Freighter freed after running aground in Duluth harbor

Freighter aground
The 1,004-foot freighter American Spirit ran aground near the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth on Sunday afternoon, June 17, 2018.
Courtesy of Dennis O'Hara | Duluth Harbor Cam

Updated: 2:11 p.m. Monday | Posted: 6:20 p.m. Sunday

The freighter that ran aground in the Duluth harbor is back in operation.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority spokeswoman Adele Yorde says the U.S. Coast Guard cleared the ship, American Spirit, to set sail Monday morning because there was no structural damage. Yorde says it later left the harbor loaded with iron ore pellets.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

The Coast Guard will continue to investigate why the freighter ran into trouble Sunday afternoon, coming to rest just offshore from a break wall in Canal Park. No one was injured when the ship ran aground.

A 1,004-foot freighter ran aground Sunday afternoon in the Duluth Harbor, coming to rest just offshore from a breakwall in Canal Park.

The American Spirit came to a stop not far from where another 1,000-foot ship, the Paul R. Tregurtha, ran aground in September 2014 while trying to make the turn to exit the harbor under the Lift Bridge.

The American Spirit began service in 1978 and is part of the American Steamship Co. fleet. It's a frequent visitor to the Twin Ports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report