PORT OF MILAUKEE, WIS. (WWJ) - Pollution responders with the U.S. Coast Guard rushed to the aid of towing vessel laden with oil and fuel after it took on water while moored in the Port of Milwaukee on Monday.
The Coast Guard with the Lake Michigan Sector said in a press release that they are focusing on protecting the waterway and assess any potential impacts after the 112' long tug and barge named "Michigan" partially sank in 26 feet of water just before 11:30 a.m.
According to officials, the towing vessel was carrying up to 40,000 gallons of fuel and oil at the time it sank, sparking pollution concerns.
The responders on scene confirmed the ship is not currently leaking any of those contents into the water, but 100 feet of hard boom with absorbent material have been placed into the Kinnickinnic River as a preventative measure.
“At this point in time, the Coast Guard’s focus is the marine environmental protection and the potential waterway impacts,” said Capt. Seth Parker, Commander of Sector Lake Michigan.
The Coast Guard said they were assisted by officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee Harbor Patrol, the Port of Milwaukee and representatives of "Michigan."
The owner of the vessel, U,S, Venture out of Wisconsin, contacted a marine salvage organization to help recover the ship, the Coast Guard added.