Coast Guard Responds to Submerged Dredge Barge

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Field Office Grand Haven and Station St. Joseph responded to the partially submerged dredge barge Alconon, in the St. Joseph River. The barge was reported to be leaking oil with small visible sheen in the water. Responders were not able to identify any areas of recoverable oil. A sheen was observed from Pier 33 to the CSX railroad bridge. The source of the spill has been contained with no new reports of oil in the water.U.S. Coast Guard Sector Field Office Grand Haven and Station St. Joseph responded to the partially submerged dredge barge Alconon, In the St. Joseph RiverThe owner of the Alconon has a crane on scene stabilizing the dredge, while environmental and salvage contractors utilized a vacuum truck to remove and recover the water in the dredge. The dredge is now re-floated with no visible damage. It is believed the dredge sank due to a rise in the water level coupled with a portion of the dredge pipe getting caught between the dredge and the pier. “Mariners in the area are to proceed with caution as the dredge line is still in the water and unlighted,” said Jon Grob, Sector Lake Michigan's Chief of Waterways Management.