Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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Muskegon officials approve ferry dock lease
10/31
Muskegon, Michigan city commissioners have unanimously approved the city's portion of a three-way dock lease for a Milwaukee-Muskegon ferry scheduled to begin operating June 1.
The commissioners' approval came just days after city leaders announced that Lake Express and Great Lakes Marina had agreed on the site for the Muskegon terminal.
The deal calls for construction of a $1.2 million dock in Muskegon for the high-speed ferry, which will carry passengers and vehicles. The city will put up the money and be repaid with fees generated through the ferry's operation.
Construction is expected to begin soon, Great Lakes Marina co-owner John Bultema told The Muskegon Chronicle. The terminal will be built on Muskegon Lake property owned by the marina, which will be responsible for its construction.
Milwaukee-based Lake Express LLC will run the ferry, a 200-foot aluminum catamaran capable of carrying 250 passengers and 46 vehicles.
Reported by: Dave Parikh

Challenger Visits
10/31
The oldest operating laker entered Owen Sound, Ontario about 4 p.m. Thursday. The Southdown Challenger was carrying a load of cement destined for the Miller Paving silos.
Inbound.
Close up.
Another view.
Reported by: Ed Saliwonchyk and Torben Hawksbridge

Alpena Update
10/31
The Algorail arrived in the Thunder Bay River around 2 p.m. on Thursday. It tied up at the Alpena Oil Dock and unloaded 11,000 tons of salt. It departed after dark and carefully backed out of the river into the bay, which was choppy with east winds blowing.
The Steamer Alpena was also in port on Thursday coming into Lafarge before 9 p.m. to take on cement. The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity is expected back in port late on Friday.
The J.A.W Iglehart is heading for Cleveland.
Algorail unloading
Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News
10/31
The Wolverine was inbound the Saginaw River Thursday afternoon passing the Pump-Out Island around 4:30 p.m. She called on the Bay Aggregates dock to unload and was outbound late in the evening.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Wolverine inbound passing USCG Station Saginaw River
Stern view at Essroc
Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan

Toledo Update
10/31
The Saginaw finished loading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator and departed very early Thursday morning. Several hours later the John B. Aird arrived at Andersons "K" Elevator to load grain. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge was at the Sun Dock loading cargo.
The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the Lee A. Tregurtha on Saturday, followed by the Fred R. White, Cason J. Callaway, Saginaw, Adam E. Cornelius, and Charles M. Beeghly on Sunday. Note the boat lineup at the CSX Docks for Sunday, some vessels may be rescheduled to avoid a delay.
The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the CSL Niagara on Friday, followed by the Atlantic Superior on Wednesday.
Classic views of Toledo Shipping
Shannon/barge Lakewood tow inbound Toledo bound for the Shipyard where the Lakewood will be placed in drydock.
Willis B. Boyer/Pontiac in winter layup at the Hocking Valley North Dock.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Today in Great Lakes History - October 31
CANADIAN EXPLORER's sea trials were conducted on October 31, 1983 on Lake Erie where a service speed of 13.8 m.p.h. was recorded.
The EDWIN H. GOTT was christened October 31, 1978.
On October 31, 1973, the H.M. Griffith entered service.
J.W. McGIFFIN cleared Midland, Ont. on her maiden voyage October 31, 1973 bound for Thunder Bay, Ont. to load iron ore for Hamilton, Ont.
The CADILLAC (4) was launched October 31, 1942 as a) LAKE ANGELINA.
ELMGLEN (2) cleared Owen Sound, Ont. on October 31, 1984 on her first trip in P. & H. colors.
On October 31, 1966 while downbound in the St. Marys River loaded with 11,143 tons of potash for Oswego, NY, the HALLFAX ran aground on a rocky reef and settled to the bottom with her hold full of water. She had grounded on Pipe Island Twins Reef just north of DeTour, MI.
The CHARLES L. HUTCHINSON (3) struck a reef the night of October 31, 1925 three miles south of Manitou Island, off the Keweenaw Peninsula, on Lake Superior.
On October 31, 1983 the SYLVANIA was towed out of the Frog Pond by the harbor tugs ARKANSAS and WYOMING. She was handed over to the tug OHIO for delivery to the Triad Salvage Co. at Ashtabula, OH arriving there on November 1st. Dismantling was completed there in 1984. Thus ended 78 years of service. Ironically the SYLVANIA, the first built of the 504 foot class bulkers, was the last survivor of that class. During her career with Columbia Transportation, the SYLVANIA had carried over 20 million tons and netted over $35 million.
On 31 October 1883, CITY OF TORONTO (wooden passenger-package freight sidewheeler, 207', 898 GC, built in 1864 at Niagara, Ontario) caught fire at the Muir Brothers shipyard at Port Dalhousie, Ontario and was totally destroyed. She previously had her paddle boxes removed so she could pass through the Welland Canal, and she was in the shipyard to have them reassembled that winter.
On 31 October 1874, the tug FAVORITE was towing the schooner WILLIE NEELER on Lake Erie. At about 10:30 PM, near Bar Point, the schooner suddenly sheered and before the tow line could be cast off, the FAVORITE capsized and sank. One life was lost. The rest of the crew clung to the upper works which had become dislodged from the vessel and they were rescued by the schooner's lifeboats.
On 31 October 1821, WALK-IN-THE-WATER (wooden side-wheeler, 135', 339 t, built in 1818 at Black Rock [Buffalo], NY) was wrecked on Point Abino, on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie during a storm. She was the first steam-powered vessel above Niagara and her frequent comings and goings during her career were very much in the newspapers in Detroit but her loss was not mentioned not at all since this steamer was virtually the only source of news from the east. Her engine was installed by Robert Fulton himself. After the wreck, it went into the steamer SUPERIOR and later ran a lumber mill in Saginaw, MI.
On 31 October 1880, TRANCHEMONTAGNE (wooden schooner, 108', 130 t, built in 1864 at Sorel, P. Q.) was loaded with rye and sailing in a storm on Lake Ontario. She struck the breakwater at Oswego, New York head-on at about 3:00 AM. She stove in her bow and quickly sank. The crew took to the rigging, except for one who was washed overboard and rode a provision box from her deck to shore. The Lifesaving Service rescued the rest from the breakwater. The schooner broke up quickly in the storm.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Jody Aho, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Harriman Moved
10/30
Wednesday the Lewis G. Harriman tow departed the Purvis Dock just before 10 a.m. The tugs Adanac and Anglian Lady moved the retired cement carrier upbound through the MacArthur Lock.
At 11 a.m. they were clear of the Piers going to secure the Harriman at the Purvis West Dock.
It is unknown when scrapping will begin, crews are currently scrapping the Quedoc at the location.
In other news, the Roger Blough spent most of the day at Carbide Dock. The Blough was tied up for reported fuel system repairs. Once completed, they departed downbound Wednesday night for Conneaut, Ohio.
Approaching the Mac Lock upbound
Close up entering the lock
Stern view in the lock
Almost at High pool
Ready to depart the Mac Lock for the last time.
Proceeding upbound above the locks
Close up above the locks
Stern view headed to Purvis West Dock.
Roger Blough tied up at Carbide for Repairs
Michipicoten upbound Wednesday afternoon
Reported by: Scott Best

Badger Heads for Home
10/30
The Lake Michigan Carferry Badger departed Bay Shipbuilding about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Prior to departing the dock the Selvick tugs Mary Page Hannah and Jimmy L. rigged out for the tow back to Ludington.
As the Badger departed the dock, the Mary Page Hannah pulled the bow heading for the Michigan Street bridge, with the tug Jimmy L. trailing. They departed out bound passing through the shipping canal for Lake Michigan and Ludington, Mich. The tow should take about 10 to 12 hours, depending on the sea and weather conditions.
Stern being rigged for tow to tug Jimmy L. Tugs Escort II and Bay ship holding
Passing through Michigan Street bridge
Heading for Bay View bridge
Entering the ship canal
In the canal
Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

EVTAC spending OK may signal mine's revival
10/30
EVTAC Mining Co. has received a bankruptcy judge's approval to use company money to prepare the Minnesota taconite plant for reopening, pushing the facility closer to purchase by Cleveland-Cliffs and a Chinese steelmaker.
EVTAC closed May 14 because of lack of orders from owners Rouge Steel, Stelco and AK Steel. The taconite producer is now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. but Cliffs and Laiwu Steel Group are working together to purchase and reopen the plant to supply taconite pellets to China.
EVTAC plans to spend $5.9 million to get its mine near Eveleth and processing plant in nearby Forbes back into operation before the possible purchase. Officials say they need to rebuild the plant's furnace, rebuild a rock crusher, rebuild a shovel, buy supplies and work on the mine.
Up to 100 steelworkers could be back on the job as early as next week.
Steelworker leaders and Cleveland-Cliffs negotiators will begin meeting Monday in Duluth to negotiate a new labor contract for EVTAC's hourly workers. Cliffs says agreement on a new progressive labor agreement is a key part of reopening the taconite plant.
Reported by: Gary Stevens

