Bulkers hit nearly head-on in Welland Canal accident that goes viral
Professional Mariner|September 2020
Two bulk carriers preparing to meet in Ontario’s Welland Canal collided nearly head-on after one ship crossed into the other’s path.
Casey Conley
Bulkers hit nearly head-on in Welland Canal accident that goes viral

The upbound bulker Alanis and downbound bulker Florence Spirit collided July 11 at 1555 at canal mile 15 near Port Robinson. Videos of the slow-speed collision shared widely through social media appear to show Florence Spirit veering across the waterway into Alanis’ path. No one on either ship was injured and no pollution was reported from the incident.

Alanis maintained her heading and Florence Spirit deviated from its path to cross in front of the Alanis path,” said Jean Aubry-Morin, vice president of external relations for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., the Canadian agency that manages the binational waterway with the United States.

Transport Canada is overseeing the incident investigation, with assistance from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). Transport Canada declined to comment on the possible cause, citing the ongoing investigation.

This story is from the September 2020 edition of Professional Mariner.

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This story is from the September 2020 edition of Professional Mariner.

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