June 28, 2025
Lt. Joseph Snyder
906-748-0539/Joseph.D.Snyder@uscg.mil
SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Mich. — The motor vessel Honorable James L. Oberstar arrived at
Fraser Shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin on June 18, 2025.
The motor vessel arrived to its destination after completing a 28-hour transit from Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan on Wednesday, June 18.
The vessel was damaged while transiting the Saint Marys River on June 8 and notified Coast
Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes which initiated a marine casualty response.
Approximately 140 personnel from federal, state and local partners supported response activities
with no reported pollution, injuries or mishaps.
“As we all return to steady-state operations, the Unified Command is grateful for the patience
and support of our community,” said Capt. James Bendle, federal on-scene coordinator, Hay
Lake Marine Casualty Unified Command. “The UC was successful in ensuring the safety of
personnel and the public, protecting the environment and mitigating impacts to the marine
transportation system.”
The UC was stood down after successful operations allowed the motor vessel to transit to its destination.
The UC for the Hay Lake Marine Casualty consisted of the following agencies:
- Coast Guard
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Chippewa County
- Interlake Steamship Company
Multiple other federal, state, local and partner organization also assisted in the response, such as:
- Northern Michigan Area Committee
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Bay Mills Indian Community
- City of Sault Sainte Marie Ontario
Bilateral coordination between Canadian and U.S. representatives triggered international agreement to facilitate a joint response, as outlined in the Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (JCP and its Great Lakes Annex (CANUSLAK).
Media inquires should be directed to Lt. Joseph Snyder, Sector Northern Great Lakes Public Affairs Officer, at 906-748-0539 or via email at Joseph.D.Snyder@uscg.mil
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