The historic Great Lakes ferry SS Badger sustained damage to its stern sea gate on the evening of September 17, 2025, after colliding with its permanently moored sister ship, SS Spartan, during a docking maneuver at Ludington Harbor.
The incident occurred at around 6:50 p.m. local time while the SS Badger was backing into its dock. It appeared to overshoot the intended position, making contact with the Spartan, which has been permanently stationed in the harbor.
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members aboard the four-hour cruise.
Lake Michigan Carferry, which operates the Badger, reported that marine engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage to the vessel’s stern sea gate. The assessment will determine the necessary repairs and ensure the continued safe operation of the ferry.
Thom Hawley, a company spokesperson, said the organisation is grateful that no one was harmed and emphasised that the safety of passengers and crew remains the company’s top priority. He added that authorities are being involved to investigate the cause of the collision and implement any preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The ferry service between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, resumed Thursday, September 18, at 9 a.m. The SS Badger has a capacity of 600 passengers and 180 vehicles. Its summer sailing season began in May and is scheduled to conclude on October 12.
The vessel has a lift gate on its stern, used as a ramp to the car deck. It is not yet clear how much damage the gate sustained, but it appeared to have been in the raised position during the docking maneuver.
The SS Badger, built in 1953, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the few remaining coal-fired passenger vessels still operating commercially on the Great Lakes. This is the second incident involving the historic steamship in the past two years.
The company said necessary repairs will be made, and the ferry will continue operating safely, allowing tourists and commuters to enjoy one of the last coal-fired steamships in the U.S.
Reference: S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
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