Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Grand River Navigation Welcomes Reiss into Fleet

01/31
Grand River Navigation Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Richard Reiss from Oglebay Norton Company. The Reiss will become the fourth vessel to serve in the Grand River fleet. We are excited to grow the fleet through the addition of the Reiss, which will enhance our ability to better serve our customers for many years to come.

Originally built in 1943, the Reiss was converted to a self-unloader in 1964 and repowered in 1976. She is 620 feet in length overall with a carrying capacity rated at 15,173 gross tons at mid-summer draft."

The Reiss is expected to be renamed but no name has been chosen at this time. Fitout will be completed in Erie and the company hopes to have the new ship sailing sometime in late March.

History and pictures of the Richard Reiss.

Reported by: Grand River Navigation Company

Risley Raises Plane Wreckage

01/31
The fuselage of a plane that crashed into Lake Erie, killing all 10 people aboard, was raised from the frigid water Friday.

The plane, with the bodies of the victims inside, was transported to Windsor on Friday night, where the bodies were to be removed under the direction of coroner Dr. Tom Wilson. Earlier this week, the plane was dragged closer to the Risley. A massive hole was then cut in the ice through which the fuselage was raised.

The Cessna Caravan 208 crashed in western Lake Erie Jan. 17 shortly after taking off from Pelee Island.

Eight of the passengers aboard Georgian Express Flight 126 were returning from a hunting trip.

The hunters, all from Ontario, were identified as: Fred Freitas, 39, and Larry Janik, 49, both of Kingsville; Ted Reeve, 54, Tom Reeve, 50, and Robert Brisco, 47, all of Chatham; Ronald Spencler, 54, and Walter Sadowski, 49, both of Windsor, and Jim Allen, 52, of Mitchell's Bay. Also recovered were two hunting dogs.

The ninth passenger, Jamie Levine, 28, of Los Angeles, was a friend of pilot Wayne Price, 33, of Richmond Hill.

A memorial service was held Friday at the crash site and a bell was rung 10 times, once for each victim. An iron cross and wreath were then dropped into the water.

The Risley arrive at the Morterm Dock in Windsor Friday night.

Reported by: Frank Frisk and Bob Vincent

Saginaw Heads for Sarnia

01/31
The Saginaw's long trip from Nanticoke, Ontario to the lay-up dock in Sarnia continued Friday with assistance to from the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon.

The pair spent much of the day Friday battling ice in northern Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. The Saginaw has difficulty in heavy ice and the Griffon's crew spent the day working in close quarters with the vessel helping it move north bound for Sarnia.

Late Friday night the pair were working in the lower St. Clair River at the north end of Harsens Island.

Reported by: Frank Jackson

Today in Great Lakes History - January 31

MANZZUTTI was launched January 31, 1903 as a) J.S. KEEFE.

January 31, 1930 - While the Grand Trunk carferry MADISON was leading the way across Lake Michigan to Grand Haven, she was struck from behind by her sister ship GRAND RAPIDS.

Data from: Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Barker Enters Lay-up

01/30
The James R. Barker arrived in Sturgeon Bay early Thursday morning moving through heavy ice on Green Bay. The USCG Cutter Mobil Bay broke a track down the bay and into Sturgeon Bay as far as the Sherwood Point Light.

From the light the tug Jimmy L. was breaking to the inner bay, at Michigan Street Bridge and the PBI/City dock. A number of other tugs from Selvick Marine were near the dock working to free the Edward L. Ryerson from the dock.

The James R. Barker entered the bay and moved to within 500 yards of the Michigan Street Bridge where she stopped in the ice. While the Barker waited the tug crews were busy flushing ice from the dock and preparing to move the Ryerson into the ship channel.

With the Ryerson out of the way the James R. Barker called for a bridge opening. And then moved to the dock face with the aid of bow and stern thrusters and a collection of tugs. Many residents from Sturgeon Bay were on hand despite sub-zero temperatures to watch the final 1,000 footer come in for the winter.

Pictures by: Vic DeLarwelle
In bound Green Bay
Off Sherwood point light
Waiting in Ice by Michigan St. Bridge
Wide view from west side of bay
Ryerson being pulled away from dock
Ryerson In ship channel

Pictures by Jason Leino
Edward L. Ryerson in the channel
Wide view of the James R. Barker and the Edward L. Ryerson
Tugs breaking ice and pushing on the Barker
Jimmy L. breaks ice for the James R. Barker
Still working their way in
Approaching the dock
James R. Barker, almost docked
Edward L. Ryerson at sunset
USCG Mobile Bay at its dock
Tugs Susan L and Carla Ann along with tour boat Fred Busse
View of the shipyard

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle, Jason Leino and Markus Ritter

Griffon Departs Lay-up

01/30
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon departed her winter lay-up dock in Amherstburg Thursday. She headed downbound across Lake Erie to assist the Saginaw in her trip upbound to Sarnia.

The Griffon was brought out of lay-up to assist in icebreaking on Lake Erie. The Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley normally is available for icebreaking but this year is tied up with recover operations at the site of a recent plane crash on Lake Erie.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Stelco Granted Bankruptcy Protection

01/30
Stelco Inc., Canada's biggest steelmaker, was granted protection from creditors on Thursday as it joined other Canadian steelmakers that have succumbed to weak industry conditions.

The company said it was forced to make the move by its deteriorating cash position and a high cost structure that has made it unable to compete effectively. Although Stelco still produces the most steel among Canadian companies, it has fallen behind rival Dofasco Inc in revenue terms.

An Ontario court granted Stelco bankruptcy protection under Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, the equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States. Stelco can keep operating while it tries to file a restructuring plan.

"Recent increases in steel prices have not been, and are not expected to be, sufficient to offset the even more significant past and projected escalation in our costs," Courtney Pratt, Stelco's chief executive, said in a release.

"While we have begun to implement a number of cost control measures, we do not and will not have the liquidity we need without the legal protection and other benefits provided by a Court-supervised restructuring process."

Stelco's major steelworks are located in Hamilton, Ontario, making various semi-finished, hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheet steel products, plus bars and rods; has 4,829 employees in Hamilton. Customers in automotive, appliance, energy, construction and other sectors. The steelworks receive bulk material by Great Lakes freighters.

Stelco Lake Erie produces hot-rolled sheet products and employees 1,382 in Nanticoke, Ont. Customers include the auto sector, plus pipe and tube products makers.

The United Steelworkers union said it was prepared to play a leading role in the company's restructuring but warned a key issue will be protecting the pensions of retirees.

Shares of Stelco plummeted C$1.14, or 66 percent, to 59 Canadian cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange before recovering slightly to 90 Canadian cents. With more than 13 million shares changing hands, the stock was trading well above its average trading volume.

The decision to seek protection under the courts did not surprise many industry analysts, who had been expecting the decision for months. Some said Stelco would run out of cash before the end of 2004.

The company, which lost C$168 million ($126 million) in the first three quarters of 2003, is scheduled to report results for its fourth quarter on Feb. 17.

Although details of the restructuring process are limited, analysts say Stelco should survive and escape as a company with significantly lower costs.

"We still have to see how the restructuring goes through and what emerges from it," said Paul D'Amico, an analyst with National Bank Financial. "But if they are able to attract capital and make investments then they should be okay."

Stelco is the third Canadian steel producer to enter bankruptcy protection in the past eight months, joining Slater Steel and Ivaco Inc.