Ispat Inland successfully relines Indiana blast furnace
10/30
Ispat Inland employees recently completed a $95 million reline and restart of the company's mammoth No. 7 blast furnace.
A blast furnace is a towering cylinder lined with heat-resistant bricks, used by integrated steel mills to smelt iron from its ore. Its name comes from the ``blast'' of hot air and gases forced up through the iron ore, coke and limestone that load the furnace.
The reline of No. 7, the largest blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere, was completed Oct. 4. The furnace can produce twice the amount of iron daily as Ispat Inland's other two furnaces combined.
During the past three weeks, the No. 7 furnace has been slowly brought back up to its iron-making capacity of more than 10,000 tons a day.
``It was a major investment in the future of company, plant and region,'' an Ispat Inland spokesman said. ``It enables us to continue to serve the high-end of the market: automotive, appliance and electrical steels for motors and transformers.''
The successful project is significant for the Great Lakes shipping industry because the furnace consumes millions of tons of taconite pellets carried by ship from Minnesota and Michigan.
Ispat Inland's mine in Virginia, Minn., sends 2.9 million tons a year to No. 7 -- about 65 percent of what the furnace needs. The Empire Mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula supplies the remainder.
During the peak construction period, as many as 1,350 contractors worked on the reline along with the steelworkers who normally staff the furnace.
Contractors removed and replaced the worn heat-resistant brick covering the interior of the huge steel-shelled vessel that had its last full reline in 1987. They also replaced the furnace's staves -- the hollow copper pipes that cool the furnace's exterior -- did electrical work and pipe-fitting to complete the project.
Reported by: Roger Davis

Twin Ports Report
10/30
Herbert C. Jackson was under the spouts Wednesday at Cenex Harvest States in Superior. Also in port for grain was the saltie Pytheas at Cargill B1. Olympic Mentor is anchored out waiting for Cenex Harvest States.
Elsewhere in port, Oglebay Norton was due at Midwest Energy Terminal.
U.S. Steel's purchase of the National Steel assets continues to send boats of Great Lakes Fleet to unusual ports. Presque Isle was due Wednesday at BNSF ore dock in Superior -- a rare call for that vessel before this season -- to load pellets for Detroit. Edwin H. Gott is due at BNSF on Nov. 2.
Up the shore, Lee A. Tregurtha was scheduled to make a rare call Wednesday in Two Harbors. Middletown was due at Silver Bay.
Reported by: Al Miller

Marinette Update
10/30
This week saw two Desgagnes ships in Marinette, WI. First was the Catherine Desgagnes, which arrived on Saturday afternoon with a load of pig iron for Marinette Fuel & Dock. She departed mid-day on Sunday. The Amelia Desgagnes arrived at MF&D early Wednesday morning, also with pig iron.
The USCG Hollyhock continues her sea trials. After being out in the bay of Green Bay most of the weekend, she spent Tuesday, Tuesday night and Wednesday (until about 4 p.m.) also in the bay. The USCG Hollyhock is due in Port Huron in about 10 days to report for duty as replacement for the now-retired USCG Bramble.
Catherine Desgagnes turns in the Menominee River alongside the crane ship William H. Donner.
Another view from down-river
Heading out of the Menominee River
Outbound past Menominee North Pier lighthouse (notice how high she is riding at the bow)
Amelia Desgagnes unloading at Marinette Fuel & Dock
On sea trials beyond the lighthouse
Reported by: Dick Lund

Saginaw River News
10/30
The Mississagi was outbound the Saginaw River during the afternoon Wednesday. She had entered the river Tuesday evening, lightering at the Bay City Wirt Dock and then heading upriver to the Saginaw Rock Products Dock to finish unloading. The Tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort & Barge Great Lakes Trader were also outbound on Wednesday after unloading overnight at a Saginaw dock.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Mississagi downbound at Wheeler's Landing
Another view
Stern view approaching By City Wirt
Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Lon Morgan, Stephen Hause

Two teens charged with faking distress call
10/30
Two 16-year-old Chicago boys were arrested Oct. 28 for falsely making a distress call two days earlier that sent Chicago police and fire rescue units and the Coast Guard racing into Lake Michigan in search of a non-existent sinking boat with 20 people aboard.
The youths were charged with disorderly conduct for making a false police report and are to appear in Juvenile Court, said police spokeswoman Alice Casanova. Rescuers searched for three hours Sunday before declaring the call a hoax. Typically, such pranksters are never caught, Casanova said.
Reported by: Alan Byers

Agency eyes truck ferry for Lake Erie
10/30
A truck ferry between Erie, Penn., and Nanticoke, Ont., could generate as much as $14.6 million a year for the Erie region, says the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, and the agency hopes to begin operating the ferry in 2005.
The ferry would take thousands of trucks off congested Canadian highways, according to the report by Transportation Economics & Management Systems Inc. It could also bring hundreds of jobs to Erie, port officials said.
"You'd increase economic activity here tremendously," said Alex Metcalf, president of TEMS. "The jobs could be in the hundreds. The impact would be substantial."
The type of ferry that would be used has yet to be decided, though the Port Authority is considering a $17 million, 492-foot vessel. The ship would make two round trips per day at a cost of $120 per truck.
The ferry, capable of breaking ice, would operate at least 320 days a year and carry up to 100 trucks per trip, according to the study.
Before such a ferry could begin operation, however, the study suggests substantial infrastructure improvements are needed on both ends of the route. While there is an existing ferry dock in Nanticoke, there is some question about whether the already congested Canadian highways from Nanticoke would be able to handle increased truck traffic.
The Erie ferry loading area needs extensive work, Port Authority Executive Director Ray Schreckengost said.
Reported by: Bob Martin

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
10/30
On November 10, 1975, in the most famous shipwreck in Great Lakes history, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a treacherous storm on Lake Superior. Now in conjunction with its anniversary of the ship sinking, Southport Video Productions, a film company specializing in documentaries on shipwrecks and lighthouses, has released a new program titled The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
"This is by far our most detailed and comprehensive look at this great ship' s story," says Southport producer Mark C. Gumbinger, who produced and directed two earlier entries on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald presents new interview material filmed for this program, with updated theories about what actually brought the Edmund Fitzgerald to the bottom of Lake Superior on that terrible, stormy night."
Thanks to the popular 1976 song by singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald has reached and maintained legendary status in Great Lakes maritime lore. The gigantic ore carrier, at one time the largest ship on the Great Lakes and holder of numerous tonnage records, was caught up in a vicious November storm on Lake Superior and, after hours of battling high winds and 30-foot waves, suddenly disappeared from radar without so much as a single warning or SOS from its captain or crew.
What happened that fateful night has been the subject of debate for more than a quarter of a century. The Fitzgerald came to rest in two pieces in deep frigid water, and authorities cannot even agree on whether the ship broke on the surface or whether it slammed into the floor of Lake Superior, not to mention the different and often conflicting theories.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald gives the details of the ship's final voyage, complete with details of its final minutes, the frantic search efforts that followed its sinking, and the Coast Guard's exhaustive investigation into the tragedy. The various theories about its sinking are explored by eleven Great Lakes maritime experts.
Reported by: Southport Video Productions

Today in Great Lakes History - October 30
The tugs GLENADA and MOUNT McKAY towed AMOCO ILLINOIS from Essexville on October 30, 1985 and arrived at the M&M slip on November 1st. where she was to be scrapped.

The CADILLAC (4) and her former fleetmate CHAMPLAIN (3) arrived under tow by the Dutch tug/supply ship THOMAS DE GAUWDIEF on October 30, 1987 at Aliaga, Turkey to be scrapped there.

The ISLE ROYALE (2) (Canal Bulk Freighter) was launched October 30, 1947 as a) SOUTHCLIFFE HALL for the Hall Corporation of Canada Ltd. (which in 1969 became Hall Corporation (Shipping) 1969 Ltd.), Montreal.
On 30 October 1874, LOTTA BERNARD (wooden sidewheel "rabbit", 125', 147 T, built in 1869 at Port Clinton, OH) was carrying general merchandise from Silver Islet to Duluth when she foundered in a terrific gale off Encampment Island in Lake Superior. Three lives were lost. She was capable of only 4 miles per hour and was at the mercy of any fast rising storm.
During a storm, the schooner ANNABELLA CHAMBERS was wrecked on the islands off Toronto, Ontario on 30 October 1873. One sailor was washed overboard and lost. The skipper was rescued, but he had the dead body of his small son in his arms.
October 30, 1971 - The PERE MARQUETTE 21 was laid up due to coal strike. She never sailed again as a carferry.
On 30 October 1877, CITY OF TAWAS (3-mast wooden schooner, 135', 291 t, built in 1864 at Vicksburgh [now Marysville], MI as a sloop-barge) was carrying 500 tons of iron ore when she struck a bar outside the harbor at St. Joseph, Michigan while attempting to enter during a storm. She drifted ashore with a hole in her bottom and was pounded to pieces. One brave crewman swam ashore with a line and the rest came in on it.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Harriman Moved
10/29 11 a.m. Update
The Harriman departed the Purvis Dock just before 10 a.m. Wednesday morning towed by the tugs Adanac and Anglian Lady. The tow moved upbound through the Mac Lock.
At 11 a.m. they were clear of the Piers going to secure the Harriman at the Purvis West Dock.
Original Report
The Lewis G. Harriman remained at the Government Dock in Sault, Ont. on Tuesday. The tow arrived on Monday from Green Bay with an ultimate destination of scrapping above the Export Dock.
It is unknown when the tow will be moved to the scrapping dock which is located above the Soo Locks. Crews are currently scrapping the Quedoc and it is expected to take up to 10 months before crews can begin on the Harriman.
Reported by: Scott Best

Bankrupt Rouge Steel may tempt other buyers
10/29
U.S. Steel Corp. remains interested in buying bankrupt Rouge Steel despite a recent announcement that Russian steelmaker Severstal plans to buy the company's Detroit mill.
Thomas Usher, chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel Corp., said Monday that the Pittsburgh-based steel giant is still interested in buying Rouge in bankruptcy court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Rouge on Monday began the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection process in U.S. bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Del. Rouge Industries Inc. announced the same day that its shareholders likely would receive nothing if the company is bought by Severstal.
Rouge, which has lost $360 million since 1999, announced last week that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and had reached an undisclosed deal to sell all of its assets to Severstal.
Severstal did not file court documents Monday detailing Rouge's purchase price. At the end of June, Rouge listed $558 million in assets and $505 million in liabilities.
As part of the bankruptcy process, all of a company's assets can be auctioned. Although Rouge has an agreement with Severstal, the company could choose to sell to the highest bidder. That might open the door for U.S. Steel to bid for the company.
Reported by: Dan Whitmore

