A tense moment beneath the Blue Water Bridge was caught on video this week as the American Spirit, a 1,000-foot (304.8-metre) self-discharging bulk carrier, came unusually close to the American shoreline during an upriver transit on the St. Clair River. The vessel appeared to drift toward the riverbank just south of the bridge before regaining […]
A tense moment beneath the Blue Water Bridge was caught on video this week as the American Spirit, a 1,000-foot (304.8-metre) self-discharging bulk carrier, came unusually close to the American shoreline during an upriver transit on the St. Clair River.
The vessel appeared to drift toward the riverbank just south of the bridge before regaining its course.
“The current is very strong in that area, which could have played a factor,” said Tom Geiger of Boatnerd.com.
Built in 1978, the American Spirit has a carrying capacity of 62,400 tons. It is powered by twin 16-cylinder Pielstick diesel engines producing a combined 16,000 brake horsepower and driving two controllable-pitch propellers.
The U.S.-flagged ship is operated by Rand Logistics through its American Steamship Company fleet.
Editor’s note: The May 28 edition of our newsletter included a summary of this article that incorrectly stated the vessel drifted near the Canadian shoreline. In fact, the incident occurred on the American side of the St. Clair River, as correctly reported above. We regret the error and appreciate our readers’ understanding.
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