Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Jean Parisien Forebody Moved From Drydock

10/31

The Canada Steamship Lines’ self-unloader Jean Parisien’s forebody, recently severed from the stern section at Port Weller Drydocks, was floated out of the drydock Friday night with Seahound at the bow and Vac and Progress to assist. By 7:30 p.m., the severed section was at fit-out wall in preparation for the short trip down the Welland Canal, where it will soon be scrapped. In recent weeks, everything of use, such as anchors, winches and bowthruster has been removed from the front hull section for reuse.

The stern of the Parisien remains on the drydock, where a new forebody will be fabricated in the coming months.

Tugs move the Parisien’s discarded forward section out of the drydock
Another view

Reported by Alex Howard
 

Port Report

10/31

Sarnia

Reported by Barry Hiscocks
Thursday afternoon saw the arrival of the McKeil Marine tug Evans McKeil and her deck barge at the Government Dock in Sarnia,ON. awaiting the arrival of the heavy lift vessel Jumbo Vision from Europe.

The Jumbo Vision transported an Italian-made reactor for Sunoco's Sarnia refinery for the production of low-sulphur diesel fuel. At over 100 feet in length, and weighing more than 800 metric tons, onlookers were treated to some very skillfull crane operation, as the reactor was transferred from the ship to the McKeil barge.

The reactor was scheduled to be moved downriver Saturday morning to the Sunoco dock where it will be transferred from the McKeil barge to make the short trip by truck into the Suncor facility. Very windy conditions in the area could cause a possible delay.

The Jumbo Vision departed Sarnia mid-morning Saturday for the Seaway.
 

Menominee/Marinette

Reported by Dick Lund
Thursday saw fleetmates Prinsenborg and Vancouverborg arrive in Menominee. The Prinsenborg arrived early in the morning to load pulp at a local warehouse; however, wet weather has slowed its loading and she remains at the dock as of mid-afternoon Saturday. The Vancouverborg has been at anchor in the bay of Green Bay since Thursday awaiting the departure of the Prinsenborg. Saturday morning saw the arrival of the Catherine Desgagnes at Marinette Fuel & Dock with a load of pig iron.
 

Duluth

Reported by Gary Clark
The self-unloader Joseph H. Frantz remains in drydock at Fraser Shipyards undergoing repairs. Reports indicate she may have sustained damage by touching bottom recently in the St. Marys River.

Frantz at Fraser Shipyard on Oct. 26
Buckeye unloads stone
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 31

On 31 October 1888, A W LAWRENCE (wooden propeller tug, 72 foot, 51 gross tons, built in 1880 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin) blew her boiler at 2:30 a.m. off North Point near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The tug quickly sank.  Four of the six aboard were lost.  None of their remains were ever found.  The tug MERRILL rescued the cook and a passenger.  The LAWRENCE was owned by Capt. Mc Coy & Banner and valued at $5,000.

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.for Canada Steamship Lines on her maiden voyage bound for Thunder Bay, Ontario to load iron ore for Hamilton, Ontario. GRIFFITH was rebuilt with a new larger forward section,  and renamed b.) Rt Hon PAUL J MARTIN in 2000.

The CADILLAC (4) was launched October 31, 1942,  as a.) LAKE ANGELINA.

ELMGLEN (2) cleared Owen Sound, Ontario on October 31, 1984, on her first trip in Parrish & Heimbecker colors.

On October 31, 1966, while downbound in the St. Marys River loaded with 11,143 tons of potash for Oswego, New York, 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, Michigan.

The CHARLES L HUTCHINSON (3) a.) WILLIAM C MORELAND, 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, Ohio 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 foot, 898 gross tons, 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 p.m., 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 foot, 339 tons, built in 1818 at Black Rock [Buffalo], New York) 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, Michigan.

On 31 October 1880, TRANCHEMONTAGNE (wooden schooner, 108 foot, 130 tons, built in 1864 at Sorel, Quebec) 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 a.m.. 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
 

Ferry Algomah Arrives at Soo Shipyard for Inspection

10/30

On Wednesday, Arnold Transit Company's traditional ferry Algomah made her run to Sault Ste Marie for her five-year hull inspection at MCM Marine. She departed St. Ignace at 8:30 a.m. under the command of Capt. Sean Whelan. Some strong winds and rain made the first half of the trip a little rocky, but the weather changed to sun inbound of DeTour. Vessel traffic was light in the river, but to every passing freighter, hearty salutes were exchanged. The Algomah reached her destination at 5 p.m. Due to work on Shepler's frieght boat Sacre Bleu, Algomah will remain tied up for about one week. She'll return to Mackinac Island in mid-November for her winter lay-up.

Reported by Arnold Transit Co.

Crew of the Algomah

(More pictures will be posted when the Photo Gallery returns soon)
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Small Tug Mojave Busy at Cleveland

10/30

The tug Mojave has been at The Lakeside Yacht Club, Cleveland, Ohio, for several weeks working on the rejuvenation of the club's west wall docks. All of the original fixed finger docks are being replaced with floating 50' fingers. The tug is owned and operated by Huffman Contractors, Cleveland. The Mojave may be one of the smallest tugs working the Great Lakes.

