GROSSE ILE, Mich. -- Seven tugboats have succeeded in freeing a 579-foot coal-hauling Great Lakes barge that was grounded for two days in the Detroit River south of Detroit.
The McKee Sons, a converted freighter, ran aground Friday near Grosse Ile while trying to dock at a DTE Energy Co. site.
The barge came from Cleveland with a load of 11,900 tons of coal and a crew of 17. It has a hauling capacity of 29,500 tons.
The U.S. Coast Guard said efforts to free the barge resumed Sunday after a Christmas break. Coast Guard Lt. Justin Westmiller said two more tugs joined the five already working to free the freighter.
Westmiller said the ship was freed about 2:45 p.m. Sunday and later docked at its destination, a short distance away.
