Diesel leak from Michigan Princess in Grand River near Lansing contained, currently under investigation

July 11, 2024

LANSING – Cleanup efforts were underway after diesel fuel from the Michigan Princess riverboat spilled into the Grand River shortly before noon Wednesday.

Personnel from the Lansing Fire Department and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy were on site at Grand River Park in the 3000 block of Lansing Road to combat the oil spill.

Officials were initially unclear how much fuel had leaked out. The cause had also not been determined by Wednesday afternoon.

Lansing firefighters have placed a floating absorbent barrier in the river around the boat and downstream, said Jill Josef Greenberg, spokeswoman for the Michigan EGLE.

Greenberg said an oily film extended about 180 meters downstream.

The Lansing Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chris Chamberlain, owner of Michigan Princess, said his company is committed to operating in an environmentally friendly manner.

“We do everything we do ourselves as good environmental stewards,” Chamberlain said. “We promote water quality, I live on the river. I grew up on this boat my whole life and I want nothing more than to have the cleanest water in the rivers possible.”

Chamberlain said Marine Pollution Control, a company working with Michigan Princess, is en route to investigate and monitor the oil explosion.

The Michigan Princess offers trips on the Grand River. The boat can accommodate up to 500 passengers and operates from Grand River Park.

The company also operates the Grand Princess from Lansing, as well as the Detroit Princess and two smaller ships in Little Traverse Bay.

Contact Sarah Moore at [email protected]

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