Narrow Escape: Bulk Carrier Dodges Collision with U.S.-Canada Blue Water Bridge

A recent publication by MLive highlights a near-miss involving a massive Great Lakes freighter that almost collided with a seawall beneath the Blue Water Bridge, which connects the U.S. and Canada.

On May 27, 2025, the M/V American spirit found itself veering perilously close to the St. Clair River’s western banks under this bridge linking Port Huron and Sarnia, Ontario. Footage shared on social media captured the moment at around 1:45 p.m., showing the vessel heading toward Michigan’s riverbank before it successfully adjusted its trajectory just in time to avert disaster.

Lt. Phillip Gurtler from the U.S.Coast Guard Ninth district confirmed they are investigating this incident and are fully aware of what transpired. The American Spirit is a self-loading bulk carrier managed by American Steamship Company, part of Rand Logistics.

Jocelyn Garza from Michigan’s Department of Transportation remarked that while it was indeed a narrow escape, there was no real threat to the bridge itself due to factors like the freighter’s height and its distance from both pier and seawall. She noted that since there are no piers submerged in water at that location, even if an impact had occurred with the seawall, notable damage to any structures would have been unlikely.The ongoing investigation aims to uncover why this freighter strayed off course in such a critical area—an essential inquiry given how busy these waterways can be for shipping traffic.

In similar situations worldwide—like when cargo ships navigate through tight channels in places like Singapore or Rotterdam—the importance of precise navigation cannot be overstated; even minor miscalculations can lead to serious consequences for both vessels and infrastructure alike.

References: MLive, Nautical Voice