Reported by Robert Sapita, Vice Commodore, Lakeside Yacht Club

Starboard view of the Mojave on a typical Cleveland grey autumn day.
 

Monument Dedication Sunday at South Bay, Ont.

10/30

This Sunday marks the 126 anniversary of the terrible night when a sudden squall swept young Moses Dulmage across a stormy Lake Ontario to Stony Point, New York.

The young sailor from South Bay was anchored off Timber Island aboard the schooner Julia and went to visit shipmates aboard another nearby anchored ship, the Olivia. As he left the Olivia to return to his own ship, a sudden blinding squall blew his small yawl out beyond Timber Island and across the wild lake to the far shore. His frozen body was discovered two days later, encased in ice. The body of the young sailor was finally returned home for burial in South Bay aboard the schooner Seabird, accompanied by about 75 other schooners the following spring.

Musician and composer Suzanne Pasternak has kept his memory alive in her musical 'Minerva' which tells of his plight on that terrible night. Through her efforts, a new memorial will be set in place beside Moses's grave in South Bay, Ont..

The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Sunday. All are invited. South Bay, Ont., is just south of Picton in Prince Edward County.

Reported by Brian Johnson
 

Photo Gallery

Please Note:  Our photo editor is moving this week so there will be delays in posting submitted photos to the Photo Gallery.  It is hoped that everything should be back to normal within the first week or so of November.  Your patience is appreciated!
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 30

On 30 October 1863, TORRENT (2-mast wooden schooner, 125 foot, 412 gross tons, built in 1855 at Newport [Marine City], Michigan) was carrying railroad iron from Buffalo to Little Bay de Noc when she foundered in a storm on Lake Erie, 10 miles east of Port Stanley, Ontario.  No lives were lost.

On 30 October 1870, JOSEPH A. HOLLON (wooden barge, 107 foot, 158 gross tons, built in 1867 at E. Saginaw, Michigan) was in tow of the tug CLEMATIS (wooden tug, 179 tons, built in 1863 at Cleveland, Ohio) in a terrific gale on Lake Huron.  The barge broke free and drifted off.  The waves washed completely over her and the captain was swept overboard.  Her cabins were destroyed.  The next day the wife of the mate and another crew member were rescued by the bark ONEONTA (wooden bark, 161 foot, 499 gross tons, built in 1862 at Buffalo, New York) and taken to Detroit, but the HOLLON was left to drift on the Lake.  The newspapers listed her as "missing".  Five days later the vessel was found and was towed into Port Elgin, Ontario.  A total of four lives were lost:  three were missing and the fourth was found "lashed to a pump, dead, with his eyes picked out."

The tugs GLENADA and MOUNT MC KAY towed AMOCO ILLINOIS from Essexville, Michigan on October 30, 1985, and arrived at the M&M slip in Windsor, Ontario 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.

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 foot, 147 tons, built in 1869 at Port Clinton, Ohio) 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 foot, 291 tons, built in 1864 at Vicksburgh [now Marysville], Michigan 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
 

Judge Agrees to Rehear Oglebay Norton Reorganization Plan

10/29

Oglebay Norton Company said that United States Bankruptcy Judge Joel B. Rosenthal of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware Thursday granted the company's motion for a rehearing of evidence on confirmation of the company's plan of reorganization.

On Oct. 5, 2004, the judge refused to confirm the company's plan because of concerns about the adequacy of insurance for future tort liability claims related to asbestos and silica products. The judge will hear more evidence on the question of insurance coverage at a hearing on Nov. 16, 2004.

The company and its wholly owned subsidiaries – one of which is the Great Lakes fleet Oglebay Norton marine Services – filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 on February 23, 2004.

Reported By Oglebay Norton Co.
 

Cliffs' earnings surge as pellet demand remains strong

10/29

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. reported a record net income of $87.5 million in the third quarter, reflecting the strong worldwide demand for iron ore pellets manufactured at Cliffs' mines in Minnesota, Michigan and Labrador.

"The year 2004 is expected to be a record year for our company in many respects," John Brinzo, Cleveland-Cliffs chairman and chief executive officer, said in the company's quarterly report. "Record sales and production volumes at very favorable sales margins, coupled with the gain realized from Cliffs' investment in ISG, will result in the most profitable year in our company's 157-year history."

For the first nine months of 2004, Cliffs reported a net income of $120.3 million. That compares with a net loss of $23.8 million after the first nine months of 2003.

Third-quarter pellet production at the three Minnesota mines managed by Cliffs increased by about 1.1 million tons versus a year ago, helped by the start-up of United Taconite.

At Hibbing Taconite, quarterly pellet production was 2.2 million tons, up from 2.1 million during the same 2003 period. The plant is projected to produce 8.2 million tons for the year, up from 8 million last year. The plant ships its pellets by rail and by ship through the BNSF ore dock in Superior, Wis.

