Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2012 --- 6:30p.m.

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) -- A ferryboat that hauls passengers and cars across Lake Michigan got stuck on a shoal for several hours during its first crossing of the season.

The S.S. Badger was about 450 feet from the Manitowoc, Wis., dock Thursday afternoon when it ran aground. It had embarked from its home port of Ludington, Mich., that morning.

Senior chief engineer Charles Cart says that sediment often builds up in Great Lakes harbors during winter. He says a problem with a piston reduced engine power, thwarting efforts to free the vessel.

A tugboat finally pulled the Badger off the shoal, enabling passengers to disembark.

Cart says crew members were replacing the piston and making other repairs. He said the Badger was expected to return to Ludington Thursday night.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.