Date: Jan. 14, 2008

Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Bill Colclough
(216) 902-6020 office
(216) 310-2608 cell

COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO SINKING LAKER AT PIER

DULUTH, Minn. -- Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Duluth responded to the partial sinking of the 1,000-foot laker McCarthy at the Hallett No. 8 Dock  at approximately 11:30 a.m. today

The vessel has been made fast to the pier until a salvage plan is in place.

There are no reports of oil in the water.  

The Coast Guard  is working closely with the vessel's owner, the city of Duluth and both the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin to protect the environment. 

The McCarthy, owned by American Steamship of Buffalo, N.Y., was docking into a slip when it struck an object and began taking on water in the engine room.

The after section of the ship sank to approximately 20 feet at the dock, while the rest of the ship remained above water.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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