Credit: USCG
On July 29, 2025, Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes responded to a vessel marine casualty in the St. Marys River involving the Presque Isle, a 1,000-foot integrated tug and barge (ITB).
At approximately 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, the crew of the Presque Isle reported to the Coast Guard that they experienced a maneuverability issue east of Neebish Island in the St. Marys River.
The vessel was in ballast and reported no injuries on board and no cargo. The vessel anchored in Hay Lake while a marine investigation was initiated by the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat—Small from Station Sault Ste. Marie to respond.
After the incident, the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey of the channel and verified it was safe for commercial marine traffic.
During the incident, a minor spill of hydraulic oil was reported. According to NOAA Incident News, At 6:30 pm on 30 July, 2025, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Northern Great Lakes notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) about a 30 gallon release of hydraulic fluid from the Barge PRESQUE ISLE.
Incident Details
Release occurred at 9:45 pm (local time) on 29 July.
Primary threat: Oil
Products of concern: Hydraulic fluid
Total amount at risk of spill: 30 gallons
Latitude (approximate): 46° 17.40′ North
Longitude (approximate): 84° 6.00′ West
Numerous incidents involving bulk carriers have occurred on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island. The area is known for complex and unpredictable channels.
At Lake Nicolette (also known as Hay Lake) the channel divides around Neebish Island. Below Neebish Island, a section of the river is known as Munuscong Lake.
Just downstream, the river flows along the western shore of Saint Joseph Island towards the De Tour Passage and into Lake Huron.
In June 2025, the M/V Honorable James L. Oberstar suffered damage after grounding near Johnson’s Point east of Neebish Island on the St. Marys River.
In March, 2024, the bulk carrier American Mariner struck Mud Lake Junction Light near Munuscong Lake.
In December 3013, the Presque Isle became beset in ice below Winter’s Point Turn, south of Neebish Island.
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