Reported by: Frank Frisk

Today in Great Lakes History - January 30

ELMDALE was launched in 1909 as a) CLIFFORD F. MOLL.

The CHIEF WAWATAM was held up in the ice for a period of three weeks. On January 30, 1927, she went aground at North Graham Shoal in the Straits. She was later dry-docked at Great Lakes Engineering Works in Detroit where her forward propeller and after port wheel were replaced.

January 30, 1911 - The PERE MARQUETTE 18 (II) arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage.

On 30 January 1881, ST. ALBANS (wooden propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 135', 435 t, built in 1869 at Cleveland) was carrying general merchandise, flour, cattle and 22 passengers in Lake Michigan. She rammed a cake of ice that filled the hole it made in her hull. She rushed for shore, but as the ice melted, the vessel filled with water. She sank 8 miles from Milwaukee. The crew and passengers made it to safety in the lifeboats. Her loss was valued at $35,000.

On 30 January 2000 crew began the removal of the four Hulett Ore Unloaders on Whiskey Island in Cleveland.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Mackinaw Downbound

01/29
The U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw was downbound on Lake St. Clair late Wednesday night heading for Lake Erie.

The passage was well suited for the big icebreaker as no vessels have transited the rivers for several days and many points are frozen solid making passage difficult for a normal vessel. At many points in the Detroit River the ice cover stretches from the U.S. to Canadian shore.

With the St. Marys River closed the Mackinaw is heading south to assist with icebreaking on Lake Erie. Most vessels have entered lay-up but several remain working the late season coal trade between Ohio ports and Nanticoke, Ontario.

Her first assignment is expected to be escort of the Saginaw from Long Point upbound to Sarnia where the Saginaw will lay-up.

It is unknown how long the Mackinaw will work the lower lakes as she is often needed to help keep open the Straights of Mackinac.

Reported by: Steve Wilson

Beeghly Arrives

01/29
The Charles M. Beeghly arrived off the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal early Wednesday morning and waited until dawn before entering the ship canal. With the ice in the canal heavy, the Beeghly was slowed to a stop several times, requiring the Jimmy L. from Selvick Marine to turn around and break her free.

Once the Beeghly cleared the Bay View Bridge she steamed down to the bow of the Ryerson where a dog leg turn is required to make the final line up on the Michigan Street Bridge. In the dog leg turn, the Beeghly could not swing its stern enough to make the heading for the Bridge approach.

To the delight of commuters, the Beeghly called the bridge and asked the bridge tender to close the bridge allowing auto traffic to move again. About a half hour later the Beeghly cleared the bridge and headed for Bay Ship to be rafted to the Lee Tregurtha for winter lay-up.

coming out of the canal at day break
Jimmy L. breaking Ice at the approach to Michigan street bridge
Beegly stopped in ice
Thru the Michigan St. Bridge
Sliding in next to the Tregurtha

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Season Ends in Manistee

01/29
Ice on the Great Lakes has finally become too much for Manistee Harbor. Ironically, this year it isn't the ice in Manistee, but the ice in northern Lake Michigan and Huron that has stopped the flow of brine out of the port.

McKeil was prepared for Manistee's thick ice, by placing the tug Evans McKeil in the harbor to conduct regular icebreaking details. However, the Straits of Mackinac have become clogged. The tug Tony Mackay and barge KTC 115 has yet to arrive in Amherstburg after departing Manistee nearly a week ago. Heavy ice has stopped the tug and barge, causing very slow progress. Tug and barge units have great difficulty in ice, and this duo is no exception.

The Capt. Ralph Tucker encountered engine problems in northern Lake Michigan, near Lansing Shoal on Tuesday, requiring the McKeil tug Salvor to come from Sarnia and tow the Tucker back down to Sarnia. Once engine repairs are finalized, the vessel will conduct the Courtright-Amherstburg shuttles. This is the second year in a row that Manistee has not seen year-round shipping. Locals are hopefully that the brine tankers will be back servicing the port as soon as ice conditions allow.

Reported by: Jeff McKenzie

Homeland security official appeals for help from Great Lakes shippers

01/29
Government anti-terrorism efforts and private industry can mutually benefit from sharing information, a special assistant to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told Great Lakes shippers Wednesday. "I think it will be very, very positive for you," Al Martinez-Fonts said at the Coast Guard's annual Marine Community Day for Great Lakes shipping interests. "It's a two-way exchange."

He said information provided by the government can add to efficiency and productivity. He used as an example government analysis to detect patterns in cyberterrorism threats to private industry.

Martinez-Fonts said private industry should look at security expenses as an investment and encouraged shipping trade organizations to share information specific to their industry.

Reported by: John Wisse

Today in Great Lakes History - January 29

The BUCKEYE (2) was launched January 29, 1910 as the straight decker a) LEONARD B. MILLER.

JOHN P. REISS was also launched this date in 1910 .

January 29, 1987 - The BADGER almost capsized at her dock due to a broken water intake pipe.

On 29 January 1953, RICHARD M. MARSHALL (steel propeller freighter, 643', 10,606 gt) was launched in Bay City, MI at Defoe's shipyard (hull #424). Later she was named JOSEPH S. WOOD (1957), JOHN DYKSTRA (1966), and BENSON FORD (2) (1983). She was scrapped in 1987 at Recife, Brazil.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Mackinaw Heads for Lake Erie

01/28
The U.S. Coast Guard's big icebreaker Mackinaw was downbound on Lake Huron Tuesday heading for Lake Erie. With the St. Marys River closed the Mackinaw is heading south to assist with icebreaking on Lake Erie. Most vessels have entered lay-up but several remain working the late season coal trade between Ohio ports and Nanticoke, Ontario.

The Mackinaw is expected pass downbound at Port Huron Wenesday afternoon and transit the rivers straight through to Lake Erie. It is unknown how long the Mackinaw will work the lower lakes as she is often needed to help keep open the Straights of Mackinac.

Reported by: Steve Wilson

Griffon to Take Up Ice Duty on Lake Erie

01/28
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon is being brought out of lay-up and will be available to assist any tug/barge movements and also the Coal run in Lake Erie.

The move is being made because the cutter Samuel Risley is tied up with recover operations at the site of a recent plane crash on Lake Erie. It is not known whether the Risley will continue with the recovery operations or whether the Griffon will take over and free up the Risley for icebreaking.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Saginaw River Recap

01/28
Despite a slow economy, shipping activity remained strong on the Saginaw River during 2003, with nearly 350 visits by commercial vessels. More than 40 different vessels represented 18 Great Lakes fleets on the river during the season.

Continuing a trend which began in 2002, smaller fleets carried the bulk of the trade on the river, with the vessels of some larger operators becoming less visible.

Lower Lakes Towing and its U.S. counterpart, Lower Lakes Transportation, was once again the predominate fleet. Six of LLT's seven vessels called during the season for a total of 71 visits. The Maumee, one of the oldest vessels still operating on the Great Lakes, entered the river 29 times and was the most frequent visitor to the river.

Seven vessels of American Steamship Company called a total of 39 times. This number was up slightly from the 30 visits in 2002, but well below prior years, when ASC vessels normally called about 75 times. The 1000-foot Walter J. McCarthy Jr. led the fleet, with 10 trips to deliver coal to the Consumers Energy plant.

The majority of the 2003 visits by ASC were to either the Consumers plant or the new Bay Aggregates dock near the mouth of the river, making the fleet's vessels a relatively rare sight further upstream.