United Taconite, which Cliffs purchased in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in December, produced 1 million tons of pellets during the third quarter. United Taconite -- formerly EVTAC -- also ships pellets through the BNSF dock.

Third-quarter production at Northshore Mining Co. in Babbitt and Silver Bay was 1.2 million tons, the same as last year. For the year, Northshore is projected to produce 5 million tons, up from 4.8 million during 2003. Northshore ships pellets by ship through its own dock in Silver Bay.

Reported by Al Miller
 

Detroit Marine Mart Set for Dec. 4

10/29

The annual Great Lakes Maritime Institute Marine Mart will be held on Dec. 4 at the Casino on Belle Isle from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The casino is not a gambling establishment but used a meeting point for individuals and groups. It is located in full view of the shipping channel near the entrance of the island just east of the Scott Fountain. The Marine Mart features dealers selling books, photographs, postcards, artwork and artifacts.

For more information call 313 - 852-4051 on Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. During the week during normal business hours call (313) 297-8366.

Reported by Dossin Great Lakes Museum
 

Port Report

10/29

Toledo

Reported by Jim Hoffman
The salt water vessel Federal Kumano was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator loading grain.The Canadian Leader was at Andersons "K" Elevator loading grain. The Atlantic Huron was at the Torco Ore Dock unloading ore. The tug/barge combo Michigan/Great Lakes was at the BP Dock.

The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the salt water vessel Onego Traveller on Friday. Her coal cargo is scheduled to arrive sometime Friday morning.

The Calumet and Lee A. Tregurtha are due in on Saturday. The Adam E. Cornelius on Monday. The Charles M. Beeghly and Algosoo on Wednesday, followed by the Lee A. Tregurtha on Thursday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Nanticoke on Tuesday (2 Nov.). The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Friday (5 Nov.) followed by the Canadian Navigator on Saturday.

At the Shipyard it is believed to be the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tug Kozoil and several barges are at this facility. The future gambling casino boat Detroit Princess, and the new oil barge under construction remain in both drydocks at the yard.
 

Saginaw River

Reported by Todd Shorkey
Thursday saw two vessels call on the Saginaw River.  The Agawa Canyon was inbound late in the morning headed upriver to unload at the Sargent Dock in Zilwaukee.  She completed her unload and was headed to turn at the Sixth Street basin around 10:30pm before departing for the lake.
 
Following behind the Agawa Canyon was the tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort & barge Great Lakes Trader.  The pair stopped at the Wirt Dock in Bay City to lighter before continuing upriver to finish at the Saginaw Wirt dock.  They were expected to be outbound late Thursday night.
 
This is the third straight trip to the Saginaw River for the Joyce L./Trader and the second for the Agawa Canyon.

Alpena

Reported by Ben & Chanda McClain
The J.A.W. Iglehart arrived in port on Wednesday to load cement for Milwaukee. The Alpena also came in on Wednesday and tied up at the Lafarge coal dock to wait for more product and its turn to load which was sometime Thursday night.  The G.L. Ostrander barge Integrity took on cargo Thursday afternoon and departed by 6 p.m. heading for Detroit.
 
The Richard Reiss took on cargo at Stoneport on Thursday and delivered it to Alpena. The Reiss arrived in the Thunder Bay River by 5 p.m. and unloaded stone at the Alpena Oil Dock.
 
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 29

The whaleback barge 127 (steel barge, 264 foot, 1128 gross tons) was launched by the American Steel Barge Company of W. Superior, Wisconsin on 29 October 1892.  She lasted until 1936 when she was scrapped at New Orleans, Louisiana.

On 29 October 1906, the schooner WEST SIDE (wooden schooner, 138 fot, 324 gross tons, built in 1870 at Oswego, New York) was carrying pulpwood from Tobermory, Ontario to Delray, Michigan when she was caught in a severe gale on Lake Huron.  There was no shelter and the vessel was lost about 25 mile off Thunder Bay Island.  The skipper and his crew, consisting of his wife and three sons aged 10 to 18, abandoned in the yawl.  They all suffered from exposure to the wind and waves, but luckily the FRANK H PEAVEY (steel propeller freighter, 430 foot, 5002 gross tons, built in 1901at Lorain, Ohio) picked them up and brought them to Port Huron, Michigan.

ALGOLAKE (Hull# 211) was launched October 29, 1976 at Collingwood Shipyards, Ltd. for the Algoma Central Railway.

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, Wisconsin 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, Ohio, 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, Louisiana on October 29, 1973.

The H. C. HEIMBECKER's last trip started at Thunder Bay, Ontario with a load of grain bound for Owen Sound, Ontario 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, Ohio for scrapping.

On 29 October 1892, ZACH CHANDLER (3 mast wooden schooner-barge, 194 foot, 727 gross tons, built in 1867 at Detroit, Michigan) was carrying lumber from Ashland, Wisconsin 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, Michigan. 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 foot, 1406 tons, built in 1873 at Trenton, Michigan) 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 foot, 1159 tons, built in 1869 at Buffalo, New York 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 foot, 1702 gross tons, built in 1877 at Buffalo, New York). The SCOTT sank quickly. She had been bound from Chicago for Erie, Pennsylvania 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, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at B.G.S.U 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.
 

