The Mark-W.-Barker: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a recent incident on the Detroit River, the U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the grounding of the freighter 'Mark W. Barker'. Preliminary findings indicate that an electronics malfunction resulted in the vessel losing both power and navigational control. This led to the ship grounding while carrying a substantial cargo of 20,000 tons of rock salt and 105,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Following the incident, the 'Mark W. Barker' was successfully refloated and escorted to an anchorage near Belle Isle. Once the necessary repairs are performed and the vessel receives clearance from the Coast Guard, it is expected to resume its journey to Milwaukee. Interlake Steamship Co., the ship's owner, has promptly dispatched a technician to Detroit to address the issues with the damaged systems. In addition, the Coast Guard is in the process of interviewing all 21 crew members as part of their thorough investigation. For more details and updates, you can view the complete report and photos here: https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2023/05/18/detroit-freighter-grounding-electronics-malfunction/70229842007/

On the morning of May 17, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the freighter 'Mark W. Barker' unexpectedly ran aground in the Detroit River, directly on the Canadian side of Belle Isle. The vessel, en route from Cleveland to Milwaukee carrying a load of salt, encountered difficulties shortly after leaving Detroit, where it had refueled at the Mistersky dock at 7 a.m. Technical issues resulted in the grounding, however, it is fortunate that no injuries or environmental pollution occurred during the incident. Recovery operations were swiftly initiated, with the assistance of two tugs from Great Lakes Towing Co., named 'Pennsylvania' and 'Ontario'. By noon, the team successfully refloated the 'Mark W. Barker', and it was subsequently guided to the Belle Isle anchorage for a thorough inspection of any potential damage before being cleared to continue its journey. For visuals and further details, visit: https://coastguardnews.com/freighter-aground-off-belle-isle/