted from operating in wave conditions exceeding 8 feet as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under normal circumstances, the Badger is considered safe to operate without this component. In light of the incident, thorough checks were conducted on the engines, confirming they were functioning properly. The operator continues to investigate the incident to enhance operational standards. The Badger's seasonal operations are set to conclude on October 12, after which the seagate will be replaced using the part from the S.S. Spartan, which is designated as a parts vessel for the Badger. For a detailed report with photos, visit: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/09/engines-didnt-respond-in-ss-badgers-collision-with-docked-ship.html

On September 17, at 6:50 a.m., the historic vessel SS Badger experienced an allision with its permanently moored sibling, SS Spartan, while docking in Ludington Harbor. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries among the passengers aboard the SS Badger. Following the collision, marine engineers conducted a thorough assessment of the damage to the stern sea gate of the SS Badger to evaluate the necessary repairs for its continued safe operation. The ferry service connecting Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was back on schedule, resuming operations on September 18 at 9 a.m. For more details, including photos and video footage of the incident, visit Seehafer News or watch the footage on YouTube.