It was even more unusual to see an Oglebay Norton Marine vessel on the Saginaw River during 2003. Only two of that fleet's ships called during the season--the Fred R. White Jr. and the Wolverine, each with only two trips. Prior to 2002, Oglebay Norton ships entered the river as many as 75 times during a typical season.

Algoma Central Marine maintained its share of the business, however, with a combined total of 30 visits by the Algoway, Algorail and Agawa Canyon. Many of those trips were late-season deliveries of salt from Goderich, Ontario. The Joyce L. VanEnkevort-Great Lakes Trader has continued to be a frequent visitor, with 24 trips into the river in 2003. Dorothy Ann-Pathfinder called 20 times, and the classic Wilfred Sykes made 19 visits during the season. More unusual visitors included the Joseph H. Frantz, which arrived two times for its new operator, Great Lakes Associates. The Frantz was a common sight in the river in past years as part of the Oglebay Norton fleet. The James Norris paid its first visit in five years in late November, and the Capt. Ralph Tucker called for the first time in December.

In the cement trade, the Alpena, J.A.W. Iglehart, Paul H. Townsend and Jacklyn M.-Integrity delivered a total of 26 loads from the Lafarge plant in Alpena to the company's terminal in Saginaw. The CSL Tadoussac delivered cement clinkers 17 times to the Essroc plant in Essexville, with the Frontenac also making a delivery.

The tug Rebecca Lynn called 16 times with a tank barge at the new Bit-Mat facility near the mouth of the river. Other tug-barges from the Andrie and Hannah fleets visited terminals in Essexville a total of 30 times during the season.

While the shipping season on the Saginaw River normally lasts from early April until mid-December, tankers and tug-barges occasionally call during the winter months. The 2003 season lasted virtually a full calendar year, with a tug-barge calling in January 2003, and freighters continuing to arrive for the first few days of January 2004.

With 29 trips, Maumee was the most frequent visitor to the Saginaw River during 2003.
Joseph H. Thompson outbound on an overcast May morning.
Naval Reserve training vessel Grey Fox carries a group of passengers on July 2.
Algoway visited 14 times for Algoma Central Marine in 2003.
Dorothy Ann-Pathfinder passes the E.M. Ford and Alpena on September 13.
Wilfred Sykes continued to be a regular visitor in 2003.
Joseph Frantz called twice for its new operator, Great Lakes Associates.
James Norris paid its first visit in five years on a rainy, foggy day in late November.
Capt. Ralph Tucker on its first ever visit, December 18.
E.M Ford is a permanent fixture on the Saginaw River.

Reported by: Stephen Hause

Beeghly’s Last Trip

01/28
The Charles M. Beeghly made her last trip of season last week delivering taconite to Rouge Steel. Below are images from her visit.

Beeghly inbound at the Rouge Short Cut Bridge.
At Jefferson.
Patricia Hoey breaking ice.
Unloading on deck looking forward.
Looking aft.
Rouge Steel Ore Bridge.
Stack.
Gaelic Tugboat refueling barge along side.
Patricia Hoey.
Wheelhouse on a clear winter's night. (note constellation Orion is visible at the top of the image)
Name board.
Steering pole.
Detroit fire boat Curtis Randolph in lay-up at Rouge Steel.

Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

Today in Great Lakes History - January 28

SELKIRK SETTLER was launched January 28, 1983

At 4:00 am on 28 January 1879, the ferry SARNIA was discovered to be on fire while lying at Fitzgerald's yard in Port Huron. All of the cabins were destroyed although the fire department had the fire out within an hour. About $3,000 damage was done. She was in the shipyard to be remodeled and to have a stern wheel put in. Arson was suspected.

On 28 January 1889, the Port Huron Times announced that the Toledo & Saginaw Transportation Company went out of business and sold all of its vessel and its shipyard. The shipyard went to Curtis & Brainard along with the PAWNEE and MIAMI. The BUFFALO, TEMPEST, BRAINARD and ORTON went to Thomas Lester. The C. F. CURTIS, FASSET, REED and HOLLAND went to R. C. Holland. The DAYTON went to J. A. Ward and M. P. Lester. The TROY and EDWARDS were sold, but the new owners were not listed.

Data from: Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Lake Erie Coal Trade Stopped by Ice

01/27
Two freighters became stuck in heavy ice near the coal docks in the Ashtabula Harbor early Sunday afternoon. The John D. Leitch, arriving to load coal, became stuck off harbor where ice is reported to be piled to the bottom of the channel. The Leitch has become stuck a second time farther out in the lake.

The Canadian Olympic also became stuck in the ice on Sunday. The U.S. Coast Guard sent the 140-foot ice breaking tug Neah Bay to free the vessels Sunday evening. Thanks to the effort of the Neah Bay both vessel were able to enter port and load.

The Leitch and Canadian Olympic are participating on the late season coal trade carrying coal from Ohio ports to the Ontario Power Generating Station at Nanticoke, Ontario on eastern Lake Erie.

In Conneaut on Sunday the CSL Laurentian was loading coal, while Canadian Transport was waiting.

Pictures by Dave Merchant
CSL Laurentien loading.
Canadian Transport waiting.

Reported by: Dave Merchant and Steve Williams

More ice on the lakes this year

01/27
With a colder winter this year, the Great Lakes are seeing more ice coverage than in recent years, but the levels are actually about normal, according to Great Lakes Radio Consortium's Lester Graham.

"Ice cover extent is similar to the 30-year median ice cover. So, it's really not that unusual," said Ray Assel, a physical scientist with the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab. "I think what makes people think it may be unusual is because of the five winters previous to this last winter, we've had below-normal ice cover."

Reported by: Kevin Alven

Full House at Escanaba

01/27
The ore dock was full at Escanaba on Monday, with the barge Great Lakes Trader and tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort, the tug and barge Joseph Thompson/Jr. and the Joseph L. Block.

Traffic expected over the next few days includes: the Wilfred Sykes on Tuesday, the Barker late Wednesday, and a return of the Thompson on Thursday.

Great Lakes Trader at Escanaba dock, Joseph Thompson in background
Ice on the Great Lakes Trader
Great Lakes Trader on one side of the dock, Joe Block on the other
Joseph Block
Joseph Thompson/Jr.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Queen Mary 2 arrives in Port Everglades

01/27
The new Queen Mary 2 arrived in Port Everglades, Florida Monday morning at the end of her maiden voyage from Southampton, England. Fifteen helicopters were sighted above and six tugboats displayed their water cannons for the event.

Queen Mary 2 inbound from sea.
The ship is greeted with tugboats and water cannons.
Sun rises on the Queen Mary 2.
Stern view.
QM2 at pier 20

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Today in Great Lakes History - January 27

In 1912, the Great Lakes Engineering Works' Ecorse yard launched the steel bulk freighter WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR.

The LEON FALK, JR. closed the 1974 season at Superior by loading 17,542 tons of ore bound for Detroit.

January 27, 1985 - The CITY OF MIDLAND 41 had to return to port (Ludington) after heavy seas caused a 30-ton crane to fall off a truck on her car deck.

On 27 January 1978, ALLEGHENY, the training vessel of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (built in 1944 at Orange, Texas as a sea-going naval tug) capsized at her winter dock at Traverse City, MI from the weight of accumulated ice. She was recovered but required and expensive rebuild and was sold and renamed MALCOLM in 1979.

