Badger Collides With Spartan In Ludington Harbor

The U.S.-flagged Ro-Ro/passenger vessel Badger was involved in a collision at Ludington Harbor on September 17, striking its sister ship, the Spartan. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

The incident took place at about 6:50 p.m. local time during docking maneuvers. The Spartan, which has been laid up in the harbor for several years, was hit by the Badger, resulting in damage to the latter’s stern sea gate.

Marine engineers were called in to assess the damage, determine necessary repairs, and verify that the ship remained safe for service.

Built in 1953, the Badger is one of the last remaining operational coal-fired steamships in the United States. The vessel is 119.69 meters long, 18.14 meters wide, and has a gross tonnage of 4,244.

After the inspection was completed, the Badger resumed normal operations on September 18.