EVTAC wants money to prepare for re-start
10/29
Officials of EVTAC Mining Co. are asking a federal bankruptcy judge for approval to use company money to prepare the Minnesota taconite plant for reopening, pushing the facility closer to purchase by Cleveland-Cliffs and a Chinese steelmaker.
EVTAC closed May 14 because of lack of orders from owners Rouge Steel, Stelco and AK Steel. The taconite producer is now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. but Cliffs and Laiwu Steel Group are working together to purchase and reopen the plant to supply taconite pellets to China.
EVTAC wants to spent $5.9 million to get its mine near Eveleth and processing plant in nearby Forbes back into operation before the possible purchase. Officials say they need to rebuild the plant's furnace, rebuild a rock crusher, rebuild a shovel, buy supplies and work on the mine.
Cliffs officials told the Duluth News Tribune that they want to close the deal to buy EVTAC by Dec. 1. Cliffs reportedly is offering to buy the taconite plant's assets for $500,000 in cash and the assumption of$40 million in environmental liabilities.
The News Tribune reported that Cliffs is talking with the state about numerous issues aimed at reducing the cost of acquiring and operating the plant. Among the issues is possible expansion of the Cliffs Erie Railroad to haul EVTAC pellets to Taconite Harbor, where the taconite-loading dock has been idle since LTV Steel Mining closed. EVTAC pellets currently are sent by rail to Duluth, where they are loaded aboard Great Lakes ships at the DMIR ore dock.
EVTAC's board of directors has approved the company's sale to Cliffs and Laiwu, as have Rouge Steel and Stelco. AK Steel has not cast a vote as an owner, although it approved the sale as a member of the board.
An AK Steel spokesman told the News Tribune that a new cost structure being proposed at EVTAC caught the attention of AK Steel. However, he said AK Steel does not plan to oppose a deal to sell the taconite plant.
Reported by: Steve Roper

Welland Canal News
10/29
Tuesday was an interesting day in the Welland Canal. The salt water ship BBC Spain stopped at the E.S. Fox Dock at Port Robinson to load an unknown cargo. The ship had departed by early evening.
The theme for the canal Tuesday was cement boats. Upbound were the barges St. Marys Cement II and Metis. Down bound was the barge St. Marys Cement and tug Petite Forte and the JAW Iglehart.
Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Toledo Update
10/29
Tuesday the Canadian Transfer was at the Kuhlman Dock unloading salt. The Gemini is in temporary lay-up at the Lakefront Docks. The Armco, Buckeye, and Courtney Burton remain in layup at their respective docksites.
The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the Lee A. Tregurtha and Fred R. White Jr. on Saturday, followed by the Cason J. Callaway, Saginaw, Adam E. Cornelius, and Charles M. Beeghly on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the CSL Niagara on Friday.
Pictures by Mike Nicholls
Canadian Transfer unloading at Kuhlman's Dock on the Maumee River.
Just after passing through the N&S South Railroad Bridge outbound for Lake Erie.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Kingston Update
10/29
The Kingston area was busy Tuesday. The English River left Bath, Ont. with cement for Toronto. The Stephen B. Roman departed Picton, Ont. also heading for Toronto. The Atlantic Superior finished unloading in Picton Tuesday and departed with an eta for Cape Vincent of 2:45 p.m.
The Canadian Empress arrived back in Kingston Tuesday afternoon from a trip to Prescott. This was her last voyage of the season. She will head to her winter berth shortly.
The Nadro Clipper departed Prince Edward Bay at 11 a.m. heading for a location 4.5 miles SE of Point Pete and .5 miles south of the downbound Lane. They were to conduct diving operations in 180 feet of water.
Reported by: Ron Walsh

New Technology Highlighted by events at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum
10/29
A new, interactive Detroit River Watch webcam is now on-line at www.glmi.org.
The webcam, located on the top of the William Clay Ford freighter pilothouse at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, offers a 340-degree view of the passing freighter traffic on the Detroit River and activity in Belle Isle Park. The webcam can be controlled from any on-line personal computer, and is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
�The purpose of the camera is to introduce patrons to our maritime heritage, to encourage them to visit the museum on Belle Isle, and to participate in our programs,� says John Polacsek, Dossin Museum curator.
The Detroit River Webcam is a special project of the Great Lakes Maritime Institute and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. The project is funded by donations; individuals who contribute $20 or more receive an authentic stock certificate from the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Co., a passenger and freight line that was active on the Detroit River from 1860-1950.
The Detroit River Webcam is made possible due to new high-speed wireless Internet technology provided through the Zing Company of Detroit. Since the Dossin Museum is on the south shore of Belle Isle, no regular cable service is available. Zing provided a wireless connection to its downtown Detroit location after a clear line of sight was provided by the Belle Isle forestry crew. In the future, the webcam will be used to broadcast historical presentations about commercial navigation and Detroit River aquatic life direct to classrooms in the Motor City area and across the region.
The new technology will also be used Mon., Nov. 10 for a live webcast of a memorial service for the steamer Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew, from the grounds of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. The 7 p.m. ceremony will include a lamp-lighting ceremony, and retired Great Lakes Capt. Donald Erickson, who helped search for Fitzgerald survivors on Lake Superior the night of the shipwreck, will speak. The Fitzgerald sank 29 years ago, at approximately 7 p.m. Nov. 10 1975.
�The last time we conducted a Fitzgerald Memorial we ran out of room, so this time, with the webcast, we hope to provide a greater service to our patrons in the Detroit area and across the country,� adds Polacsek.
The ceremony is open to the public, but there is only limited walk-up space available. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the William Clay Ford pilothouse, where space is even more limited. In short, adds Polacsek, �the best bet is to watch is on the webcast.�
Thanks to the webcast�s interactive nature, people from around the world will be able to ask questions in real time by submitting their questions electronically.
For additional information, go to www.glmi.org.
The Great Lakes Maritime Institute has also scheduled a number of events Nov. 8 -9 to coincide with the perils of November that many sailors and vessels have experienced on the Great Lakes.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, a Silent Auction will be held from 11a.m.-1 p.m. at Dossin Museum to benefit the Webcam project. Among items on the auction block are two bottles of 90-year-old scotch that were recovered from the shipwreck of the S.S. Regina on Lake Huron. The Regina was lost Nov. 9, 1913 when a major storm battered the Great Lakes. Other artifacts up for auction include portholes and other memorabilia from the well-known Great Lakes passenger liner South American, items relating to Gold Cup racing on the Detroit River, Bob-Lo Island memorabilia and a number of pieces of nautical artwork. Following the auction, at 1:30 p.m., Dave Trotter, a diver who discovered another victim of the 1913 storm, the freighter John McGean, which lies upside down on the bottom of Lake Huron, will speak. Regular admission charges to Dossin Great Lakes Museum apply.
On Sunday Nov. 9 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., maritime historian Elizabeth Sherman will be on hand to sign her new book �Beyond the Windswept Dunes � The Story of Maritime Muskegon.� Published by Wayne State University Press, the book chronicles the ships and shipwrecks along the Muskegon and eastern Lake Michigan shore. At 2 p.m., Great Lakes folk singer Lee Murdock will perform. Murdock�s ballads tell the stories of vessels and crews that have sailed the inland seas. Tickets are $10 for Great Lakes Maritime Institute members ($12 non-members) plus admission to the museum.

Today in Great Lakes History - October 29
ALGOLAKE was launched October 29, 1976

On October 29, 1986 the JAMES R. BARKER, who had suffered an engine room fire, was lashed side-by-side to the thousand-foot WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY and towed this way to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. for repairs.

The b) CANADIAN EXPLORER was christened on October 29, 1983 at the Port Weller Dry Docks.

The National Transportation Safety Board ruled on October 29, 1991 that Total Petroleum was responsible for the fire that destroyed the tanker JUPITER because of faulty moorings and exonerated the BUFFALO from primary responsibility.

On the afternoon of October 29, 1987 while upbound with coal from Sandusky, OH, the ROGER M. KYES ( b) ADAM E. CORNELIUS) went aground on Gull Island Shoal in Lake Erie's Middle Passage and began taking on water. About 3,000 tons of coal was transferred to the AMERICAN REPUBLIC after which the KYES freed herself the next morning. Damage from the grounding required extensive repairs.

The tug portion of the PRESQUE ISLE (2) departed New Orleans on October 29, 1973.

