By RANDY CROUCH

Journal City Editor

MARQUETTE — The United States Coast Guard evacuated half of the crew from a 689-foot bulk carrier Saturday after the vessel came in contact with something underwater and caused the ship to take on water.

According to a USCG press release, at approximately 7 a.m. Saturday morning, the United States Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes received a report that the ship Michipicoten was experiencing flooding while transiting southwest of Isle Royale.

The vessel was carrying taconite and had pumps onboard to displace some of the water which was entering the ship.

The USCG, along with the ship Edwin H. Gott responded to the scene which was approximately 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale. Upon arriving at the scene, the responders evacuated 11 of the 22-person crew for safety purposes.

Also assisting at the scene was the Border Patrol and National Park Service.

The Michipicoten was assisted to Thunder Bay, Ontario where it was anchored. The USCG says they are working with their Canadian counterparts to investigate the cause of the damage to the ship.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 570. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net