Canadian freighter stuck in Detroit River after crew medical emergency – Refloating plans underway

A Canadian cargo ship, the MV Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, became lodged in the Detroit River on Friday afternoon, straddling the waters between downtown Detroit and downtown Windsor. The 738-foot freighter, operated by Canada Steamship Lines, was en route from Sault Ste. Marie to Quebec City when the incident occurred.

According to marine traffic data, the vessel ran aground near the Renaissance Center, leaving it positioned almost perpendicular to the shoreline. Officials reported no injuries or pollution, and marine traffic has not been significantly disrupted.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that personnel were closely monitoring the situation. “There have been no reports of injuries, pollution, or impact on marine transportation,” the Coast Guard said. “Due to limited visibility at night, plans to re-float the vessel are scheduled to be reassessed Saturday morning.” Tugboats were deployed alongside the freighter to assist with refloating efforts.

Harbour Master Peter Berry explained the circumstances leading up to the grounding. The vessel had made an unplanned stop to transfer a sick crew member to a hospital in Windsor, Ontario. “This wasn’t a marine casualty,” Berry said. “The crew simply needed to get a crewmember ashore safely.”

After the sailor was safely disembarked, the freighter attempted to continue its journey. However, strong winds and low water levels pushed the ship into the riverbed. “When they started to leave under power, the wind and shallow water forced the vessel onto the bottom,” Berry added. “There wasn’t much that could be done at the time.”

Authorities from both the U.S. and Canada quickly coordinated a plan to free the stranded freighter. Initial efforts were attempted Friday evening, but the operation was postponed until Saturday due to darkness and safety concerns. Berry indicated that a refloating attempt was scheduled for early Saturday afternoon, with engineers and specialists on-site to oversee the operation.

Despite the grounding, there has been no reported structural damage or environmental impact. Inspections are planned once the vessel is successfully refloated to ensure its safety and readiness to resume the journey.

The MV Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin has a long history of cargo transport, primarily hauling iron ore, and this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by large vessels navigating shallow or constrained waterways, particularly under adverse weather conditions.

As of Saturday morning, tugboats remain in position, and both Canadian and U.S. authorities are closely monitoring the operation, emphasizing a coordinated effort to safely restore the freighter to the river’s navigable channel.

FAQ

Q: What caused the MV Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin to run aground?
A: The ship ran aground after stopping to transfer a sick crew member and encountering strong winds and low water levels, which pushed it into the riverbed.

Q: Where did the freighter get stuck?
A: The vessel is lodged in the Detroit River, near the Renaissance Center, between downtown Detroit and downtown Windsor.

Q: Were there any injuries or environmental impacts?
A: No injuries or pollution have been reported. Marine traffic has not been significantly disrupted.

Q: When will efforts to free the freighter resume?
A: Refloating operations were scheduled for Saturday afternoon with U.S. and Canadian authorities coordinating the effort.

Q: What cargo was the MV Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin carrying?
A: The freighter was transporting iron ore from Sault Ste. Marie to Quebec City.