The H.C. HEIMBECKER's last trip started at Thunder Bay, Ont. with a load of grain bound for Owen Sound, Ont. where, on October 29, 1981, it was discovered that one of her boilers was cracked. When unloading was completed on October 30th, the HEIMBECKER proceeded under her own power to Ashtabula, OH for scrapping.
On 29 October 1892, ZACH CHANDLER (3 mast wooden schooner-barge, 194', 727 GT, built in 1867 at Detroit) was carrying lumber from Ashland, WI in tow of the steamer JOHN MITCHELL when the two became separated in a northerly gale in Lake Superior. The CHANDLER was overwhelmed and broke up on shore about three miles east of Deer Park, MI. Five of the crew made it to shore in the lifeboat and the Lifesaving Service saved two others, but one perished. Three years earlier, the CHANDLER stranded at almost the same spot and sustained heavy damage.
On 29 October 1879, AMAZON (wooden propeller freighter, 245', 1406 t, built in 1873 at Trenton, MI) was carrying "provisions" - 900 tons of freight plus 7000 barrels of flour - from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan. She struck the notorious bar off of Grand Haven in a gale and broke up. All 68 aboard survived. Her engine was later recovered.
On 29 October 1880, THOMAS A. SCOTT (4-mast wooden schooner-barge, 207', 1159 t, built in 1869 at Buffalo as a propeller) was riding out a storm at anchor one mile off Milwaukee when she was struck by the big steamer AVON (wooden propeller, 251', 1702 gt, built in 1877 at Buffalo, NY). The SCOTT sank quickly. She had been bound from Chicago for Erie, PA with 44,000 bushels of corn. Three of her crew scrambled onto the AVON while the seven others took to the yawl and were towed in by the Lifesaving Service.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Tow Stops
10/28
The tow of the Lewis G. Harriman from Green Bay to Sault Ste. Marie continued Monday. At 6:45 a.m. Monday morning the Avenger IV and Harriman tow were inbound at Detour, the lower entrance to the St Marys River. The tug Adanac took up the stern of the tow for the trip up the river.
The tow arrived about 2 p.m. at the Government Dock in Sault, Ont. It is unknown when the tow will pass upbound through the locks but the move is expected to take place today.
The Harriman will be tied up above the Import Dock and will wait for scrapping. Crews are currently scrapping the Quedoc and it is expected to take up to 10 months before crews can begin on the Harriman.
Pictures by Dave Wobser
Tow upbound.
Avenger IV on the bow.
Close up.
Pilothouse and name board.
Stern passing.
Adanac on the stern.

Pictures by Scott Best
Former fleet mate Alpena was downbound on Monday and met the tow of the Harriman near 9 mile Pt.
Close up of Harriman
Upbound near Mission Pt.
Entering Soo Harbor
Close up view
Tow stern view at Mission Pt.

Pictures by Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises
At the Government Dock.
Another view.
Reported by: Dave Wobser and Scott Best

Last Cruise ship in Quebec harbour for 2003
10/28
The arrival of the Royal Caribbean Liner Grandeur of the Seas on Sunday morning brought an end to a successful 2003 Cruise ship season in Quebec Harbor. This season, three new cruise ships docked in Quebec for the first time, namely the Prinsendam, the Regal Princess and the Seven Seas Navigator.
On October 14, thousands of onlookers bid farewell to the popular Cunard QE2 on its last voyage to Quebec. In total, twenty-one cruise ships made 113 calls this year carrying an estimated 70,000 visitors, 80% of which are American. The cruise ship business represents a lucrative $15 M annual fall-out for the Quebec City area.
The Quebec Port Authority has high hopes for the 2004 season as Holland America Lines has announced plans to double its number of calls from 12 to 24 next season.
Picture of Grandeur of the Seas docked in Quebec Harbor.
Reported by: Frederick Fr�chette

Mapleglen Heading for Suez Canal
10/28
The scrap tow of the Mapleglen continues as the deep sea tug Seaways 2 pulls the Mapleglen closer to the scrapper�s torch. The tow is expected to reach Port Said, Egypt on November 2. Port Said is the Northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The trip from Canada is expected to take a total of 70 days with the Mapleglen ending the tow beached in Alang, India.
Following behind the Mapleglen is the tow of the Seaway Queen and Oakglen. The deep sea tug Seaways 5 is towing the two lakers, they are currently crossing the Atlantic also heading for Alang.
Seaways International is the towing company charged with moving the hulls, the company has towed ten lakers to meet their end in India.
Reported by: Kent Malo

Twin Ports Report
10/28
Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior was busy Monday with the saltie Milo loading on one side and Spruceglen loading on the other.
Elsewhere in port. Halifax loaded at BNSF ore dock. Walter J. McCarthy Jr. spent the day loading at Midwest Energy Terminal, and was pulling away about 4:30 p.m. amid light snow.
On Sunday, the Herbert C. Jackson paid the ports a welcome visit, loading coal at Midwest Energy Terminal for delivery to Marquette.
Reported by: Al Miller

Today in Great Lakes History - October 28
The CANADIAN PIONEER's maiden voyage was on October 28, 1981 to Conneaut, OH to take on coal for Nanticoke, Ont.

The CANADIAN TRANSPORT (2) was launched October 28, 1978 for Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd., Toronto, Ont.

GEMINI was christened October 28, 1978 at Huron, OH.

The GEORGE M. CARL (2) was launched October 28, 1922 as a) FRED G. HARTWELL (2)

D.M. CLEMSON (2) was launched October 28, 1916
CHARLES M. WHITE was launched October 28, 1945 as a C4-S-A4 cargo ship a) MOUNT MANSFIELD for the U.S. Maritime Commission (U.S.M.C. Hull #2369).
On 28 October 1887, BESSIE BARWICK, a 135' wooden schooner built in 1866 at St. Catherine's, Ontario as a bark, left Port Arthur for Kingston, Ontario with a load of lumber during a storm. For more than ten days, her whereabouts were unknown. In fact, a westerly gale drove her into the shallows of Michipicoten Island and she was pounded to pieces. Her crew was sheltered by local fishermen and then made it to the Soo in a small open boat.
On 28 October 1882, RUDOLPH WETZEL (wooden propeller tug, 23 t, built in 1870 at Buffalo, NY) was racing for a tow with the tug HENRY S. SILL when her boiler exploded 12 miles north of Racine, Wisconsin. She quickly sank. All three on board were killed and none of the bodies were ever found.

Data from: 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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Harriman Tow Continues
10/27 2:30 p.m. Update
The Harriman tow tied up about 2 p.m. at the Government Dock in Sault, Ont. It is unknown when the tow will pass upbound through the locks but the move is expected to take place tomorrow.
8 a.m. Update
At 6:45 a.m. Monday morning the Avenger IV and Harriman tow were inbound at Detour, the lower entrance to the St Marys River. The tug Adanac will take up the stern of the tow for the trip up the river. Its unclear how long it will take to make their way up river, normal transit time from Detour to the Soo Locks in about five hours, the tow may take longer.
At 8 a.m.the tow was upbound at Fort St Joe, estimating two hours to Mud Lake.
Original Report
The tow of the Lewis G. Harriman from Green Bay to Sault Ste. Marie continued Sunday with the tow expected to enter the St. Marys River sometime on Monday.
The Harriman is bound for scrapping at the Export Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Chart of the St Marys River Check back for updates.
Reported by: Dave Wobser and Scott Best

Weekly Updates
10/27
The weekly updates have been uploaded. In addition to the regular updates this week features unique maritime items up for auction at the Dossin Museum. This year, the silent auction will accept online bids. Items range from authentic port holes to bottles of 90 year old scotch recovered from a ship wreck.
Also added are pictures from the Welland Canal Gathering.
Click here to view
More News updates and pictures will be added on Monday.

Today in Great Lakes History - October 27
The PAUL THAYER (b) EARL W. OGLEBAY) was christened on October 27, 1973 at Lorain.
While the JAMES R. BARKER was up bound October 27, 1986 on Lake Huron above buoys 11 & 12, a high pressure fuel line on the starboard engine failed causing an engine room fire, which was extinguished by on-board fire fighting equipment. Fortunately no one was injured. On October 29th the BARKER was lashed side-by-side to the thousand-foot WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY (b) Paul R. Tregurtha) and taken to Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
On her maiden voyage the HOCHELAGA (2) departed Collingwood on October 27, 1949 for Fort William, Ont. to load grain for Port Colborne, Ont.
The FRANCIS E. HOUSE was laid up at Duluth, MN on October 27, 1960 and remained idle there until April, 1966 when she was sold to the Kinsman Marine Transit Co., Cleveland and was renamed c) KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (1).
On October 27, 1973 the HENRY LALIBERT� struck an embankment while backing from the Frontier Dock Slip at Buffalo, NY and damaged her steering gear beyond repair. As a consequence she was laid up there.
The RED WING (2) and the FRANK A. SHERMAN departed Lauzon, Que. on October 27, 1986 in tandem tow by the Vancouver based deep-sea tug CANADIAN VIKING bound for scrapping in Taiwan.
On 27 October 1869, ALFRED ALLEN (wooden schooner, 160 T, built in 1853 at Pultneyville, NJ as J. J. MORLEY) was bound for Toledo, OH with 500 barrels of salt when she went on the Mohawk Reef near Port Colborne, Ontario in a blizzard. She washed free and drifted to the mainland beach where she was pounded to pieces. No lives were lost.
During a snow storm on the night of 27 October 1878, the propeller QUEBEC of the Beatty Line ran aground on Magnetic Shoals near Cockburn Island on Lake Huron. She was four miles from shore and one of her arches was broken in the accident.
October 27, 1854 - Well-known Pere Marquette carferry captain Joseph "Joe" Russell was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Lewis G. Harriman departs Green Bay
10/26
The Lewis G. Harriman departed from Green Bay for last time Saturday evening with the assistance of the PML tug Avenger IV and G tug Indiana. The tow started around 4:30 p.m. CST and made its way downriver until they were outbound at Buoy 30 at 6:55 p.m. CST.
The tow is now bound for the Purvis scrap yard in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Many people followed her progress on both sides of the river as they made there way downriver.
Tugs Indiana and Avenger IV pull the Harriman from its berth
Avenger IV takes the lead
Passing Pier 64 as the sunsets
Passing the S.T. Crapo at Lafarge
Through the railroad bridge
Passing C. Reiss coal dock at sunset
Making its way downriver
Passing Western Lime at night
Departing Green Bay for the last time

More pictures of the Harriman
Reported by: Jason Leino

Laker Making Progress across Atlantic
10/26
The scrap tow of the Mapleglen continues, Saturday the tow continued with the deep sea tug Seaways 2 crossing the Atlantic with the Mapleglen in tow. The crew report the tow is progressing satisfactorily.
The voyage to India, where Mapleglen will be demolished and steel recycled, will take approx 70 days.
Reported by: Kent Malo

Saltwater Ship Woody Downbound
10/26
Saturday the saltwater ship Woody was downbound in the St. Marys River
Woody downbound.
Bow.
Passing.
Pilothouse and stack.
Stern view.
Reported by: B. Barnes

