The 1972-built bulk carrier Roger Blough reached Waiska Bay where it anchored on Saturday afternoon after it was refloated earlier that day, according to the latest update from the US Coast Guard.
The vessel, which ran aground in Whitefish Bay on May 27, will now be further evaluated for repairs and the remaining cargo is set to be transferred to other ships, the USCG said.
The 46,833 dwt bulker made way under its own power after being stuck on Gros Cap Reef in Lake Superior for over a week. According to the coast guard, the ship was moved once the crews wrapped up the lightering operations , which were launched in the morning hours on Friday.
“Plans continue to progress to lighter the Blough’s iron ore and conduct detailed damage assessments,” the coast guard said.
As the bulk carrier grounded “with reports of flooding,” the coast guard earlier conducted exterior draft readings, while the vessel’s crew conducted interior soundings of the tanks to ensure flooding remains under control.
The Waiska Bay anchorage area is closed to all vessels which are not part of the operation.