The Robert-S.-Pierson: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the evening of November 26, 2025, the freighter 'Robert S. Pierson' found itself firmly lodged in the Detroit River near William Milliken State Park. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the vessel, fully loaded with over 18,000 tons of stone, ran aground in 24 feet of water, just 30 feet from the breakwater. This incident occurred shortly after the ship departed from Windsor, en route to Lorain, Ohio. The U.S. Coast Guard received notification of the grounding at 1:15 a.m. on November 27 and immediately began collaborating with the vessel's operators to devise a plan for refloating. Two tugs, 'Minnesota' (MMSI: 368343820) and 'Ontario' (IMO: 8980878), were dispatched from Ohio and Minnesota to assist during the overnight operation. By noon on November 27, the crew successfully refloated the 'Robert S. Pierson', moving it to a berth for necessary inspections. Following the inspections, the freighter departed from Detroit on November 28 and arrived at its destination in Sarnia by November 30. This incident echoed a previous grounding in the same vicinity, as the 'Paul J. Martin' had also run aground near the Renaissance Center on November 7. For those interested in further details, including visual reports, links to photo and video coverage are available: https://www.wxyz.com/news/freighter-runs-aground-in-detroit-river-on-thanksgiving-day.

On August 3, 2025, the bulk carrier 'Robert S. Pierson' found itself in a precarious situation while navigating the St. Marys River. The vessel has been progressing downstream at a sluggish speed of just four knots since departing from the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, heading towards Saginaw. The 'Robert S. Pierson' anchored at the same location where the distressed 'Presque Isle' had been just hours before. The 'Presque Isle' was reportedly being escorted downstream by the tugboat 'W. I. Scott Purvis' (IMO: 5264819) as it completes its journey to Saginaw. Following a grounding incident on July 30 at Johnson Point, located on Neebish Island, the 'Presque Isle' is likely undergoing repairs at Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair in Erie, Pennsylvania.

On October 13, the bulk carrier 'Robert S. Pearson' encountered a significant issue when it lost its rudder shortly after departing from Algoma Steel, bound for Two Harbors, near Gros Cap. In response to this emergency, the vessel anchored in Goulais Bay, situated above the Soo Locks on the Canadian side, where it remained until October 19. Following repairs and assessments, the ship set a course for Superior, Wisconsin, likely destined for the Fraser Shipyards, with the tug 'Avenger IV' (IMO: 5401297) providing assistance. The estimated time of arrival was projected for October 22.

On January 3, 2020, at noon, the bulk carrier 'Robert S. Pierson' encountered a significant engine malfunction while navigating Lake Erie. The incident occurred approximately 5.67 miles south-southwest of Port Colborne, Ontario, at coordinates 42°47'30" N, 79°18'28.2" W. Despite the setback, the vessel managed to resume its journey with diminished propulsion capabilities, successfully arriving in Detroit on January 7 at 2:40 a.m.

On July 16, 2019, the 'Robert S. Pierson' experienced a critical failure of its main engine while traversing the Welland Canal close to Port Colborne, Ontario. Despite the setback, the vessel managed to proceed on its journey utilizing its secondary main engine. The ship is scheduled to leave Clarkson on July 19, aiming for Colborne with an estimated arrival on July 21.