Ground Broken for Thunder Bay Maritime Heritage Center

10/28

Ground has been broken for a visitors center at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, near Alpena, Mich.

The 20,000-square-foot facility will preserve and highlight the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and the shipwrecks of Lake Huron's Thunder Bay, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.

When completed, it will feature a "discovery center" with more than 8,000 square feet of exhibits on the Great Lakes, shipwrecks, archaeology and maritime history.

The center also will have an auditorium for showing films and live video feeds from Thunder Bay shipwrecks, an archaeological conservation laboratory and an education resource room, a spokesman for the federal agency said Tuesday. The center is expected to draw 70,000 visitors a year.

"The new center will be a national destination that will allow people of all ages to share in the discovery, exploration and preservation of the Great Lakes' historic shipwrecks and rich maritime past," sanctuary manager Jefferson Gray said in a news release.

"In addition, the laboratories, archives, dockage for research vessels and a field station for visiting scientists will make the center a regional research facility, not just for historians and archaeologists, but for other scientists working to ensure the health of the Great Lakes," he said.

The center is located in a former paper mill undergoing renovations with an initial investment of $2.5 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency signed a 20-year lease with the building's owner in September.

The 448-square-mile Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve was established in 2000 to protect an estimated 200 historically significant shipwrecks ranging from 19th-century wooden side-wheelers to 20th-century steel-hulled steamers. It is managed by the federal agency and Michigan.

Thunder Bay is one of 13 national marine sanctuaries that encompass more than 150,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources.

Reported by Jason Leslie
 

Survey Seeks Thoughts on Port Huron Maritime Center

10/28

Boatnerds have been asked by Acheson Ventures, the company currently refurbishing Port Huron's waterfront, to submit their thoughts on a possible maritime center at the site. Let them know by taking the survey on the main page.

Take the Survey
 

Lee Murdock in Concert, Book Signing at Dossin Museum

10/28

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute presents Lee Murdock in Concert at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle Sat., Nov. 13 from 2-4 p.m. 

The Great Lakes folk singer will bring to the Detroit River venue a wide variety of maritime history subjects - of storms, sailing ships and life sailing the Great Lakes over the years. The concert will be in DeRoy Hall overlooking the passing freighter traffic on the Detroit River. Tickets for GLMI members are $10 and $12 for non-members.

To order tickets in advance call the Dossin Great Lakes Museum (313) 852-4051 on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. During the week during normal business hours call (313) 297-8366 for tickets or additional information.

Also on the 13th, before the concert, there will be a special book signing by author Patrick Livingston. Come and meet the author of the new book - “Eight Steamboats: Sailing in the ‘60s,” detailing Life on board various freighters, the South American and the Bob-Lo boat Columbia. The author signing will take place from 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. in the Gothic Room.

 Reported by Dossin Great Lakes Museum
 

Schooner Highlander Sea Arrives at the Soo

10/28

The gaff-rigged topsail Schooner Highlander Sea was upbound in the St. Marys River Wednesday. She will be spending the winter at MCM Marine in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Part of the work being done is replanking with three- inch white oak.

The 154 foot schooner was designed by W. Starling Burgess and built in 1924 in Essex, Mass. Originally christened Pilot, it was a Boston Harbor pilot ship for 47 years.  After a series of owners and adventures, including an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, she was purchased by Acheson Ventures in 2002 and became the city of Port Huron's flagship. Used as a training vessel, she was seen frequently this past summer in the Straits area.

Reported by Bonnie Barnes

Highlander Sea, Lee A. Tregurtha pass
Highlander Sea below Mission Point
 

Paint Jobs Continue on Muskegon Museum Ships

10/28

A late season trip on the Lake Express this past week revealed fast, and not so fast, completion of new paint schemes on two of Muskegon's more famous floating citizens. Progress on the Milwaukee Clipper's starboard side has been slow, while LST-393 is now 99 percent repainted in its W.W.II camouflage markings.

Reported by Andy LaBorde

The Lake Express turns in front of its dock while departing Milwaukee
Coming up to speed. The short burst of exhaust smoke is the lag before the turbos kick in.
A rainbow at 34 MPH.
A full car deck.
The Milwaukee Clipper.
LST-393 with a  fresh coat of paint.
A bow view of the LST.
 

Train Whistle Earned Ship Salutes in Port Huron

10/28

Gray skies and cool temperatures this past weekend made for less than ideal boat watching conditions at Port Huron. Fortunately there was something else to watch.

One of Port Huron's more famous citizens was Thomas Edison. The city of Port Huron held a week long celebration commemorating the 125th anniversary of the  incandescent light bulb. A ceremony was held Thursday night, Oct. 21 at the base of the Blue Water Bridge. The Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Mich., brought its 0-4-0 steam engine to Port Huron for the weekend. Thomas Edison working on locomotives of this type early in his career. New security lighting was recently added to the main bridge supports on both sides of the river. After a short ceremony the engine's steam whistle let loose with a long salute and the new lights were turned on.

