Working Conditions Aboard the Spruceglen

The bulk carrier Spruceglen has officially departed from the Welland Canal after completing necessary repairs. The vessel set sail on June 27 and is now en route to Quebec, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) scheduled for July 5. This transit marks a significant milestone for the Spruceglen, which is expected to continue its important role in maritime trade upon reaching its destination.

A tragic incident occurred on October 16, 2018, when a 57-year-old Canadian worker, Alfred Eshun, lost his life after falling into the St. Lawrence Seaway. Eshun, who hailed from Quebec, was onboard the freighter 'Spruceglen' as it neared Eisenhower Lock, located near Massena, New York. The accident unfolded shortly after 12:30 a.m. when Eshun lost his footing and slipped off a dock while being lowered from the bulk carrier. Crew members were in the process of securing the vessel when this unfortunate event took place. Prompt action was taken, as two seaway employees quickly recovered Eshun from the water; however, they also faced potential hypothermia and required treatment at Massena Memorial Hospital. Despite the efforts to revive him, Alfred Eshun was pronounced deceased at the hospital on October 17 at approximately 2 a.m. Authorities, including state police and the U.S. Coast Guard, are conducting a thorough investigation into this heartbreaking accident.

On May 7, 2013, at approximately 6 p.m., the Coast Guard was alerted to the freighter Spruceglen, which had grounded itself in Lake St. Clair, just over a mile away from Grosse Pointe. The vessel experienced mechanical difficulties, prompting the captain to deliberately halt the ship to prevent disruption of maritime traffic while awaiting assistance. Fortunately, the grounding was not related to water levels; it was a calculated decision made by the captain to ensure safety. The Spruceglen, with a crew of 22 onboard, reported no injuries or damage to the vessel during this incident. Responding promptly, the U.S. Coast Guard arrived on the scene to manage the situation. The efforts to refloat the freighter began the following day, May 8, with two tugboats dispatched from Detroit successfully freeing it by 2:30 p.m. that afternoon. For additional details and photos, visit these reports: [CTV News](http://windsor.ctvnews.ca/freighter-runs-aground-after-mechanical-problems-near-grosse-pointe-1.1272582#ixzz2SjbM18Sd), [CBC News](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/05/08/wdr-freighter-runs-aground-detroit-river.html), and [The Times Herald](http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20130508/NEWS05/305080002/1002/rss?nclick_check=1).