Freighter American Spirit runs aground near Aerial Lift Bridge
Photo by Mark Nicklawske
The Aerial Lift Bridge is closed to ship traffic after a 1,004-foot freighter ran aground in the Duluth harbor around 3:30 p.m. today.
M/V American Spirit, loaded with iron ore pellets, struck shore just shy of a breakwall near the northwest side of the lift bridge, behind the Paulucci Building.
Angela Lowder, waiting to take a Vista tour, captured video of the ship as it came to a halt.
Photo by Mark Nicklawske
Update: The Duluth News Tribune reports American Spirit “floated free from the bottom” Sunday night “due to a water level rise in the harbor at about 10 p.m.”
Grounded ship freed in Duluth harbor