Soo Locks shut down after freighter loses power, hits pier

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Courtesy MLive.com

(SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.) — The Soo Locks were shut down for more than five hours early Sunday after a Canadian freighter lost power as it approached Poe Lock, striking the west center pier. The impact damaged the freighter and the pier, MLive.com reported.

No one was injured, and the amount of damage to pier will be better assessed this week when divers examine the site, said Kevin Sprague, the Soo area engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The main lock system itself was not damaged, and no pollution was reported.

The 736-foot Atlantic Huron, owned by Canada Steamship Lines, was downbound and approaching the Soo Locks just before 3 a.m. on Sunday when it appears the ship lost power, Sprague said.

The freighter’s crew dropped anchor to try to halt their approach, but struck the pier.

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By Professional Mariner Staff