Alpena Update
10/26
The Earl W. Oglebay arrived at Lafarge late Friday night to unload a cargo of coal. It departed in the early morning hours on Saturday. The J.A.W Iglehart was also in port on Saturday, coming in before noon. It took on cement for Detroit and was heading out into the lake by 4 p.m.
The Alpena is delivering cement to the Lake Superior ports of Superior and Duluth. The Jacklyn M and barge Integrity is due back in port sometime on Monday.
Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News
10/26
The Buffalo was inbound the Saginaw River early Saturday morning calling on the Bay Aggregates dock. She unloaded into the afternoon and departed for the lake around 3 p.m.
Also outbound behind the Buffalo was the Algoway who was downbound from Saginaw. The Algoway unloaded overnight at Bay Aggregates then finished the split load at the Buena Vista Dock.
The Maumee was inbound Saturday night calling on the Sargent dock in Essexville to unload. Her whole load will be discharged there before departing early Sunday morning.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Buffalo downbound from the Bay Aggregate dock
Stern view
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Port Huron Update
10/26
Below are images of traffic passing the Port Huron area Friday.
Algocen downbound at Marine City.
Algorail up at the Blue Water Bridge
Algowood up at the Blue Water Bridge
Algowood heading out into Lake Huron
American Republic passes Port Huron/Sarnia
Walter J McCarthy Jr. downbound off Lake Huron.
Peter R. Cresswell downbound.
Spruceglen upbound.
Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Detroit Traffic
10/26
Saturday saw a typical amount of commercial traffic on the Detroit River. About half the vessels seen on the river were tug-barge units with the Mark Hannah and barge downbound, the Mary E. Hannah and Hannah 3601 tied up just east of the Renaissance Center, either the Karen Andrie or the Rebecca Lynn and barge in the River Rouge and the Coast Guard tug Bristol Bay and barge CGB 12001 at the US Coast Guard Station. Ships transiting the river included the John D. Leitch, John J. Boland, and John B. Aird upbound and the Lake Ontario and Canadian Transfer downbound.
Bristol Bay at Coast Guard Station
Bristol Bay and CGB 12001bow view
CGB 12001, one of two USCG aid to navigation barges on the Lakes
Lake Ontario downbound at the rock sculptures, Belle Isle
John D. Leach unique pilot house
John D. Leicht stern view at the rock sculptures
Mark Hannah and barge downbound at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Reported by: Tom Hynes

Today in Great Lakes History - October 26
LOUIS R. DESMARAIS was christened October 26,1977.
On October 26, 1968 the R. BRUCE ANGUS grounded in the St. Lawrence River near Beauharnois, Que. Sixteen hundred tons of iron ore were lightered to free her and she damaged 65 bottom plates.
The HUTCHCLIFFE HALL and OREFAX were sold October 26, 1971 to the Consortium Ile d'Orleans of Montreal made up of Richelieu Dredging Corp., McNamara Construction Ltd. and The J.P. Porter Co. Ltd.
On October 26, 1924 the E.A.S. CLARKE (2), anchored in the Detroit River opposite the Great Lakes Engineering Works because of dense fog was struck by the B.F. JONES (1) near her after deckhouse which caused the CLARKE to sink. No lives were lost.
On October 26, 1977 the MENIHEK LAKE struck a lock in the St. Lawrence Seaway sustaining damage estimated at $400,000.
On October 26, 1971 the ROGERS CITY (2) had her A-frame collapsed while unloading at Carrollton, MI on the Saginaw River. Her unloading boom was cut away and temporary repairs were made at Defoe Shipbuilding Co., Bay City, MI.
The tug ROUILLE was launched on October 26, 1929 as Hull 83 of Collingwood Shipyards Ltd.
The schooner HEMISPHERE, which was being sought by the U.S. Marshals at Detroit and the St. Lawrence River, escaped at the Gallop Rapids and has gone to sea.
On 26 October 1851, ATLAS (wooden propeller, 153�, 375 T, built in 1851 at Buffalo) was carrying flour from Detroit to Buffalo when she was blown to shore near the mouth of the Grand River (Lorain, OH) by a gale, stranded and became a total loss. No lives were lost.
On 26 October 1895, GEORGE W. DAVIS (wooden schooner, 136', 299 gt, built in 1872 at Toledo, Ohio) was carrying coal in a storm on Lake Erie when she stranded near Port Maitland, Ontario. On 26 October 1895, a few days after the stranding, she floated off on her own, drifted two miles up the beach and sank. No lives were lost.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Vintage Cement Carrier Sold for Scrap
10/25
The 1923-built Lewis G. Harriman has been sold for scrap and will be towed to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for scrapping by Purvis Marine. The tug Avenger IV departed the Soo Friday morning enroute for Green Bay where she will pick up the Harriman. Harriman has been in Green Bay used for a transfer and storage barge. It is expected that dismantling of the Harriman will begin after work on the Quedoc is completed.
The Lewis G. Harriman is unique as she was the first purpose-built cement carrier. She is also one of a dwindling number of triple-expansion steamers on the Lakes. Contrary to rumors, she remains largely intact and in very good condition inside.
In Spring 2003 a new preservation group was formed calling itself The Northeastern Maritime Historical Foundation. The group tried to preserve the Harriman upon hearing the news of her impending. Efforts to persuade the vessel's owners to donate the vessel to the Foundation ended earlier this week after a contract was signed with Purvis for scrapping.
The Northeastern Maritime Historical Foundation is considering further options, including a possible offer to purchase the vessel from the scrappers.
The Avenger IV was scheduled to arrive in Green Bay Friday night, the tow could depart as early as Saturday.
Reported by: Northeastern Maritime

Noted Ship photographer drowns in Duluth
10/25
Tim Slattery, acclaimed photographer of Great Lakes ships, U.S. Coast Guard vessels and Lake Superior, drowned Thursday afternoon after falling out of his boat while photographing ships in Duluth's St. Louis Bay.
The 52-year-old Slattery apparently fell out of his 14-foot aluminum boat about 4:30 p.m., the Coast Guard said. His camera equipment was found on board. Rescue workers recovered his body Thursday evening.
Two crewmen aboard the Columbia Star, which was docked at the nearby Midwest Energy Terminal, reported seeing a man fall out of the boat, yell for help three times and then disappear from view. The vessel's crew contacted the Coast Guard. A rescue boat was on the scene within 10 minutes and the found the boat with its motor still running, going in circles.
The water temperature at the time was about 48 degrees. Several boats from the U.S. Coast Guard and St. Louis and Douglas county rescue squads had searched for his body. The area has currents, because it's where the St. Louis River flows into Lake Superior.
Slattery was a professional photographer who shot weddings, portraits and high school graduation photos. But to Boatnerds he was best known for his highly regarded photos that often focused on the way natural light played on Lake Superior, ships and the Aerial Lift Bridge. He sold his work through his business Harbor Reflections.
He had a lifelong passion for photographing Coast Guard ships, particularly the 180-foot cutters like those stationed in Duluth. He lived on Duluth's Park Point just a few yards from Lake Superior, and frequently went out in his motor boat or kayak to photograph the lake, harbor and ships. Some of his work is on permanent display at the Minnesota State Capitol and his photographs were featured on the Seaway Port Authority's 1999 calendar. He occasionally posted messages on the Boatnerd website Information Search under the name "TJ Slatts."
Picture of Tim taken in March after he rode the Mackinaw. Patrick Lapinski
Reported by: Al Miller

State of Michigan Arrives
10/25
The State of Michigan arrived at Bayship in Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. Friday morning. The training vessel was placed into the floating drydock, which was waiting and ready for the ship to enter.
Two tugs from Selvick Marine were standing by to pull the ship into the dry dock. The vessel is in the ship yard for a 5 year inspection and for miscellaneous repairs.
State of Michigan over blocks in drydock.
Dock refloated and ship out of water.
Old sea dog on the hatch covers of the Edward L. Ryerson looking for the State of Michigan.
Her view looking down the main deck of the Ryerson.
Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Ranger III Departs for Bayship
10/25
The National Park Service passenger ferry Ranger III departed Houghton, Michigan at 6 p.m. Friday bound for Bay Ship in Sturgeon Bay. She is also heading to the shipyard for a regularly scheduled 5-year dry docking. It is expected to pass through the Soo Locks at about 10 a.m. on Saturday and the Mackinac Bridge about 5 p.m.
This trip is a rare chance to see the vessel off her normal run between Houghton and Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior.
Reported by: W. Hanrahan

Fleet Mates in Port Stanley
10/25
On Thursday morning the Mississagi arrived out of the early morning sea smoke to join fleet mate Cuyahoga in Port Stanley on Lake Erie. The two vessels past in the harbor as the Cuyahoga was departing. The Cuyahoga was leaving for Sorrel, Quebec with soya beans and the Mississagi off loaded corn that will be trucked to Casco Inc. in London, Ont.
Fleet mates.
Mississagi unloads.
Big Steve from Newfoundland and Gobey from Aylmer Ont. working on deck.
Reported by: Ted Coombs

