Inspections Discover a 13-Foot Gash in M/V Michipicoten’s Hull from Structural Failure

Inspections of the M/V Michipicoten discover a 13-foot-long crack in the hull. On Saturday the lake freighter m/V Michipicoten began taking on water while traveling east on Lake Superior from Two Harbors Minnesota with a load of Tanorite. The ship was ferried to Thunder Bay Ontario for an inspection to the vessel and repairs. Dive inspection crews discovered a 13-foot-long crack in the hull due to fatigue and structural failure. During the incident half of the ship’s crew was removed by the National Park Service for assistance. No injuries were reported from Saturday. The m/v Michipicioten was built in 1952, entering service as the Elton Hoyt II. It was renamed the Michipicoten in 2003 when it was purchased by the Canadian shipping company Lower Lakes Towing. In 2010 the vessel received 15 million dollar upgrades replacing the engine and propeller.