Harvest-Spirit Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On January 12, 2025, at 5 p.m., the 'Harvest Spirit', carrying canola from Thunder Bay to Windsor, encountered mechanical failure, leading to its grounding on the Neebish Island side of the St. Marys River. The incident occurred while the vessel was northbound, just above the Rock Cut and north of the Neebish Island Ferry Dock. In response to the situation, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes worked in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reopen the channel for downbound traffic on January 13, while the upbound channel remained operational. The strong river current eventually shifted the vessel’s stern, allowing it to float free and head upstream on its own power. By 9 p.m., the tugboat 'Wilfred M. Cohen' (IMO: 7629271), operated by Purvis Marine, arrived to assist in maneuvering the 'Harvest Spirit' back downstream to Mud Lake, where it anchored safely. Meanwhile, the downbound vessel 'American Spirit' was delayed at the locks until the operation's conclusion, followed by the 'Edwin H. Gott', which later anchored off Bay Mills. Recovery efforts for an anchor lost during the grounding incident were initiated on January 13. For further details and visual updates, visit the following links: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/canadian-vessel-runs-aground-pausing-downbound-st-marys-traffic-10067658 and https://boatnerd.com/boatnerd-news-january-13-2025.

On December 2, the freighter 'Harvest Spirit' ran aground in the Detroit River near Grosse Ile, prompting swift action from local tugboats. The 'George F. Bailey', 'Wyoming', and 'Nebraska' successfully refloated the vessel on December 3 at approximately 7 p.m., allowing for its removal from the shipping channel. By 9 p.m. the same evening, the freighter was safely anchored in Lake Erie at coordinates 41° 57.54' N 083° 4.51' W, within U.S. waters, where it is set to undergo a thorough inspection. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and initial assessments indicated no leaks or pollution from the ship, which was carrying about 10,000 metric tons of furnace coke and 74,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Following this incident, the Livingstone Channel in the lower Detroit River remains closed. The Corps of Engineers is conducting a survey at first light to determine if water depth is adequate to reopen the shipping route. For more detailed coverage, visit: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2020/12/03/freighter-stable-officials-say-efforts-continue-free-detroit-river/3808097001/

On December 3, efforts intensified to rescue the 'Harvest Spirit' from its grounding on the Detroit River, resulting in significant delays and escalating costs for numerous vessels eager to navigate through the Great Lakes. Canadian authorities maintained vigilance over the situation, while cooperative efforts from the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and the vessel’s owner seamlessly unfolded. Fortunately, the 'Harvest Spirit' remained stable, with no indications of pollution or water intake reported. To monitor any potential environmental impact, Transport Canada executed a National Aerial Surveillance Program overflight in search of pollution in adjacent waters. As per the U.S. Coast Guard, 13 vessels were lined up, waiting for passage through the channel. Industry representatives from the Lake Carriers Association, based in Westlake, Ohio, were closely monitoring the developments, highlighting the immediate financial repercussions on the shipping sector. The backlog grew in Lake Huron near Port Huron and along the Detroit River near Detroit, with estimates suggesting that a 1,000-foot freighter incurs between $3,000 to $5,000 per hour while idle. The situation becomes increasingly urgent as the shipping season is set to close on January 15 with the shutdown of the Soo Locks, resuming on March 25. Any delays negatively impact this crucial nine-month shipping period. The vessel is owned by McKeil Marine, which has successfully submitted and received approval for a salvage plan. Following promising engine tests, the freighter is set to begin ballasting its tanks. Two tugs from Great Lakes Towing, 'Manitou' and 'Clyde S. Vanenkevort', are on site to assist. The vessel was transporting approximately 74,000 gallons of diesel fuel along with a load of 9,000-10,000 metric tons of furnace coke. The 'Harvest Spirit' had just made its maiden voyage to Detroit to load the coke at Zug Island when it ran aground. In response to the incident, the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services in Sarnia has advised vessels navigating the river to use the Amherstburg Channel only if deemed safe. Clearances for travel through the area are being granted on a case-by-case basis. Additional resources and personnel from both U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards remain on standby to assist as needed.