Toledo Report
10/25
The CSL Laurentien was unloading ore at the Torco Ore Dock. The Gemini was at the BP Dock loading cargo. The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton remain in layup at their respective dock sites. There are no vessels in the shipyard at this time.
The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Coal Docks will be the Mississagi and H. Lee White on Saturday. The Canadian Olympic on Sunday, followed by the Charles M. Beeghly on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Capt. Henry Jackman on Saturday, followed by the CSL Niagara on Friday 31 October.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Today in Great Lakes History - October 25
The ALGOBAY departed on her maiden voyage October 25, 1978 from Collingwood light for Stoneport, Mich. to load stone for Sarnia, Ont.
The STERNECLIFFE HALL entered service on October 25, 1947.
The HURON (4) arrived at Santander, Spain October 25, 1973 in consort with the WYANDOTTE (2) towed by the German tug DOLPHIN X. for scrapping.
October 25, 1895 - Shenago No. 2 (later Pere Marquette 16) was launched in Toledo, Ohio. She was built by the Craig Shipbuilding Company for the United States & Ontario Steam Navigation Company and later became part of the Pere Marquette carferry fleet.
The engines of the propeller WESTMORELAND, which sank in 1854 near Skillagalee Reef in Lake Michigan, were recovered and arrived at Chicago on 25 October 1874.
ARK was built on the burned out hull of the steamer E. K. COLLINS as a sidewheel passenger steamer in 1853 at Newport, MI, but she was later cut down to a barge. On 25 October 1866, she was being towed along with three other barges down bound from Saginaw, MI in a storm.. Her towline parted and she disappeared with her crew of 6. The other three tow-mates survived. There was much speculation about ARK's whereabouts until identifiable wreckage washed ashore 100 miles north of Goderich, Ontario.
On 25 October 1833, JOHN BY (wooden stern-wheeler, 110', built in 1832 at Kingston, Ontario) was on her regular route between York (now Toronto) and Kingston, Ontario when a storm drove her ashore near Port Credit, a few miles from York. Her terrible handling of open Lake water set the precedent that stern-wheelers were not compatible with lake commerce.
On 25 October 1887, VERNON (wooden propeller passenger/package-freight steamer, 158', 560 t, built in 1886 at Chicago, IL) foundered in a gale 6 miles northeast of Two Rivers Point on Lake Michigan. The death toll was estimated at 31 - 36. The sole survivor was picked up on a small raft two days later by the schooner POMEROY. He was on the raft with a dead body. Most casualties died of exposure. There were accusations at the time that the vessel was overloaded causing the cargo doors to be left open which allowed the water to pour in during the storm. This accusation was confirmed in 1969 (82 years after the incident) when divers found the wreck and indeed the cargo doors were open.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Russian Steelmaker Acquires Rouge Steel in Chapter 11 Sale
10/24
Rouge Industries, Inc. of Dearborn, Mich., announced late Thursday it has reached an agreement to sell substantially all its assets to Severstal, Russia's second largest steel producer and one of the world's top 20 steel makers.
Rouge Industries, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rouge Steel Company, QS Steel Inc. and Eveleth Taconite Company, have filed voluntary petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington. During the bankruptcy process, Rouge Steel and its affiliates will continue to manufacture and ship steel products and provide uninterrupted services to its customers.
Rouge Steel's dock on the Rouge River is served primarily by vessels of the Interlake Steamship Co., particularly the Lee A. Tregurtha, Charles M. Beeghly and Kaye E. Barker.
Severstal is a leading automotive supplier in Russia with annual revenues in excess of $2 billion and annual steel production of 10.6 million tons. The deal is subject to bankruptcy court approval. Rouge intends to file a motion in bankruptcy court to formalize a procedure for reviewing this and other purchase offers.
Carl L. Valdiserri, chairman and chief executive officer of Rouge Industries, Inc., said the company would continue operations and fulfill customer obligations during the reorganization process and that management had sought to sell the assets of Rouge to provide maximum consideration for the company's creditors while securing the future viability of the business and the jobs of Rouge employees.
For Severstal, the acquisition of Rouge represents its first investment in the United States steel industry and the opportunity to expand its global steel making presence.
Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Carrol C I to replace Newberry
10/24
The McKeil Marine tug Carrol C I departed the Morterm dock in Windsor Thursday night. She headed upbound through the river to McKeil�s Courtright brine dock. The Carrol C will take over the Jerry Newberry's job pushing the barge Salty Dog #1 from the Courtright dock down to Amherstburg on the brine shuttle.
It is unknown where the Newberry will go. In other news, the Evans McKeil has taken the towing of the brine barge KTC 115. The Tony Mackay was delegated to pushing the Norman McLeod, as the tug Everlast is undergoing repairs from her recent engine room fire.
Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Marquette Update
10/24
The Charles M. Beeghly brought a load of coal to Marquette's WE Presque Isle Power Plant. The thousand footers back in to off-load the coal, but the smaller ships usually come in bow first. The Beeghly backed in this time, and was going out light.
The Kaye Barker was due around midnight for a load of ore.
Charles Beeghly at the dock unloading.
Ore trains on the dock above the Beeghly. Note the sailor waving at the stern of the ship.
Close up of the stern.
Coal being dumped on the pile at the WE power plant.
A dry load of ore creates a dust cloud as it's dumped into the pockets.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Maumee Visits
10/24
The Maumee was inbound the Saginaw River early Thursday evening, arriving at the Bay City Wirt Dock just before dark Thursday night. She unloaded two different types of aggregate at the dock and is expected to depart late in the evening.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Maumee unloading at the Bay City Wirt Dock
View from the stern
View of the bow and unloading boom
Bow close up
Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan

Weekend Events
10/24
Port Huron Marine Mart
Saturday the Port Huron Seaway Terminal will feature a marine mart from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Buy and sell books and other memorabilia. Seaway Terminal is located at 2336 Military Street. For more information call: (810) 982-0891 Ext. 16
Detroit River Railroad Car Ferry Program
In Detroit, the Dossin Museum will host an entertainment meeting Saturday from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. featuring a Michigan Central District of the New York Central System Historical Society meeting. The speaker will be Professor Billie Henning of the Michigan Transit Museum speaking on the Detroit River railroad car ferries. Free with paid admission to the Dossin Museum www.glmi.org

Today in Great Lakes History - October 24
TEXACO WARRIOR (2) was launched October 24, 1969 as a) THUNTANK 6.

The PHILIP D. BLOCK along with the W.W. HOLLOWAY scrap tow arrived Recife, Brazil. October 24, 1986

The THOMAS W.LAMONT and her former fleet mate, ENDERS M. VOORHEES arrived at Alegeciras, Spain on October 24, 1987 on the way to the cutters torch. The LAMONT was one of the last bulkers that retained her telescoping hatch covers to the very end.

The NIPIGON BAY arrived Thunder Bay, Ont. on October 24, 1980 where repairs were made from damage caused by her grounding earlier in the month.
On 24 October 1855, ALLEGHENY (wooden propeller, 178�, 468 T, built in 1849 at Cleveland) was carrying general merchandise and passengers in a storm, when she anchored near the Milwaukee harbor entrance for shelter. She lost her stack and then was unable to get up steam and was helpless. She dragged her anchor and came in close to the beach where she was pounded to pieces. There was no loss of life. Her engine and most of her cargo were removed by the end of the month. Her engine was installed in a new vessel of the same name built to replace her.
On 24 October 1873, just a month after being launched, the scow WAUBONSIE capsized at St. Clair, Michigan and lost her cargo of bricks. She was righted and towed to Port Huron, minus masts, rigging and bowsprit, for repairs.
On 24 October 1886, LADY DUFFERIN (3-mast wooden schooner-barge, 135', 356 gc, built at Port Burwell, Ontario) was lost from the tow of the propeller W. B. HALL and went ashore near Cabot Head on Georgian Bay. No lives were lost, but the vessel was a total loss.
On 24 October 1953, the Yankcanuck Steamship Lines' MANZZUTTI (steel crane ship, 246', 1558 gt, built in 1903 at Buffalo, NY as J. S. KEEFE) ran aground south of the channel into the Saugeen River. The tug RITH HINDMAN from Killarney pulled her free. No damage was reported.

Data from: 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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Cuyahoga Lone Visitor
10/23
Fleet Mates Cuyahoga and Mississagi were expected to visit Port Stanley on Lake Erie at the same time this week. The pair were to arrive with the Cuyahoga loading soya beans and the Mississagi off loading corn.
What would be a great picture opportunity did not arise as the Mississagi was delayed in Toledo, however local boatwatchers were treated to the Cuyahoga loading by herself Wednesday morning.
Cuyahoga loading.
"Hound Dog" delivers the groceries.
Deck view of loading.
Erma the cook puts away the groceries.
Reported by: Ted Coombs

Eastbound and Westbound on Lake Erie
10/23
Below are images taken over the weekend on Lake Erie. The eastbound trip from Detroit Pilot Station to Lock 7 was aboard the 1985 built Spar Garnet. The vessel has been a stalwart caller since 1985. Originally trading here as Mary Anne until 1993 at which time she was sold and renamed Federal Vigra. In 1997 she was sold once again to her current Norwegian owners.
The westbound trip was aboard the Greek flagged Milo, which incidentally is correctly pronounced Melo in the native language. Milo was built in Hiroshima, Japan in 1984 and is one of numerous �Japanese Lake Bulker Class� vessels. Milo has visited the lakes under several names over the years. Her former names were Silver Leader, Alam United, United and finally her present name was given to her in December 2000.
Spar Garnet:
Spar Garnet underway on a dull Saturday morning. The day would deteriorate into rain later in the afternoon once we arrived at Port Colborne.
The nameboard. Spar Garnet�s sister ship is the Spar Jade. Other lake type fleet mates include the Spar Opal and Spar Ruby.
The Third Officer plotting the 11:00 hours position.
Second Officer (l) and the navigation cadet (r)
The cadet learning to take a range and bearing on the radar.
Plotting that information on the chart.