On 27 January 1893, Charles Lonsby and Louis Wolf purchased the 161 foot wooden steam barge THOMAS D. STIMSON for $28,000. The vessel was built in 1881 by W. J. Daley & Sons at Mt. Clemens, Michigan as a schooner and was originally named VIRGINIUS. She was converted to a steamship in 1887.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Shifting Ice Traps Saginaw on Lake Erie

01/26
The steamer Saginaw, making her last trip of the season and bound for Nanticoke with taconite from Duluth, was stuck in the heavy ice on Western Lake Erie Sunday about five miles southeast of Colchester Reef Light. The U.S. Coast Guard was called when the vessel became caught in shifting ice fields pushed by strong winds and actually began moving backwards. Even with anchors down and engine running she was unable to hold position.

Due to the threat of grounding, the cutter Bristol Bay immediately departed her slip at Detroit sailing downbound to assist the Saginaw. Bristol Bay arrived on scene late Sunday night and began the task of breaking the steamer out. About 11:40 p.m. the Bristol Bay was leading the Saginaw eastbound as the pair made steady progress through the ice.

It was unknown how far the cutter will escort the vessel.

Weeks of below freezing temperatures have made for a busy season for the Bristol Bay. The 140-foot cutter normally works with the icebreaking giants Mackinaw and Samuel Risley. This season the Mackinaw has been busy in the St. Marys River and Straights of Mackinaw while the Risley has been tasked recovering a downed passenger plane in Lake Erie. This has left the very capable Bristol Bay working over time to keep commercial traffic in the area moving.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

More Ice Trouble

01/26
Cuyahoga departed Detroit upbound Saturday for her lay-up dock in Sarnia. She became stuck in ice in northern Lake St. Clair and remained stuck until late Sunday morning when the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay arrived on scene to free her. The Charles M. Beeghly, departing Rough Steel, helped by passing her and creating a track for the Cuyahoga to follow.

The Beeghly headed north through the ice on the St. Clair river past Edison toward the open water end of the river at around 5:40 Sunday evening. She is headed for layup at Sturgeon Bay. Cuyahoga finally passed Edison at 6:20 p.m. As she passed Marine City noise from the ice crashing against its bow, along with the cracking of the ice as it passed made for a spectacle of sight and sound.

Meanwhile, Algoeast also had trouble Sunday. At daybreak, she was positioned just north of Marine City, and by 3 p.m. still had not reached the Algonac State Park, a distance of about 10 miles. Once again the stout Bristol Bay arrived on scene and freed her from the heavy ice in the lower St. Clair River.

Downbound at Salt Dock Light - slow against ice
Less than one mile downbound from Salt Dock - stuck fast against ice
Stopped in ice.
Bristol Bay to the Rescue
Close up
Beeghly upbound
Cuyahoga upbound

Reported by: George Barna, Glen Terbush, Duane Upton, Mike Nault and Don Detloff

Vessels Stacked to Load at Escanaba

01/26
Traffic may be done for the winter on Lake Superior but Escanaba is still shipping ore at a brisk pace. The James R. Barker was loading on Sunday, and will be followed by Great Lakes Trader, Joseph H. Thompson, Joseph L. Block and Wilfred Sykes.

The Block was reported upbound on Lake Michigan Sunday night at reduced speed due to the vessels ahead of them.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Sturgeon Bay Update

01/26
After a busy day in Sturgeon Bay Saturday with the arrival of four ships for lay-up. The Lee A. Tregurtha, Mesabi Miner, Philip R. Clark and Arthur M. Anderson arrived resulting in a Bay full of ships from the Michigan Street Bridge to the graving dock.

Work on getting ships into lay-up at Bayship continued through the night and into Sunday morning. Selvick tugs helped the Lee A. Tregurtha tie up at the steel face dock. Then the Mesabi Miner was brought into the drydock. Next to tie up was the Philip R. Clarke which is now docked between the St. Clair and the Herbert C. Jackson. The Arthur M. Anderson was the last ship to find a home Sunday morning next to the Sam Laud.

The four ships that are still due to arrive in Sturgeon Bay for lay-up include the Charles M. Beeghly, James R. Barker, Joseph H. Block, and the Wilfred Sykes.

Tugs from the Selvick Marine fleet and the tug Bayship stood by all evening Saturday waiting for first light of morning, taking a short break from working all day and half the night. The tug crews were changed out several times during the day, leaving all crews cold and tired before shutting down for the night for safety reasons.

Pictures by Vic DeLarwelle
Mobile Bay Back at her berth
Messabi Miner in graving dock early morning
Wide View
Close up as Anderson moves through the steam of the Tregurtha
Clear of steam, preparing to back into Berth 11
Wide view of steam from all ships at Bayship
Pictures by Jason Leino
Oglebay Norton and George A. Stinson
Steam rises from the from the recently docked vessels
Lee A. Tregurtha at the steel face dock
Wide view as the Arthur M. Anderson backs in
Stern view of the Miner, Stinson, and Norton
Stern view from left to right: St. Clair, Philip R. Clarke, Herbert C. Jackson, Sam Laud, Arthur M. Anderson
Close up of the St. Clair, Philip R. Clarke, and Herbert C. Jackson
Edward L. Ryerson in the ice
Bow View
USCG Mobile Bay at its dock in Sturgeon Bay

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle and Jason Leino

Speer Arrives

01/26
The crew of the Edgar B. Speer gave the citizens of Milwaukee an excellent demonstration of boat handling skills as they turned the Edgar B. Speer outside the Milwaukee break wall and then backed the Speer into the Port of Milwaukee's inner mooring basin Saturday afternoon.

Tricky winds and ice in the harbor made the task even more difficult. Once inside they had to bring the Speer alongside the Burns Harbor with a minimum of ice left between the boats.

Speer backs under the Hoan bridge
A tight fit as the Speer backs alongside the Integrity
Coming along side the Burns Harbor.
Another view
Flushing ice at the stern
Home for the winter

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Late Night Visitor to Erie

01/26
The Presque Isle, escorted by the USCG Neah Bay, arrived in Erie harbor for winter lay-up at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday. The Neah Bay entered Erie Channel at 11:30 p.m. Saturday and broke a path to the Mounfort Terminal, then awaited the arrival of the Presque Isle. The Presque Isle made slow progress into the channel and finally tied up after 3 a.m.

Reported by: Jeffrey Hausmann

Today in Great Lakes History - January 26

The keel for the CLIFFS VICTORY (a. NOTRE DAME VICTORY) was laid on January 26, 1945.

THOMAS F. COLE was launched January 26, 1907 by the Great Lakes Engineering Works, Ecorse, MI. as Hull #27.

J.F. SCHOELLKOPF, JR. was launched January 26, 1907 as a) HUGH KENNEDY.

The THALASSA DESGAGNES entered service for Le Groupe Desgagnes on January 26, 1994.

ST. LAWRENCE NAVIGATOR was launched in 1967 as a) DEMETERTON.

On 26 January 1898, the CITY OF DULUTH (wooden passenger/package freight vessel, 202', 1310 gt, built in 1874 at Marine City, MI as a passenger vessel) was carrying passengers, corn, flour and general merchandise from Chicago to St. Joseph, MI during a late season run when she struck an uncharted bar in a storm inbound to St. Joseph. She was heavily damaged and driven ashore 350 feet west of the north pier where she broke up. The Lifesaving Service rescued all 24 passengers and 17 crew members using breeches' buoy.

