Tugboat Captain Sentenced
The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Gary O. Burnham, of Michigan City, Ind., was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for operating as a ship's captain on a forged license, neglect of duty by a seaman resulting in the sinking of the M/V Margaret Ann, and negligently causing a diesel fuel spill in Lake Michigan. He was also ordered to pay $750,000 in restitution to Holly Marine Towing, the owner of the vessel that sank in Lake Michigan under Burnham's command. The sinking of the Margaret Ann caused a 250 gallon diesel spill in navigable waters. Commander Paul Mehler, III, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago "expects that this will send an important message to the entire marine community." The privilege to operate and maintain a vessel…
Barge Grounds in Lake Michigan
A tug towing two barges ran into rough seas, grounding one barge, while attempting to find a safe haven. The tug, Holly Ann, owned by Holly Marine in Chicago, was towing two empty barges from Muskegon, Mich., to Chicago when seas increased to 10-12 feet and the captain decided to head for safety. The tug lost propulsion and steering while it was making its way toward the Holland Channel. The tug and first barge drifted to the Lake Michigan contractors’ dock and tied up on the pier. The second barge hit the pier, which snapped the towline, and grounded at Holland State Beach. There was no pollution or injuries reported and no visible damage to the barges or tug.
