Tug Commodore Straits ran aground in the St. Lawrence Seaway while pushing two barges. USCG photo by Station Alexandria Bay
CLEVELAND – U.S. Coast Guard personnel are on scene and monitoring the grounding of the 100-foot tug Commodore Straits, which ran aground while pushing two barges in the St. Lawrence Seaway near Keewaydin State Park in Alexandria Bay, N.Y., at about 5:30 a.m. EST Sunday.
Although both barges are taking on water, no pollution or injuries have been reported, and the area has been determined safe for maritime traffic to pass at reduced speeds.
After the Coast Guard was notified, a 25-foot Response Boat-Small and crew from Coast Guard Station Alexandria Bay, N.Y., immediately dispatched to monitor the situation. Response personnel from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Messena, N.Y., are en route. The New York State Police and the local fire department were notified as well.
Coast Guard personnel remain on scene with the tug and barges. Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Buffalo are broadcasting a safety message over the VHF-FM radio advising vessels to reduce speed while transiting between Cape Vincent, N.Y., and Eisenhower Lock in Messena.
Both barges were carrying soybeans.