Data from: Steve Haverty, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Ice puts an end to the salt season at Goderich

01/25
The last ship due in to Goderich on Friday was unable to enter port due to ice build up off the harbor piers.

The Algosteel was due to load salt for Detroit but was delayed Friday due to the ice conditions. At 4 p.m. she was off the piers and was waiting for the USCG Bristol Bay to break a path into the harbor.

With the icebreaker assistance and MacDonald Marine tugs working to keep the inner harbor clear, she was still waiting off the harbor late Friday night. Saturday morning the efforts were abandoned and the Steel headed to Sarnia for lay-up. Ice windrows off the piers were reported to be from 12 to 14 feet thick.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Michipicoten at Algoma

01/25
The Michipicoten arrived at the Soo Saturday from Marquette with a load of taconite for Algoma Steel. Under sunny skies and sub zero temperatures, the cutter Katmai Bay escorted her to the steel mill. This will be Michipicoten's last load of the season and she will winter at Algoma.

The upbound Algonova was expected in the Soo harbor by late Saturday afternoon. The Katmai Bay was seen around the Purvis Dock that afternoon indicating Algonova might be docking there.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Callaway Unloads

01/25
Cason J. Callaway arrived in Duluth on Saturday and proceeded to the DMIR ore dock to unload pellets that it lightered from the ships in the St. Marys River. Once empty, the Callaway was expected to proceed to Fraser Shipyards for winter layup.

At DM&IR Dock 6 in Duluth unloading pellets from the lightered ships from the Soo. They were unloading into the bin normally reserved for limestone unloading and then piled it up on land. Kent Rengo

Reported by: Al Miller and Kent Rengo

Railroad Bridge Halts Tucker

01/25
The Capt. Ralph Tucker arrived off of Manistee around 8 a.m. Friday expecting to proceed upriver to General Chemical for a load of brine. The CSX Railroad Bridge over the Manistee River had other ideas.

The Tucker proceeded inbound, under the escort of fellow McKeil tug Evans McKeil when it was learned that the railroad bridge would not open. When the Tucker was abeam of Johnson's Funeral home her forward progress was safely stopped, and she kept station in the river without anchoring until 3 P.M. The bridge problem was described as electrical, and technicians from Grand Rapids, Michigan had completed the repairs in the early afternoon allowing the Tucker to pass.

The Tucker loaded and departed Manistee Saturday morning bound for Amherstburg. The tug/barge duo Tony Mackay / KTC 115 is expected back into Manistee the middle of the coming week.

The tugboat Evans McKeil has shifted her moorings from the General Chemical dock to the downtown area near the Elks. The vessel continues to conduct track maintenance in the Manistee area, keeping a path open through the ice.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

More Arrivals for lay-up in Sturgeon Bay

01/25
Saturday was a busy day for tugs, ships, and Boatnerds in Sturgeon Bay.

Selvick tugs pulled the Oglebay Norton out of the graving dock and rafted her next to the George A. Stinson. The Lee A. Tregurtha arrived Saturday morning and was stuck in ice as she waiting tug assistance after they were done moving the Oglebay Norton.

Shortly after noon the Mesabi Miner arrived off Lake Michigan and proceeded into the ship canal and stopped behind the stuck Lee A. Tregurtha. By late afternoon the Oglebay Norton was nearly in place and the Jimmy L. came to break ice in the ship canal around the Lee A. Tregurtha. Once free the Lee A. Tregurtha made her way through the Bayview bridge and towards Michigan Street with assistance from the Jimmy L.

The Mesabi Miner moved forward in the canal and also became stuck in ice near the spot the Lee A. Tregurtha was stuck. At 5 p.m. the Lee A. Tregurtha was approaching the Michigan Street Bridge, the Mesabi Miner was midway in the ship canal stuck in ice.

The Philip R. Clarke was out in Lake Michigan approaching Sturgeon Bay as was the Arthur M. Anderson. It was unsure at the time whether they would come into the ship canal or go to anchor in Lake Michigan.

Pictures by: Jason Leino
Jimmy L and William C pull the Oglebay Norton from the dry-dock
Close up of tugs and Oglebay Norton
Bows of the George A. Stinson and Oglebay Norton
Stuck in Ice
Lee A. stern shot underway in ship canal
Name board and battle ribbons
Jimmy L and Lee A. Tregurtha
Jimmy L arrives to break up ice in the ship canal
Mesabi Miner turning in Lake Michigan
Wide view on approach
Approaching the lighthouse
Entering the harbor
Stern view entering the ship canal
Mesabi Miner and Lee A. Tregurtha in the ship canal
Ice coated bow
Bow view of the Mesabi Miner in the ship canal
Philip R. Clarke and Arthur M. Anderson on Lake Michigan bound for Sturgeon Bay

Pictures by: Carl Grota
Lee Tregurtha in the canal just after being freed from the ice
Proceding through the Michigan Street Bridge at sundown
Mesabi Miner in the canal following the Lee Tregurtha
Philip Clarke on the horizon
Arthur M. Anderson awaiting transit through the ship canal

Reported by: Jason Leino, Carl Grota and Scott Best

Milwaukee Lay-up

01/25
The Stewart J. Cort arrived in Milwaukee for lay up on Saturday morning under sunny skies, but with a temperature of just 1 above zero.

Captain Dave Mathie skillfully brought the Cort into Milwaukee's heavy Lift dock so that only a minimum of ice flushing was required. The Port of Milwaukee's tug the Harbor Seagull made one pass down the side of the Cort to clear out any remaining ice and the Cort was home for the winter.

The Edgar B. Speer arrived that afternoon entering lay-up along side the Burns Harbor.

Pictures by Andy LaBorde
Cort arrives
Another view
Ice cover
Seagull flushing ice from the dock.
Another view
Pulling lines
Onboard the Cort showing Rebecca Lynn
Integrity in the background
Pictures by Dave Borzymowski
Speer arrives.
Turning.
Fishing tug passes.
Backing in.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Undaunted visits Marinette

01/25
The tug Undaunted and her barge Pere Marquette 41 paid a very rare late season visit to Marinette Fuel & Dock in Marinette, WI last Sunday. The Undaunted was assisted and escorted through the heavy ice of Green Bay by the powerful tug Erika Kobasic.

The pair arrived off Menominee about 11PM Saturday evening and finally docked at Fuel & Dock at 2AM Sunday morning. About 9AM Sunday the Erika Kobasic took the small tug Escort up to Marinette Marine where it will remain until the launch of the USCG Alder on February 7.

Ice in the Menominee River was 6-8 inches thick last weekend and a week of below zero temps is thickening the ice very quickly. The Undaunted unloaded it cargo of pig iron and departed Marinette around 2PM Sunday afternoon again escorted by the Erika Kobasic. Ice was reported to be very heavy as far north as Cedar River then open water as far as Minneapolis Shoal. The Undaunted is a common visitor to Marinette with cargoes of pig iron and stone.

Arriving at MF&D with assistance from the Kobasic.
Docked with the Erika at Fuel & Dock.
Close up unloading pig iron
Departing Marinette
Erika Kobasic towing the Undaunted out of Marinette. (This was done so that the Undaunted did not have to move her rudder and risk damaging it in the heavy ice)
Wide view with Menominee Lighthouse
Erika turns on the power to make it through a windrow of ice at the mouth of the river
Erika Kobasic heading up the Menominee River to Marinette Marine.
Escort is towed by the Kobasic through heavy ice.
Another view heading up river
Stern view towing the Escort
Preparing to tow the Undaunted out of Marinette.
Pulling the Undaunted away from the dock.

