Michigan authorities reopen 4 beaches closed after oil leak from barge, tugboat

7/23/2012

LAKEPORT, Mich. -- Authorities in Michigan's St. Clair County reopened four beaches Sunday that were closed Saturday because of a fresh oil leak from a barge and tugboat that sank in Lake Huron.

The Coast Guard said air crews saw an oil sheen Saturday during salvage operations for a barge and tugboat that sank Thursday in rough weather.

Salvage operations began Saturday in the water off Lakeport, about 75 miles northeast of Detroit, for the 110-foot dredging barge and the 38-foot tug that went down about a mile from shore, releasing some of the fuel on board.

The Coast Guard said crews welded a steel plate over a hole in the side of the tug and refloated it Saturday.

Efforts continued Sunday to raise the barge.