UPDATE: Coast Guard recovers operator off grounded, flooding vessel near Ludington

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 04/17/2017 03:03 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

April 17, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 9th District Great Lakes
Contact: 9th District Public Affairs
Office: (216) 902-6020
After Hours: (216) 310-2608

UPDATE: Coast Guard recovers operator off grounded, flooding vessel near Ludington

CHICAGO  —  Weather conditions in the vicinity of Big Sable Point near Ludington, Michigan, where a 76-foot recreational vessel was grounded Saturday, continue to hinder salvage operations Monday.

Waves in excess of 4 feet are preventing a commercial salvage company from deploying boom around the vessel and from pumping fuel and oil off of the vessel.

Coast Guard pollution responders from Grand Haven, Michigan, are on scene and overseeing the recovery operation. There are no reports of pollution.

The operator of the vessel was on his way from Pentwater, Michigan, to Traverse City, Michigan, Saturday when he noticed his vessel was taking on water and decided to ground the vessel in about 3 feet of water.

A Coast Guard boat crew from Station Ludington responded and safely removed the operator from the vessel after it began listing about 15 degrees. 

-USCG-