Milo:
Milo entering Lock 7 on another dismal looking weekend afternoon.
Ahoy!�.Ship dead ahead!
The (cold) mooring party as seen from the lock wall.
Finally after a couple of days of heavy overcast the sun peeks out at Port Robinson.
The starboard bridgewing.
The Montreal based Canadian Forest and Navigation (Canfornav) logo on the funnel. Canfornav operate many vessels on the Great Lakes.
As we clear the Welland Canal another Greek vessel Doxa D is entering at Port Colborne. The 1984 Sunderland, U.K. built Doxa D is the former Nea Doxa and Alberta.
After a busy day in the canal we are now cruising at full sea speed towards Windsor, ON, Canada.
At 0749 hours the late October sun finally rises over the horizon as we sail on Western Lake Erie.
Early morning light off Colchester.
The bridgedeck.
Name and courtesy flag.
Helm and engine indicators.
Easy reference Harbour Speed Table on the bridge wing.
Inside the bridge.
Pilots view proceeding up the Amherstburg Channel at Bar Point.
The bridge deck. If it�s Monday morning it must be sunny and warm!
Buoy D-68 shows the heavy current ships have to negotiate in the tricky waters of the Amherstburg Channel.
Meeting Algoma Central Marine�s Peter R. Cresswell below Grassy Island.
Passing by the bridge wing.
Another Greek friend Olympic Mentor at Nicholson�s Ecorse.
Yet another Greek ship. Olympic Mentor�s sister Olympic Melody in ballast anchored at the Ojibway Anchorage waiting to head to Toledo. Today it is somewhat uncommon to see several Greek vessels at the same time in the same area. Year�s ago this was an everyday occurrence as the Greek flag was well represented on the lakes with old Liberty�s and such.
The following images show the approach and docking sequence.
On approach to Morterm in Windsor.
Final approach.
It is a very tight manoeuvre into the slip as we must turn almost 45 degrees to the main river against the swift current.
We will send a mooring line ashore to help warp the ship around the corner.
The hawser taking up a strain and acting as what we call �a poor man�s bow thruster�. A second hawser is on its way out.
The hawser is highly effective. Milo�s forward mooring crew were first rate and did their job in assisting the bow around.
Slowly but surely we win the battle against the current with helm, engine and �the poor man�s bow thruster�.
Almost in.
Half an hour later we are alongside and �Finished with engines�.
Looking aft. Note the open hatches.
The mooring hawser that helped warp the ship into the berth.
Another view. Mooring hawsers on salties are heavy duty. Salt water vessels require the strength of these ropes to remain safely alongside in all types of weather and tidal conditions around the world.
Cargo of fluorspar from Mexico.
Heavy equipment lowered into the hold.
At work.
More mooring ropes on the stern.
The familiar Greek flag flying on the stern.
Stern overhangs the berth.
Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - October 23
The CECILIA DESGAGNES was launched October 23, 1970 as a) CARL GORTHON, for Rederi A/B Gylfe, H�lsingborg, Sweden.
GRAND RAPIDS Rail Car Ferry was launched October 23, 1926 for the Grand Trunk-Milwaukee Car Ferry Co., Muskegon, MI.
WILLIAM B. SCHILLER was launched October 23, 1909 for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.
October 23, 1926 - The Grand Trunk carferry Grand Rapids was launched in Manitowoc. She entered service in December of 1926.
October 23, 1953 - The S.S. SPARTAN arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage. Captain Harold A. Altschwager was in command.
On 23 October 1868, F. T. BARNEY (wooden schooner, 255 T, built in 1856 at Vermilion, OH) collided with the schooner TRACY J. BRONSON and sank below Nine Mile Point, NW of Rogers City in Lake Michigan. The wreck was found in 1987 and sits in deep water, upright in almost perfect condition.
On 23 October 1873, the wooden steam barge GENEVA was loaded with wheat and towing the barge GENOA in a violent storm on Lake Superior. She bent her propeller shaft and the flailing blades cut a large hole in her stern. The water rushed in and she went down quickly 15 miles off Caribou Island. No lives were lost. This was her first season of service. She was one of the first bulk freighters with the classic Great Lakes fore and aft deck houses.
On 23 October 1883, JULIA (2-mast wooden schooner, 89', 115 gt, built in 1875 at Smith's Falls, Ontario) was coming into Oswego harbor with a load of barley when she struck a pier in the dark and sank. No lives were lost.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

CN says it will maintain GLF operations
10/22
CN plans to maintain current operations of Great Lakes Fleet and continue to run Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range ore docks if it's successful in purchasing assets of Great Lakes Transportation, a CN spokesman told the Duluth News Tribune.
CN, formerly known as Canadian National Railway Co., announced Oct. 20 that it has reached an agreement to buy Great Lakes Transportation LLC, based in Monroeville, Pa., for about $380 million. The purchase includes Great Lakes Fleet, the former U.S. Steel fleet that includes eight vessels; the DMIIR; Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company; and The Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company. The combined companies essentially make up the taconite and limestone supply chain for U.S. Steel's mills and taconite mine.
CN spokesman Mark Hallman told the newspaper that CN plans to maintain current dock operations as well as crew levels aboard Great Lakes Fleet's eight ships. The fleet employs about 200 people.
However, no decisions have yet been made about the administrative functions for maritime operations now headquartered in Duluth.
Because of requirements of the Jones Act, CN plans to hire Keystone Shipping Co. of Bala Cynwyd, Pa., to operate the fleet. The Jones Act is a federal law requiring ships trading between U.S. ports to be built, owned and crewed by Americans.
Adolph Ojard, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and former head of Great Lakes Fleet, said he hopes CN will see the value of keeping maritime operations based in Duluth.
"With this transaction, CN could turn the Twin Ports into even more of a regional transportation center," Ojard said. "I hope it will continue to see the value of maintaining maritime headquarters here. It's something I'd like to see given serious consideration."
Ojard said CN has asked the port authority to support its bid to buy Great Lakes Transportation.
In 2001, the port authority sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board voicing its concern about CN's plans to buy the Wisconsin Central railroad. At the time, CN said buying Wisconsin Central was a way to offer all-rail transportation of taconite pellets from Minntac's mine in Mountain Iron, Minn., to U.S. Steel's Edgar Thompson Works in Pittsburgh.
"They were proposing an alternative to water transportation, and they indicated they would market it as such," Ojard said.
This time, however, Ojard believes the situation is different because of CN's plans to integrate water transport with its rail operations.
In retrospect, David Novak, vice president of Great Lakes Transportation, told the News Tribune that his company may have been in error to oppose the CN/Wisconsin Central deal.
"We learned again last winter that there's no better transportation system than an Intermodal one," Novak said. "It was a cold winter fraught with customer service issues."
The deal to buy Great Lakes Transportation must be approved by U.S. regulators including the Justice Department and the Surface Transportation Board. The STB has in recent years taken a dim view of large railroad mergers, but acquisition of the Great Lakes properties should be seen as a minor transaction.
If the STB approves the deal, Canadian National expects to close the deal by the middle of next year.
Reported by: Andy Roper

Twin Ports Report
10/22
Tuesday saw a wide variety of traffic in the Twin Ports. Most interesting was the Roger Blough making one of its occasional visits to unload stone at the DMIR ore dock. Once done it was expected to head to Two Harbors to load pellets. Mesabi Miner was expected to load at BNSF. Canadian Olympic was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal, with Walter J. McCarthy Jr. expected to follow late in the evening. Chios Pride was loading at Cenex Harvest States, with Balaban 1 at anchor waiting for the berth.
Vessels of Great Lakes Fleet will be making some interesting calls in the next few days. Edwin H. Gott is scheduled to make a rare visit to the BNSF ore dock in Superior on Oct. 24. Presque Isle is due at Ecorse on Oct. 22. John G. Munson loaded at Sandusky on Oct. 20 with coal bound for Ontonagon, Mich., where it's due on Oct. 23.
Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw River News
10/22
J.A.W. Iglehart was outbound from Saginaw at 1 p.m. Tuesday after delivering cement to the LaFarge terminal. The vessel had arrived early Monday evening. Inbound at the same time on Tuesday was the tug Rebecca Lynn, pushing a tank barge for the Bit-Mat dock near Bay City.
Other recent visitors to the Saginaw River included the Invincible-McKee Sons and the American Mariner, both calling on Sunday. The McKee Sons delivered a split load to the GM dock and Valley Asphalt in Saginaw, while the Mariner called at Bay Aggregates near Bay City.
The tug Gregory J. Busch was outbound from its home terminal at Saginaw on Sunday, pushing a deck barge.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

Toledo News
10/22
The Frontenac was loading coal at the CSX Docks. The Kaye E. Barker departed from the CSX Docks on Tuesday afternoon, She loaded coal on Monday and may have been in port for repairs. The Atlantic Huron was at the Torco ore dock unloading ore. The Mississagi was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. The Canadian Prospector was at Andersons "E" Elevator. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin finished loading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator and departed Tuesday afternoon. Once the Martin left, the Canadian Prospector was expected to shift over to the "K" Elevator to finish loading her grain cargo.
The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the Mississagi on Friday. The H. Lee White, and Canadian Olympic on Saturday, followed by the Charles M. Beeghly on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the CSL Laurentien and Capt. Henry Jackman on Friday.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Man survives plunge over Niagara Falls
10/22
A Michigan man Monday survived a 180-foot head-first plunge over Niagara Falls, the first person known to have done it without safety devices.
Authorities identified the man as 40-year-old Kirk Jones of Canton, Mich. He will be charged with illegally performing a stunt and could be fined $10,000, Niagara Parks Police said Tuesday.
Stunned tourists described seeing Jones float by on his back in the swift Niagara River, go headfirst over the churning on the Canadian side and then pull himself out of the water onto the rocks below.
"He just looked calm. He just was gliding by so fast. I was in shock really that I saw a person go by," Brenda McMullen told WIVB-TV in Buffalo.
"I saw him disappear over the edge of the falls," McMullen's husband, Terry McMullen, said. The Columbus, Ohio, tourists snapped photographs afterward, showing the man dressed in street clothes, apparently lying on the shoreline at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Only one other person known to have survived a plunge over the Canadian falls without a barrel or other apparatus was a 7-year-old boy wearing a life preserver who was thrown into the water in a 1960 boating accident.
No one has ever survived a trip over the narrower and rockier American falls. About a dozen daredevils have taken the plunge in barrels or other protective chambers since 1901. About half have survived.
Reported by: Phil Pietrowski

Weekend Events
10/22
Port Huron Marine Mart
Saturday the Port Huron Seaway Terminal will feature a marine mart from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Buy and sell books and other memorabilia. Seaway Terminal is located at 2336 Military Street. For more information call: (810) 982-0891 Ext. 16
Detroit River Railroad Car Ferry Program
In Detroit, the Dossin Museum will host an entertainment meeting Saturday from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. featuring a Michigan Central District of the New York Central System Historical Society meeting. The speaker will be Professor Billie Henning of the Michigan Transit Museum speaking on the Detroit River railroad car ferries. Free with paid admission to the Dossin Museum www.glmi.org

Today in Great Lakes History - October 22
The PRESQUE ISLE (2)'s tug completed her sea trials on October 22, 1973 in New Orleans.

