Fire erupts on Canadian bulker in Detroit River

Tecumseh (Photo: Windsor Port Authority)

A fire broke out in the engine room of a Canadian-flagged cargo ship as it was sailing on the US side of the Detroit River on Sunday, December 15.

The incident on the 195-metre Tecumseh occurred at approximately 14:00 local time near Zug Island south of Detroit.

US Coast Guard Sector Detroit diverted the tug Bristol Bay to the scene while a 13-metre response boat – medium from Coast Guard Sector Belle Isle and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Detroit were also despatched to assess the situation.

Tecumseh eventually drifted into Canadian waters and is currently anchored in Windsor, Ontario.

A contracted firefighting team boarded and extinguished the fire overnight after all 16 crewmembers were safely disembarked and evaluated by local emergency medical service (EMS) personnel.

There is no report of pollution and no impact to vessel traffic.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.


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