Freighter Runs Aground in Detroit River, Blocking Traffic Near Renaissance Center
DETROIT, MI – February 29, 2024 - A 738-foot freighter became grounded in the Detroit River near the Renaissance Center late Thursday, halting all ship traffic in the waterway. The vessel, the Navigator Spirit, ran aground at approximately 10:30 p.m. near the Ambassador Bridge,according to the U.S. coast Guard.
The incident has effectively closed the Detroit River to all shipping, impacting commercial adn recreational vessels. authorities are working to assess the situation and develop a plan to refloat the freighter, but a timeline for reopening the river remains uncertain. The grounding occurred while the Navigator Spirit was traveling to the Great Lakes.
The Coast Guard stated ther are no reports of injuries and no evidence of pollution. Multiple Coast Guard cutters and response teams are on scene, coordinating with the ship’s crew and local authorities. The Detroit River is a critical shipping lane for iron ore, coal, and other commodities destined for steel mills and other industries throughout the Great Lakes region. any prolonged closure could disrupt supply chains and impact economic activity. Refloating the vessel will require careful coordination to avoid damage to the ship or the riverbed. An investigation into the cause of the grounding will follow once the Navigator Spirit is freed.