The Steam Railroading Institute's crew quickly discovered that blowing the passing ship traffic a salute would earn them a salute in return. The little steam engine had an almost 100 percent success rate the entire weekend.

Reported by Andy LaBorde

The locomotive coming off the lowboy Thursday.
BridgeRaising steam.
Saluting the bridge and Thomas Edison.
Some unusual river traffic Sunday morning.
Which way is Tahiti?
Marine Mart, also held Saturday in Port Huron
 

Port Report

10/28

Marquette

Reported by Lee Rowe
The Michipicoten and Charles M. Beeghly loaded ore at Marquette on Wednesday. Work continues on the fencing at the ore dock, but early indications are that it may not be as extensive as first reported.
 

Photo Gallery Updated

Please Note:  Our photo editor is moving this week so there will be delays in posting submitted photos to the Photo Gallery.  It is hoped that everything should be back to normal within the first week or so of November.  Your patience is appreciated!

10/28

Photo Gallery
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 28

On 28 October 1891, DAVID STEWART (3-mast wooden schooner, 171 foot, 545 gross tons, built in 1867 at Cleveland, Ohio) was dragged ashore off Fairport, Ohio by a strong gale.  She was stranded and declared a total loss.  However, she was salvaged and repaired in 1892 and lasted one more year.

The CANADIAN PIONEER's maiden voyage was on October 28, 1981, to Conneaut, Ohio to take on coal for Nanticoke, Ontario.

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

Cleveland Tankers GEMINI was christened October 28, 1978, at Huron, Ohio.

The GEORGE M. CARL (2) was launched October 28, 1922, by American Ship Building Co. at Lorain, Ohio as a.) FRED G. HARTWELL (2) (Hull# 781) for the Franklin Steamship Co.

D. M. CLEMSON (2) (Hull# 716) was launched October 28, 1916, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co. for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio.

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 foot wooden schooner built in 1866 at St. Catherines, 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 tons, built in 1870 at Buffalo, New York) 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
 

Fingers Crossed As News of Mega-merger Spreads

10/27

The mega-merger of Ispat Inland Inc. and International Steel Group Inc. inspires both hope and fear in suppliers, mayors, and those concerned about the regional economy.

There is no doubt that East Chicago will maintain its "steel town" standing and the hope is the merger will enlarge it, said Mayor Robert Pastrick in a story in Tuesday’s Northwest Indiana Times.

"We want them to be very successful, because we need employment very badly in Northwest Indiana," Pastrick said.

Like Pastrick, others were also crossing their fingers Monday when it comes to employment at the four major mills in the region owned by the two companies. Small steel supply companies were also hoping the new steel giant would remember them.

The deal announced by Ispat Inland on Monday has steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal first combining his two international companies, Ispat Inland and LNM Holdings. The merged company, called Mittal Steel Co., will then buy ISG for $4.5 billion in cash and stock.

Ispat Inland's steel mill dominates one side of the Indiana Harbor in East Chicago. ISG's East Chicago mill, which it acquired out of bankruptcy from LTV Steel, dominates the other side. ISG also owns mills in Burns Harbor, Riverdale, and nine other locations in the United States. "First, I want to make sure this merger does not negatively impact steel employment in Northwest Indiana or the United States," stated U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., in a release on Monday.

It's no secret that East Chicago officials would like Ispat Inland's national headquarters located in their city. Pastrick said any such move by the company in the wake of the merger would be "wonderful." Analysts generally agreed on Monday that there will be no major mill closures as long as the steel boom, fueled in large part by demand from China, continues unabated. That means no mass layoffs of blue-collar workers. But white-collar workers could be vulnerable where there is duplication.

Reported by Northwest Indiana Times
 

Smoke But No Fire on Northern Lake Michigan

10/27

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City and Station Manistee searched for the source of reported commercial vessel on fire in the middle of northern Lake Michigan Oct. 12.

The District 9 Command Center received a report from the FAA in Minneapolis of a large commercial vessel on fire. The fire was first reported by a commercial jetliner flying at 12,000 feet. A second report came from a small aircraft 50nm away. The FAA diverted a third commercial flight to pinpoint the location while an HH-65 from Air Station Traverse City and a 47-foot small boat from Station Manistee proceeded to the last known position. The third aircraft provided an accurate latitude and longitude of the vessel placing it closer to shore near Manistee, MI.

The vessel Saginaw was located in that approximate position and found to be no distress. The case was suspended based on a probable false alarm, smoke from the vessel’s stack in extremely clear visibility.

 

Shipwreck Lecture at Erie Maritime Museum

10/27

The Flagship Niagara League and the Erie Maritime Museum, in cooperation with the Erie County Historical Society, will present the lecture “Interrupted Journey: the Saga of the Steamer Atlantic” by Dr. David Frew. 

Frew, a noted maritime author and executive director of the Erie County Historical Society, will speak at the Erie Maritime Museum’s Hirt Auditorium, 150 East Front St., Erie, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14.