On October 22, 1986 the ALGOCEN spilled about four barrels of diesel fuel while refueling at the Esso Dock at Sarnia.

The TOM M. GIRDLER departed South Chicago light on her maiden voyage, October 22, 1951, bound for Escanaba, MI where she loaded 13,900 tons of ore for delivery to Cleveland, OH.

The THORNHILL (1) grounded on October 22, 1973 just above the Sugar Island ferry crossing in the St. Marys River.
On 22 October 1887, C.O.D. (wooden schooner-barge, 140', 289 GT, built in 1873 at Grand Haven, MI) was carrying wheat in Lake Erie in a northwest gale. She was beached three miles east of Port Burnell, Ontario and soon broke up. Most of the crew swam to shore, but the woman who was the cook was lashed to the rigging and she perished.
October 22, 1929 - The S.S. Milwaukee (formerly Manistique Marquette and Northern 1) sank in a gale with a loss of all 52 hands. 21 bodies were recovered. Captain Robert McKay in command.
On October 27, 1929, a Coast Guard patrolman near South Haven, Michigan, picked up the ship's message case, containing the following handwritten note:
"S.S. MILWAUKEE, OCTOBER 22/29 8:30 P.M.
The ship is taking water fast. We have turned around and headed for Milwaukee. Pumps are working but sea gate is bent in and can't keep the water out. Flicker is flooded. Seas are tremendous. Things look bad.
Crew roll is about the same as on last payday.
(signed) A.R. Sadon, Purser."
On 22 October 1870, JENNIE BRISCOE (wooden schooner, 85', 82 t, built in 1870 at Detroit, MI) was raised from where she sank off Grosse Isle, Michigan a couple of months earlier. She was in her first season of service when she collided with the propeller FREE STATE and sank there. Her raised wreck was sold Canadian in 1871 and she was rebuilt as the propeller scow HERALD.
In a severe gale on 22 October 1873, the three barges DAVID MORRIS, GLOBE, and SAGINAW from Bay City grounded and sank off Point Pelee on Lake Erie.
On 22 October 1887, DOLPHIN (wooden schooner-barge, 107', 147 t, built in 1855 at Milan, OH) and G. D. NORRIS (2-mast wooden schooner, 128', 262 gt, built in 1856 at Cleveland, OH) were both carrying lumber and were in tow of the steamer OSWEGATCHIE in a storm on Lake Huron. The tow line broke when the vessels were off Harbor Beach, Michigan. The DOLPHIN capsized and foundered. All 6 or 7 onboard perished. The NORRIS sank to her decks and her crew was rescued by the passing steamer BRECK. The NORRIS drifted ashore near Goderich, Ontario.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

CN agrees to buy Great Lakes Fleet, associated railroads and docks
10/21
Canadian National Railway Company announced Oct. 20 that it has reached an agreement to buy Great Lakes Transportation Company -- including the Duluth-based Great Lakes Fleet -- for $380 million.
The acquisition will improve CN's rail link between Western Canada and Chicago and expand its role in transporting bulk commodities used by U.S. steelmakers, the railroad said.
The purchase must still be approved by several federal regulatory agencies. If approved, CN anticipates taking control of the companies in mid-2004.
The purchase includes Great Lakes Fleet, the former U.S. Steel fleet that includes eight vessels; the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway; Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company; and The Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company. The combined companies essentially make up the taconite and limestone supply chain for U.S. Steel's mills and taconite mine.
The GLT companies have a total of approximately 1,000 employees. It derives about 70 percent of its revenue from carrying taconite pellets, with U.S. Steel Corp., being its primary customer. Great Lakes Fleet has a contract to carry U.S. pellets for several more years.
Great Lakes Fleet will be operated by Keystone Shipping Co., an operator of primarily coastal vessels which also runs the tug-barge Michigan/Great Lakes on the lakes. Under the Jones Act, U.S.-flag ships must be operated by a U.S. company. A CN spokesman said there will be no changes in crewing, trading patterns or appearance of the fleet. .
CN reached the purchase agreement with Monroeville, Pa.-based GLT, a company controlled by The Blackstone Group. GLT officials had publicly stated last spring that company assets were for sale.
GLT includes:

The 212-mile Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway Company (DM&IR) � the Class II railroad is a common carrier of taconite pellets primarily between U.S. Steel's Minntac mine in Mountain Iron, Minn., and DMIR's ore docks in Duluth and Two Harbors.

Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company (B&LE) � a Class II railroad carrying primarily coal, iron ore and limestone between the Lake Erie port of Conneaut, Ohio, and steel mills in the Pittsburgh area;

The Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company (P&C Dock) � a Class III switching railroad that performs ship-to-rail and rail-to-ship bulk transfer operations for the B&LE at three docks at Conneaut;

Great Lakes Fleet, Inc. (Great Lakes Fleet) � The fleet includes the Edwin H. Gott, Edgar B. Speer, Presque Isle, Roger Blough, Arthur M. Anderson, Cason J. Callaway, Philip R. Clarke and John G. Munson. The fleet was organized in 1901 by United States Steel Corporation and has been based in either Duluth or Cleveland throughout its history.
CN relies on a rail link through Minnesota to connect it to the major railroad center of Chicago and CN's former Illinois Central trackage to the Gulf of Mexico.
E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: �CN�s acquisition of the GLT carriers will drive new efficiencies in our network, improve customer service, preserve competition and expand our participation in the steel industry�s bulk materials supply chain. The transaction is also good news for the Mesabi Range iron ore-producing region of Northern Minnesota � it will strengthen its transportation ties to the United States steel industry in the Midwest and Pennsylvania.
�The transaction will give us ownership of a 17-mile segment of DM&IR track in the Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., area that is an essential part of CN�s Chicago-Western Canada main line. CN currently operates over this short segment of track under a trackage rights agreement with DM&IR.
�Also, by owning parallel CN and DM&IR lines in the 64-mile rail corridor north of Duluth/Superior, we will be able to move our freight trains through the region more efficiently and avoid capital expenses we would otherwise incur for improvements to our existing line.�
Gordon T. Trafton, CN�s senior vice-president, United States Region, said: �We believe GLT customers will benefit from being served by CN -- the continent�s most efficient railroad -- whose only business is rail service and which has the financial wherewithal to invest in freight cars, locomotives, dock facilities and capital works that underpin a crucial supply chain for the steel industry. Second, the transaction will preserve shipper choice, as demonstrated by our commitment to keep open all active gateways.�
Acquisition of the GLT carriers will increase CN�s annual revenues by about $285 million in Canadian dollars. CN plans to finance the transaction with debt and expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings per share and free cash flow in the first year of control of the GLT carriers.
The CN/GLT transaction is subject to a determination by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) that it is a minor one under the STB�s merger rules and, ultimately, STB approval. Reviews by the U.S. Maritime Administration and Coast Guard are required for CN�s acquisition of Great Lakes Fleet. Review of CN�s acquisition of Great Lakes Fleet by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Antitrust Division is also required.
Canadian National Railway Company spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America.
Reported by: Al Miller and Andy Greenlees

Chi Cheemaun Ends Season
10/21
The Chi Cheemaun arrived in her home port of Owen Sound at about 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon for her winter layover after a season of ferrying passengers and vehicles between Tobermory on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
After a number of sunset dinner cruises helping to raise funds for local charities, she will winter on the west wall of the inner harbor.
Reported by: Ed Saliwonchyk

Door County lighthouse is first transferred to state
10/21
The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Door County's Peninsula State Park last week became the first lighthouse in Wisconsin to be transferred to state ownership.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is the first �public domain� lighthouse in Wisconsin that the Coast Guard has relinquished. Three others -- Cana Island, Plum Island and Pilot Island, all in Door County -- are awaiting transfer to other entities.
Public-domain lighthouses are those the Coast Guard claimed before homesteaders could in the early and mid-1800s.
The Door County Historical Society has operated Eagle Bluff Lighthouse as a museum for 39 years. Historical Society President George Evenson on Wednesday signed a long-term lease to occupy and continue running the lighthouse. Ann Aldrich, associate state director for the federal Bureau of Land Management, said Eagle Bluff was an easy case because of its long history as a museum and the surrounding state park.
Reported by: Chris Winkler

10/21
The tall ship Saint Paul arrived in Owen Sound, Ont. on September 10 and was expected to remain in port for a few days. She is now ashore at the Owen Sound Marina, it is apparent that she will be here for some time.
Saint Paul
Forward view
Bow view
Propeller and rudder.
Visit www.pobor.com for more information and her world tour.
Reported by: Ed Saliwonchyk

Knotty Bear Stops
10/21
The planned passenger ship Knotty Bear is spending a few days at DeTour, Mich. because of high winds. She is on a trip to Holland, Mich. where she will be rename