Michipicoten safely anchored in Thunder Bay after taking on water

By WDIO
The Michipicten struck something underwater and began taking on water near Isle Royale (Rick Rice).

UPDATE: By 7:00pm the U.S. Coast Guard reported that the Michipicoten has anchored in Thunder Bay, Ontario, about 12 hours after reporting a collision with something underwater on Lake Superior.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported the ship was taking on water just before 7 a.m. Saturday.

By 8:15 a.m., the Guard said pumps onboard the Michipicoten had reduced the listing from 15 degrees to a 5-degree tilt.

At 11:30 a.m., the USCG said half of the 22-person crew has since been removed from the vessel for safety. They reported the bulk carrier was on its way to a nearby port for inspections and repairs. The cause of the flooding and any other damage to the vessel will be investigated once the situation is stabilized.

The ship was approximately 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale when the accident happened.

A Traverse City helicopter and Bayfield boat crews responded Saturday morning. The Edwin H. Gott also came alongside the Michipicoten.

According to the USCG, the Michipicoten is carrying taconite, and none has been spilled yet.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.