“Interrupted Journey: the Saga of the Steamer Atlantic” is the third book in Frew’s “Lake Erie Quadrangle Shipwreck Series.” It gives life to the tragic sinking of the Steamer Atlantic off of Long Point in Lake Erie in 1852.  The palatial side-wheel steamer was carrying 600 immigrants from Buffalo to Detroit when she collided with the freight Steamer Ogdensberg; as many as 300 passengers drowned as Atlantic quickly sank in Lake Erie. 

A number of attempts to salvage the vessel were made over the years, including a famously controversial attempt in the early 1990s.  Dr. Frew is author of many books including “Home Port Erie: Voices of Silent Images” (with Robert J. Mac Donald) and “The Lake Erie Quadrangle: Waters of Repose” (with Dave Stone) as well as two previous “Lake Erie Quadrangle Shipwreck Series” narrated histories, “Kiss of the Devil Wind: The Sinking of The Steamship Gerken” and “Long Gone: The Mystery of the Marquette & Bessemer No. 2.”

The lecture is offered free of charge; Dr. Frew will have copies of the book available and will sign them after the lecture. For additional information, please call 814-452-2744. Website: www.brigniagara.org

Reported by the Erie Maritime Museum
 

Marblehead Coast Guard Station Haunted This Weekend

10/27

Coast Guard Station Marblehead is scheduled to host the second annual Haunted Coast Guard Friday and Saturday between 7-10 p.m.

Admission for the event is $2 or two canned good foods.  The money raised will be donated to the hurricane victims in Florida.  Last year the station raised $100 and 500 pounds of food, which they are trying hard to surpass this year. 

Reported by U.S. Coast Guard
 

Photo Gallery Updated

Please Note:  Our photo editor is moving this week so there will be delays in posting submitted photos to the Photo Gallery.  It is hoped that everything should be back to normal within the first week or so of November.  Your patience is appreciated!

10/27

Photo Galleries
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 27

While in tow of the tug MERRICK on 27 October 1879, the NIAGARA (wooden schooner, 204 foot, 764 gross tons, built in 1873 at Tonawanda, New York) collided with the PORTER (wooden schooner, 205 foot, 747 gross tons, built in 1874 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin) which was in tow of the tug WILCOX at the mouth of the Detroit River.  The PORTER sank but was salvaged and repaired.  She lasted another 19 years.

The PAUL THAYER, b.) EARL W. OGLEBAY) was christened on October 27, 1973 at Lorain, Ohio.

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, Wisconsin.

On her maiden voyage the HOCHELAGA (2) departed Collingwood on October 27, 1949 for Fort William, Ontario to load grain for Port Colborne, Ontario.

The FRANCIS E. HOUSE was laid up at Duluth, Minnesota 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 LA LIBERTÉ struck an embankment while backing from the Frontier Dock Slip at Buffalo, New York 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, Quebec 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 tons, built in 1853 at Pultneyville, New Jersey as J J MORLEY) was bound for Toledo, Ohio 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, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at B.G.S.U 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.

 

New Steel-Making Giant WIll Be Created By Merger

10/26      

European steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal announced plans on Monday to take over U.S. steelmaker International Steel Group (ISG) as part of a three-way merger to create a global metals mammoth. The combined company will be known as Mittal Steel Company NV.

ISG has plants in Burns Harbor, Ind., and Cleveland, Ohio, which are served by the Great Lakes 1,000-footers Stewart J. Cort and Burns Harbor, operated by ISG. It is unknown how the merger will affect the vessels, however they may have to be operated by a third party, as the U.S. law known as the Jones Act prohibits foreign-owned vessels from engaging in trade between U.S. ports.

The two-step deal will bring together companies with combined sales this year of $31.5 billion and 165,000 employees, rivaling the world's largest steel and mining conglomerates. Its size will mean economies of scale in purchasing raw materials and possibly advantages in setting global prices for steel, analysts said. Its headquarters will be in Rotterdam.

In the complex plan, Rotterdam-based Ispat International NV - in which the Mittal family has a majority stake - will issue $13.3 billion of shares to buy another Mittal family company, LNM Holdings NV. That company will buy U.S.-based ISG for stock and cash, valuing it at about $4.5 billion.

The deal must be approved by regulators. Mittal said he does not plan layoffs. He said he expected the LNM part of the deal to close by the end of the year and the ISG merger to close in the first quarter next year.

Reported by Jason Leslie
 

Port Report

10/26

Toledo

Reported by Jim Hoffman
The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator. The Mississagi was upbound in the Maumee River Monday afternoon bound for Andersons "K" Elevator to load grain. The salt water vessel Balaban I was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. The CSL Niagara was at the CSX #2 Dock waiting to load grain, it is believed that she will follow the Paul Martin at Andersons "E" Elevator.

The salt water vessels Lake Michigan and Prinsenborg were at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. There were no coal or ore boats in port at the time of this report.