Reported by: Scott Best

Lake Erie Report

01/25
The American republic entered layup Saturday in Cleveland at the G&W dock next to the Carter Road bridge.

The Gemini was outbound headed east that morning. She followed a track left by the Neah Bay who was escorting the Presque Isle to Erie.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Today in Great Lakes History - January 25

On January 25, 1988 L’ORME NO.1 was involved in an accident at Ultramar Refinery near Quebec City when attempting to tie up during foggy weather. She struck the dock and the impact started a fire that extensively damaged the wharf and the forward section of the ship.

Scrapping on the E. J. BLOCK began at Port Colborne on January 25, 1988.

The JOSHUA A. HATFIELD was launched January 25, 1923.

The W.C. RICHARDSON (2) was launched January 25, 1908 as the a) WAINWRIGHT.

On 25 January 1890, ALEX NIMICK (wooden propeller, 298', 1968 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. She was built by J. Davidson (hull # 30).

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Saginaw Likely Last Vessel at the Locks

01/24
For all intents and purposes, the commercial shipping season at the Soo Locks ended Friday with the early afternoon downbound passage of the steamer Saginaw. The vessel was stuck in the ice off Gros Cap earlier Friday and was assisted by the Coast Guard cutter Katmai Bay.

Saginaw was the only commercial vessel reported moving on the St. Marys River Friday. Due to ice conditions, Coast Guard and Soo Locks officials say it is unlikely any more traffic will request passage before the locks officially close at midnight Sunday.

The Saginaw followed the icebreaker Mackinaw through the frozen St. Marys River to the thickest ice area reported near Stribling Point, around the turn to Green point. She was in the lower river at Point Au Frennes by late afternoon. The Cutter Mackinaw was outbound at Detour about 5:20 p.m.

The Saginaw's arrival was delayed by strong northwest gales that swept the upper Great Lakes on Thursday. The upbound Cason J. Callaway cleared the locks on Thursday and later went to anchor to ride out the storm. She continued her trip to Duluth early Friday.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard is expected to close the West Neebish Channel (Rock Cut) so that an ice bridge may form, allowing residents of Neebish Island passage to the mainland. The ferry Neebish Islander II has been unable to run for almost a week due to broken ice blocking the channel and is now effectively laid-up for the winter.

Once they close officially on Sunday, the Soo Locks do not reopen until March 25. The locks were kept open an extra 10 days this winter to accommodate late-season demand for raw materials. However fast developing ice the past two weeks put a serious crimp in efforts by shippers to run right up to the closing bell.

Pictures by B. Barnes
Saginaw passing in -5 degree F weather, the low early Friday morning was -20 .
Profile.
Close up of bow.
Katmai Bay.
Mackinaw.

Reported by: B. Barnes, Roger LeLievre, Jerry Masson and the Soo Evening News

Last Load at Marquette

01/24
The Michipicoten was the last ship of the season to arrive in Marquette for a load of ore. She arrived in the early afternoon on Friday, with several boatwatchers out to see her.

Michipicoten arriving in the harbor
Powering up
Coming in
First man over
Tying up on a snowy dock

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Minnesota mines have reserves but need resources

01/24
Minnesota's mining industry has enough taconite to mine for another 50 to 100 years if stakeholders can develop long-term policies to economically extract and process the low-grade ore.

An eight-member advisory committee, along with four state commissioners and appointees of Sen. Norm Coleman and Rep. Jim Oberstar, is charged with advising and making recommendations on the taconite industry's future to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

About 5 billion tons of iron ore reserves remain on the Iron Range. That compares with Michigan's reserves of less than 1 billion tons.

But the industry has obstacles to overcome, according to a report on mining issued Thursday.

The Fraser Institute, an independent economic, social and educational firm based in Vancouver, ranked Minnesota 44th out of 53 states, provinces and countries for its overall mining attractiveness.

The institute's policy potential index surveys mining companies and measures government policies, environmental laws, taxation, land and labor issues, and geological databases. Nevada was rated No. 1, followed by Chile, South Australia and Tasmania.

The committee plans to closely examine the competitiveness of Iron Range taconite producers in the national and international marketplace, the future of the domestic steel industry, taconite industry regulations, land use, taxation and royalties, research projects and public perception.

Reported by: Frank Frisk

Twin Ports Report

01/24
Edwin H. Gott arrived in Duluth mid-morning on Jan. 23. It eased through the ice into the port terminal berth 1 for winter lay up. A wheeled crane was already on site to begin winter work. A short time later, Kaye E. Barker arrived in port and proceeded into Fraser Shipyards with assistance of two tugs from Great Lakes Towing to break ice and help her into the drydock.

Reported by: Al Miller

Today in Great Lakes History - January 24

The JOHNSTOWN (2) was launched January 24, 1952.

SPRUCEGLEN was launched January 24, 1924 as a) WILLIAM K. FIELD.

The steel barge MADEIRA was launched on January 24, 1900.

In 1988, while under tow of tug EVEREST, the ENDERS M. VOORHEES encountered force 9 winds, parted her towline and went aground and subsequently broke in two at Profitis Elais, Kythnos Island (Thermia) in the Cyclades between the Mirto and Aegean Seas. She was on her way to Turkey for scrapping at the time.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Bristol Bay Keeps Traffic Moving

01/23
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bristol Bay, the only icebreaker on the scene Thursday in the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair, was busy helping a variety of vessels.

Among those requiring assistance were the tugs Keewatin (towing) and Jerry G (pushing) with the barge NT 1803 bound for the Courtright Brine Dock.

Bristol Bay also helped out the Cuyahoga, stuck in ice near Algonac but bound eventually for Ojibway salt in Windsor. Cuyahoga is expected to load salt for delivery to Nicholson's dock across the Detroit River in Ecorse, Michigan. The Philip R. Clarke was downbound Thursday headed for the National Steel ore dock on Zug Island in Detroit. When she is done in Detroit, she will head to Sturgeon Bay for layup, as will the Arthur M. Anderson, which was also downbound in the river Thursday.

Other downbounders later in the day included CSL Laurentien (bound for Nanticoke with taconite), Canadian Transport (headed for Ashtabula) and the Canadian Progress. Presque Isle, also headed for Zug Island, was reported making slow progress between the Salt Dock and Light 23.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre and Mark Jackson

Recovery Efforts Suspended at Lake Erie Crash Site

01/23
Efforts to recover the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into Lake Erie were temporarily suspended Thursday due to bad weather. The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel Risley, which is leading the recovery operation, returned to port to restock supplies and bring in additional equipment. The Risley departed downbound Thursday evening from the Morterm dock in Windsor heading back to the crash site.

Ontario Provincial Police divers have spent all week trying to pinpoint the wreckage of the downed Cessna which crashed Sunday en route from Pelee Island to nearby Windsor killing all 10 people aboard. Police say they're determined to quickly recover the bodies to allow their families some closure.

The Risley must proceed slowly to avoid disturbing the wreckage or becoming stuck on the shallow lake bottom. The water is 24 feet deep and the Risley is drawing 22 feet. A remote-controlled camera scouting the lake bottom ahead of the Risley is aiding in the search effort. The ship was also trying to avoid churning up silt at the lake bottom where the wreckage is sitting.

