CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — A cargo ship without propulsion temporarily caused the Ravenel Bridge to close in all directions Wednesday afternoon.
The MSC Michigan VII, which was being piloted by Charleston Pilots, lost propulsion near the bridge, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It was stuck going between 14 to 17 knots, approximately 16 to 20 m.p.h.
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According to Charleston Pilots, the Michigan departed from the North Charleston Container Terminal at 11:46 a.m. with the engine speed set to "dead slow ahead". Shortly after departure, the ship was heading down the Cooper River when the engine began increasing speed without warning and would not respond to further commands. The ship's speed of 14 knots was twice its normal speed.
The ship's pilot requested assistance from nearby tugs, but they were unable to make it to the ship due to the increased speed. After determining that dropping anchors would not be effective, the pilot, master, and crew decided to continue to navigate through the harbor and alert authorities of the situation, according to Charleston Pilots.
The Charleston Police Department (CPD) received a call for service regarding the ship at 12:30 p.m. At 12:41 p.m., the CPD and the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) closed the Ravenel Bridge to traffic and pedestrians to ensure the bridge was clear before the ship passed underneath. The Ravenel Bridge reopened once it was clear of the ship.
A cargo ship without propulsion temporarily caused the Ravenel Bridge to close in all directions Wednesday afternoon. (WCIV)
Charleston Pilots says the Michigan was disembarked offshore at 1:55 p.m.
No damage was reported to the bridge. Two recreational boaters suffered minor injuries after being pushed onto rocks. There have also been reports of broken mooring lines, damaged mooring fittings, and gangways along the harbor.
"I would like to thank our South Carolina state and local Charleston partners for their prompt response and assistance in clearing vessel traffic in the ship channel and halting vehicle traffic on the Ravenel Bridge," said Cmdr. Randy Preston, Coast Guard Sector Charleston deputy commander, in a statement.
"I also want to recognize the Charleston Harbor Pilots for their exceptional coordination and the pilot's efforts in recognizing the adverse situation and steering the ship through the harbor to open water without major incident," he continued in his statement. "This was truly a team effort."
The USCG, CPD, and MPPD held a joint press conference to discuss the ship and the bridge closure. The press conference can be viewed below:
Press conference on the cargo ship that lost propulsion near the Ravenel Bridge. (WCIV)
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