The gambling casino boat Detroit Princess is in drydock at the shipyard. Construction continues on the new oil barge being built. Courtney Burton remains in layup at the Lakefront Docks with no activity aboard her.

The salt water vessel Onego Traveller still remains at the old ore dock at the CSX Docks waiting for her coal cargo to arrive. Should be loading her coal cargo any day now. The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the John G. Munson on Tuesday morning (26th).The Calumet and Lee A. Tregurtha on Saturday followed by the Adam E. Cornelius on Monday.

The next scheduled ore boats due  in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Atlantic Huron on Friday morning (29th) and the Nanticoke on Tuesday.
 

Sturgeon Bay

Reported by Wendell Wilke
On Monday the tug James A. Hannah was at the yard. The tug Jane Ann IV was still on the drydock, but should be off Tuesday to remate with her barge Sarah Spencer, which is anchored off Sherwood Point north of the yard. The new tug Capt. Hagen (for the saltwater firm Penn-Maritime) is at the fitout wall. She is Bay SB HULL 754 for delivery before freeze-up with the new barge U.C. in the graving dock.
 

Duluth-Superior

Reported by Al Miller
The entrance to St. Louis Bay in the Duluth-Superior harbor was busy late Sunday afternoon. A limestone-stained Cason J. Callaway was outbound after unloading stone at the DMIR ore dock. It was bound for Two Harbors to load taconite pellets. Not far away, Joseph H. Frantz was docked in Fraser Shipyards for repairs and J.A.W. Iglehart was paying one of its infrequent visits to the LaFarge Cement dock in Superior.

On Monday morning, the Iglehart was unloading the second half of its cargo at the LaFarge plant in Duluth. Canadian Enterprise was inbound at the Duluth piers en route to Midwest Energy Terminal. The Frantz remained in the shipyard. In a rare sight, the CSL boat Spruceglen was under the whirley cranes at the Duluth port terminal unloading steel coils -- something that in the past has almost exclusively been performed by salties.

A couple of interesting vessel moves are in the works at Midwest Energy Terminal. American Mariner is scheduled to load there Wednesday with coal destined for Ashland, Wis. -- a once-busy port that now receives only a handful of vessel cargoes each year. Middletown is scheduled to load Oct. 30 with coal for delivery to the CLM dock, about a mile from the Midwest Energy Terminal. CLM, which receives numerous stone cargoes during the season, also takes a load or two of coal each year, and transporting it by self-unloader is undoubtedly cheaper and easier than using trucks.

Another interesting note: Edgar B. Speer and Edwin H. Gott once called almost exclusively in Two Harbors, with occasional trips to Duluth. Recent ownership changes, however, now have both vessels calling at the BNSF dock in Two Harbors. The Speer was due there Monday, and the Gott is due there Friday.
 

Green Bay

Reported by Jason Leino
Sunday was a busy day for the port of Green Bay. The Voorneborg departed Green Bay after a three day visit. The Adam E. Cornelius brought in a load of limestone for Western Lime and was followed shortly after by the John D. Leitch, which brought in a load of marblestone for the Fox River Dock which will be exported to Waupaca, Wisc. The Buffalo was the last to arrive bringing in a load of coal for Georgia Pacific.  The John G. Munson, Dorothy Ann Pathfinder, and Philip R. Clarke are all due in this week with loads of coal for the Fox River Dock.
 

Saginaw River

Reported by Todd Shorkey
The Wolverine was inbound the Saginaw river Sunday afternoon calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City.  After unloading, she was outbound for the lake late Sunday night. The American Republic was inbound Sunday night headed to the Bay Aggregates to unload.  She entered the slip just after the Wolverine departed.  The Republic is expected to be outbound early Monday morning.
 

Photo Gallery Updated (2 Today)

Please Note:  Our photo editor is moving this week so there will be delays in posting submitted photos to the Photo Gallery.  It is hoped that everything should be back to normal within the first week or so of November.  Your patience is appreciated!

10/26

Photo Galleries
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 26

On 26 October 1878, the new steamer CITY OF DETROIT (composite side-wheel passenger-package freight steamer, 234 foot, 1094 gross tons, built in 1878 at Wyandotte, Michigan) arrived in Detroit from Cleveland with 276 tons of freight, mostly iron, on deck, and no freight in her hold. This experiment was tried to see if the steamer would show any signs of "crankiness", even under a load so placed.  She responded well and lived up to the expectations of her designers.

On 26 October 1882, the sunken schooner-barge NELLIE McC GILVRAY was dynamited as a hazard to navigation by the Portage River Improvement Company.  She sank at the entrance to the Portage Canal in the Keweenaw Peninsula on 28 August 1882 and all attempts to raise her failed.

LOUIS R. DESMARAIS was christened October 26,1977.

On October 26, 1968 the R. BRUCE ANGUS grounded in the St. Lawrence River near Beauharnois, Quebec Sixteen hundred tons of iron ore were lightered to free her and she damaged 65 bottom plates.

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’s (2)  A-frame collapsed while unloading at Carrollton, Michigan on the Saginaw River. Her unloading boom was cut away and temporary repairs were made at Defoe Shipbuilding Co., Bay City, Michigan.