Part of the plane's ignition system and bits of the left wing were among the wreckage recovered from the surface of the lake. The thin, fractured ice on the water near the crash site is hampering efforts, said the Ontario Provincial Police officer in charge of dive operations.

"No ice at all is a good condition, and really thick, stable ice is a good condition to work on," said Sgt. Wayne MacPherson. "Unfortunately, we're halfway in between."

Reported by: Frank Frisk

Jackson Arrives for Lay-up

01/23
The Herbert C. Jackson arrived off Lake Michigan Wednesday evening. Tugs from Selvick Marine broke a track from the canal to Berth 9 at Bayship Building where the ship will remain for winter lay-up.

Pictures by Vic DeLarwelle
Wide view of bow and Bayship.
Stern view.

Pictures by Wendell Wilke
St. Clair arriving Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
George A. Stinson at her lay-up dock.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Twin Ports Report

01/23
Freed from the ice in the St. Marys River, the remaining active vessels of Great Lakes Fleet are proceeding to their final unloading ports and then going on to winter layup -- and twp boats will go to roost in some unexpected ports.

Here's the lineup:
--Edgar B. Speer is expected to arrive in Gary today, weather permitting, and then proceed to Milwaukee for layup. It originally was expected to spend the winter in Duluth.
--Edwin H. Gott is due at Duluth's port terminal at noon.
--Presque Isle was due at Detroit late Thursday. Once unloaded it will proceed to Erie, Penn., for layup.
--Arthur M. Anderson was due at Detroit late Thursday. It's due at Sturgeon Bay at 1 p.m. Saturday.
--Cason J. Callaway, which lightered three vessels in the river, was reported at anchor in Whitefish Bay waiting for weather. It will layup in the Twin Ports.
--Philip R. Clarke was due at Detroit on Thursday. It's due at Sturgeon Bay at noon Saturday.

The Twin Ports shipping season actually ended Wednesday when the steamer Saginaw departed the BNSF ore dock at 7:45 a.m.

As expected, the Paul R. Tregurtha has tied up for the winter at Midwest Energy Terminal. The vessel arrived in port Wednesday.

Because of the delay caused by ice problems at the Soo, the Edgar B. Speer and the Presque Isle reportedly have abandoned plans to lay up in Duluth.

The loss of the Speer and the Presque Isle to the Twin Ports layup fleet will be felt in the local economy. With the anticipated arrival of the Callaway and Kaye E. Barker, the Twin Ports winter fleet will total 10 vessels -- well below last year's 15.

On average, each laker contributes an estimated $500,000 to the local economy through repairs, maintenance, services and fitting out for a new season, Jim Sharrow, facilities manager for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, told the Duluth News Tribune. Thus, the five-ship decline could come at a cost of about $2.5 million for the Twin Ports' maritime community.

Even though ice conditions brought the season to an end several days sooner than anticipated, taconite industry officials said keeping the Soo Locks open beyond their scheduled closing date was beneficial to industry.

"Obviously, the extension was important first and foremost for steelmakers going into the non-shipping season," Frank Ongaro Jr., president of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, told the Duluth News Tribune. "But the other big direct beneficiaries were taconite producers. These final shipments helped their cash flow.

"When pellets are sitting on the ground, no one is sending money to Minnesota," he said. "It's only when pellets are moving that money flows to us."

This year's Twin Ports winter fleet will be:
American Mariner - Hallett Dock, Duluth
Paul R. Tregurtha - Midwest Energy Terminal, Superior
Indiana Harbor - Seaway C (near the port terminal), Duluth
Roger Blough - Port Terminal, Duluth
Edwin H. Gott - Port Terminal (anticipated), Duluth
John J. Boland - Fraser Shipyards, Superior
John G. Munson - Fraser Shipyards, Superior
Cason J. Callaway - Fraser Shipyards (anticipated), Superior
Kaye E. Barker - Fraser Shipyards drydock (anticipated), Superior
Walter J. McCarthy Jr. - Lakehead Pipeline Dock (near Elevator M), Superior

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Pellet Figures Reflect Disappointing Season

01/23
When the steamer Michipicoten takes on the last load of iron ore pellets is scheduled to leave the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad ore dock in Marquette's Upper Harbor at noon Friday, she'll be wrapping up a disappointing season in Marquette and elsewhere on the Great Lakes.

Iron ore tonnage shipped off the LS&I ore dock dropped from 7.8 million in 2002 to 7.1 million last year, said to Dale Hemmila, spokesman for Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., which manages and has ownership interests in both the Tilden Mine and the Empire Mine in Palmer.

In 2003, the number of ships loaded at the Upper Harbor ore dock was 315, compared to the 321 loaded in 2002. In a story in the Marquette Mining Journal, Hemmila attributed the decline in tonnage to a low demand for pellets early last year plus the mid-May flooding in Marquette County which stopped shipments off the Upper Harbor ore dock.

Elsewhere on the Great Lakes, it was much the same story, said Glen Nekvasil, vice president of corporate communications of the Lake Carriers Association. "I can say that we finished on a strong note. So that was positive," he told the newspaper. "But overall, it was an off year on the lakes. We had some ships that never sailed."

According to information compiled by the LCA, all U.S.-flagged ships carried 92.5 million tons of cargo on the Great Lakes in 2003. That's down from 101.5 million tons from the previous year, Nekvasil said.

On specific cargo, 42.2 million tons of iron ore pellets were carried by U.S.-flagged vessels in 2003, down from 48.2 million tons in 2002. About 23 million tons of fluxstone, a type of limestone used as a purifying agent in steel production, was carried in 2003, down from 26.5 million tons the previous year. Nekvasil blamed the overall decrease in tonnage on the failure of the U.S. steel industry to rebound

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Difficult Ice Conditions Slow Shipping Activities

01/23
The sub zero temperatures over the past weeks and a winter storm over the weekend has put pressure on Icebreaking operations and shipping around Quebec City.

Movements of ships have been slow and on Tuesday the containership Cast Prospect required the assistance of the big Canadian Coast Guard Ice Breaker Des Groseilliers. Both ships had to wait for the flood tide to proceed safely under the two bridges west of Quebec City.

Coast-Guard officials stated that ice coverage was 10/10 on the St. Lawrence River in the area with brash ice from 2 to 4 meters thick. From St-Nicolas to the Bridges, a six miles distance, there was no ice movement observed although it was the ebb tide.

Daily helicopter flights along with cameras and radar set up on bridges monitor the ice conditions in the area near the bridges.

The ferries operating between Levis and Quebec City have also been experiencing at times many delays while ferrying the ice congested channel.

Last week end, with a strong North-eastern winter storm prevailing, the pilots boats operating at Les Escoumins Pilot Station ( 130 miles east of Quebec City) were unable to proceed with embarkment and disembarkment of pilots due to the ice congested north shoreline. With such adverse conditions, Pilots are handled by the ports of Baie Comeau or Sept-Iles.

Ice breaker Des Groseilliers docking in St-Charles River Quebec Harbor.
Departing St. Charles River for patrol.
Underway abeam Quebec City for the bridges.
Pierre Radisson docked in Quebec City.
Ferry Alphonse Desjardin in sub-zero temperatures.
Ferry Felix Antoine Savard in winter snow storm.
Winter pilot boat Ocean Charlie heading for Quebec Pilot Station.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Today in Great Lakes History - January 23

The GEORGE A. STINSON struck a wall of the Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, MI on January 23, 1979. The damage was estimated at $200,000.

