Starline ferry becomes adrift in Straits. Requires assistance for passengers

“The vessel is drifting slowly with the current east of the Mackinac Bridge in heavy fog. It’s not in danger of grounding,” said Chief Petty Officer John Masson, a public information officer with the Great Lakes district. ““The info I have is that the vessel is not in distress,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting the people off and back ashore.”

That was last night when the Coast Guard and others responded in the Straits of Mackinac after a ferry with 144 passengers aboard apparently lost steering off Mackinaw City while on its way from the island. The Star Line Ferry vessel Huron lost steering about 6 pm and was drifting slowly.

The Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, which was breaking ice in the area, was enroute to assist, as was an Arnold Line freight vessel. Those on the Huron were able to get on the Arnold Line vessel and get to shore.

The four Huron crewmembers stayed aboard the ship. Katmai Bay stood by while the towing arrangements were finalized.

“Tonight’s incident can serve as a reminder that life on the Great Lakes is far from predictable,” said Lt. Tyler Carslgaard of Sector Sault Ste. Marie. “Fortunately good cooperation and simple precautions like making sure everyone on board was wearing a life jacket helped everyone get home safely.”

Below in an image from marinetraffic.com website showing the Huron idle in the Straits with the CG Katmai Bay moving in from the east to assist.