The rail car ferry GRAND HAVEN sailed on her first trip as a roll on/roll off carrier from Port Burwell on January 23, 1965 loaded with 125 tons of coiled steel bound for Cleveland and Walton Hills, OH.

January 23, 1980 - Protesting the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, workers refused to unload the Russian freighter KHUDOZHNKI PAKHOMOV docked at Dow Chemical in Ludington.

Data from: Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Ice Blockade Ends With Release of Speer

01/22
After three days of Herculean effort, the 1,000-footer Edgar B. Speer was finally freed from the ice at the Rock Cut Wednesday afternoon, thanks to the help of the tugs Reliance, Joyce L. VanEnkevort, Missouri and Joseph H. Thompson Jr.

That was welcome news for a flotilla of nine downbound vessels waiting behind the Speer. Stopped vessels included Arthur M. Anderson, Stewart J. Cort, CSL Laurentien, Presque Isle, Philip R. Clarke, Joseph H Thompson, Canadian Transfer, Canadian Progress and James R Barker, all of which immediately resumed their delayed trips to the lower lakes Wednesday afternoon.

The Speer became lodged in the ice Sunday, wedged into the narrow channel that runs between Neebish Island and the mainland, about 15 miles downstream from the Soo Locks. Previous efforts – including towing the Speer through the ice – by the USCS icebreaker Mackinaw – were unsuccessful Monday and Tuesday.

In was not clear from reports whether the loaded Speer was hung up on a mass of ice on the channel bottom, another large ice mass alongside, or both. Heavily loaded vessels leave very little clearance between the bottom of the ship and channel bottom.

The Rock Cut is a narrow, man-made channel that carries downbound vessels past the west side of Neebish Island (upbound vessels use the Middle Neebish channel on the island’s east side). The Rock Cut can easily fill to the bottom with broken ice, a problem that worsens with each passing vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that the Rock Cut is now closed for the season, and all vessels will use the upbound channel. Three vessels loaded too deeply for the shallower upbound channel (Presque Isle, CSL Laurentien and Stewart J. Cort) offloaded a part of their cargos Wednesday into the Cason J. Callaway to raise their drafts by about a foot each.

Wednesday night the James R. Barker was the last of the downbound vessels to clear the backlog of ships in the lower river . The Joseph H Thompson Jr and Cason J Calloway will remain in the Soo over night as heavy snowfall reduced visibility in the area. The Thompson will also off load cargo into the Callaway to make the downbound trip.

Once clear of the Soo, the Callaway will sail upbound for Duluth and lay-up with the cargoes onboard.

While the tugs were working on the Speer, the icebreakers Mackinaw and Biscayne Bay were working the upbound track in order to ease the passage of the downbound vessels.

In order to help the Speer, the tug Joseph H. Thompson Jr. dropped its barge, Joseph H. Thompson, at the Sault’s Carbide Dock and headed downriver Tuesday night. Joyce L. VanEnkevort left its barge, Great Lakes Trader, at anchor near Watson’s Reef.

No cargo was taken off the Speer during the operation.

Meanwhile, Neebish Island remains isolated from the mainland, thanks to the broken ice clogging the channel preventing the ferry Neebish Islander II from making its run.

Reported by: Jerry Masson, Roger LeLievre and B. Barnes

Photos by B. Barnes
Canadian Progress, downbound.
Close up of bow.
Barge Joseph H. Thompson at the Carbide Dock. The tug left the barge and went to assist with freeing the Speer.
Stewart Cort unloading into the Callaway.
Joseph H Thompson Jr. headed back to the Soo passes by the Cort.
Great Lakes Towing tug Missouri.
Tug Joseph Thompson Jr. passes the Sugar Island Ferry.
Stern view.
Tug coming around the barge to join up with the barge.
Rejoined and waiting to offload.
USCG aerial view showing the Mackinaw working with the Speer.

Twin Ports Report

01/22
Although the Edgar B. Speer was finally moving again late Wednesday, it's not out of the woods - or rather, the ice - just yet. Great Lakes Fleet reported the Speer downbound late Wednesday afternoon but said the vessel likely would anchor off Mackinac Island since winds had closed the ice track through the Straits of Mackinac.

High winds forecast for Lake Superior overnight Wednesday were expected to prompt the Edwin H. Gott to anchor behind the Keweenaw Peninsula. The vessel had no eta for Duluth.

Among the other GLF boats:
-- Presque Isle was reported waiting in the St. Mary's River on Wednesday afternoon with no eta for Detroit.
--Arthur M. Anderson was reported moving downbound with an eta for Detroit of sometime today, weather and ice permitting.
--Philip R. Clarke was in the convoy of downbound vessels behind the Anderson, also with an eta of today for Detroit.

The Cason J. Callaway was reported as "lightering vessels in the St. Marys River" with no eta for Duluth.

In the Twin Ports, Paul R. Tregurtha arrived for layup on the afternoon of Jan. 21. As darkness fell about 5 p.m., the vessel was backing through thick ice in the turning basin off the Duluth port terminal, apparently bound for the Midwest Energy Terminal dock for layup.

Reported by: Al Miller

Final Load

01/22
The Kaye E. Barker brought a final load of coal for the season to the WE Presque Isle Power Plant on Wednesday. The windows on her forward cabins were already covered, ready for lay-up.

If weather permits, the Michipicoten will make one more trip for a load of ore for Algoma Steel.

Kaye Barker unloading coal.
Icy bow.
Windows on forward cabins covered.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Steamship Mather Museum Seeks Restoration and Maintenance Volunteers

01/22
The Steamship William G. Mather Museum is about to undergo some intriguing changes over the next several years, so they are preparing now to increase their Volunteer Restoration and Maintenance Crew. Whether you know how to weld or know how to hold a brush, they will train you based on your interests and abilities to maintain and/or restore their floating 618-foot, flagship freighter now permanently moored as a maritime museum at Cleveland’s East Ninth Street Pier.

Restoration and Maintenance Volunteers come from all walks of life and have many different levels of abilities. If you have an interest in any of these areas (painting, plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry, restoration, general maintenance) and are willing to learn and/or share your area of expertise with other Mather crew, then they welcome you to contact them about available volunteer opportunities.

Restoration and Maintenance Volunteers come aboard on Saturdays all year-long, with some working on long-term projects and others doing what is needed that day. Based on mutual needs, other scheduling arrangements can be made. They also serve a hearty “steamboat dinner” to the volunteer crew every Saturday at lunch-time, which gives new volunteers a chance to get to know some veteran volunteers who have been coming aboard for over a decade.

Interested individuals should contact the Mather’s Operations Manager and Shipkeeper, Bill Mc Donald, at 216-574-9053 or wgmather@aol.com. You can also visit their website at www.wgmather.org for more information.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Today in Great Lakes History - January 22

The c) WOODLAND (b. JENSEN STAR) was sold to International Capital Equipment of Canada and cleared off Lakes from Montreal January 22, 1991 under the Bahamian flag with the modified name to d) WOODLANDS .

The GOLDEN HIND was sold on January 22, 1973 to Trico Enterprises Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda (Quebec & Ontario Transportation Co. Ltd., Thorold, Ont., mgr.)

January 22, 1913 - The SAINTE MARIE (2) was launched.

Data from: Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series