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 foot, 375 tons, built in 1851 at Buffalo, New York) was carrying flour from Detroit to Buffalo when she was blown to shore near the mouth of the Grand River (Lorain, Ohio) by a gale, stranded and became a total loss. No lives were lost.

On 26 October 1895, GEORGE W. DAVIS (wooden schooner, 136 foot, 299 gross tons, 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
 

Birchglen Loads Ore at Duluth for China

10/25      

The motor vessel Birchglen loaded an unusual cargo at Duluth Wednesday. The Canada Steamship Lines-operated vessel took on 25,000 gross tons of taconite pellets destined for Laiwu, China. She is the first saltie to load at the DM&IR Dock in Duluth since the mid-1980s. After loading, the Ukrainian-crewed ship was expected to sail direct to China via the Panama Canal.

Reported by the Duluth Shipping News
 

Port Report

10/25

Saginaw River

Reported by Todd Shorkey
It was a ballet of ship movements on the Saginaw River Sunday night as three vessels all unloaded in the same area of the river.  The Canadian Transfer, inbound late Sunday night, checked back and waited at the Consumers Energy dock for the Wolverine to pass outbound.  She then continued upriver to the North Star dock in Essexville to unload. The Wolverine had unloaded at Bay Aggregates in Bay City and had backed from the dock allowing the American Republic, who had stopped upriver at the Dow Chemical dock to wait, to back down river and enter the Bay Aggregates slip to unload.  The American Republic was also expected to be outbound early Monday morning.

 

Green Bay

Repored by Wendell Wilke
At noon Sunday, the John D. Leitch was unloading stone at Fox River Dock and the Adam E. Cornelius was unloading stone at Western Lime. This was the first time the Leitch has been into Green Bay under her present name.

 

Port Huron

Reported by Kevin Davis
Attendees at Saturdays Port Huron Marine Mart at the Port Huron Marine Terminal had a good day for boatwatching and selling items such as books, pictures and memorabilia. The boat traffic was good as well. The Marion Green was upbound in the morning, the Algoeast was making a dock at Sun Oil, the Algoisle was loading at Cargill in Sarnia, H. Lee White, Mississagi, Fred R. White Jr. and John G. John Munson were downbound, The Algorail, Richard Reiss, Frontenac and Southdown Challenger were upbound.

Keweenaw Waterway

The self-unloader Joseph H. Frantz passed through the Keweenaw waterway on Saturday. This used to be a common practice for smaller vessels seeking more sheltered waters during stormy fall weather, but has become more and more unusual in recent years. The Frantz was upbound with coal for Superior, Wis. After unloading, she is expected to shift over to the Harvest States elevator to load grain.

Photos courtesy www.pasty.com

Frantz in the Keweenaw
Another view
 

Gemini Involved in Collision

10/24

Saturday afternoon the tanker Gemini was upbound in the lower Detroit River below Grassy Island when a 35-foot wooden pleasure boat misjudged the Gemini's distance and cut across the bow of the tanker. The pleasure craft was struck by the tanker, which had no way of stopping or adjusting coarse. The pleasure craft was destroyed, the wooden hull disintegrated. The crew on the Gemini responded by stopping the tanker and assisting the four occupants of the small boat. All occupants were quickly recovered by another pleasure craft as pieces of their boat floated down river. The occupants of the boat were taken to a local hospital. Amazingly, their injuries consisted of only cuts and bruises while the owner of the boat showed signs of hypothermia.

Numerous agencies responded to the incident including local law enforcement. The Canadian Coast Guard was on scene with boats from their Amherstburg Base. A 41-foot boat (41306) and a 25- footer (255042) from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Belle Isle also responded to the scene.

The Gemini continued upbound to the Belle Isle Anchorage off Detroit for inspection, there were no visible signs of damage to the vessel as she passed Detroit. She arrived in the anchorage about 6 p.m. The Gemini was cleared to sail late that night or next morning. The incident in under investigation by Group Detroit's Marine Safety Office.

Reported by Jason Leslie

More information on the Gemini
 

DeTour Reef Light Restoration Nears Completion

10/24        

A mile offshore in northern Lake Huron the newly restored DeTour Reef Light proudly displays an American and state of Michigan flag.  After a two-year major exterior and interior restoration project using mor than $1 million in funding from state, federal and private grant sources and donations, the lighthouse will begin to offer educational tours of this historic resource in 2005.

Additional lighthouse restoration work to be accomplished include refurbishing of a barge to be used as a docking platform along with a ladder system for safe access to the lighthouse deck, outfitting the keeper’s quarters with 1931 period furnishings, interpretative educational displays, fabrication and installation of the second deck crane, and other projects. DRLPS, who holds a lease on the lighthouse from the U.S. Coast Guard, is applying for ownership from the Federal government through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

Built in 1931 on a 60-foot square, 20-foot high concrete crib in 24 feet of water, the DeTour Reef Light structure is a unique steel-framed square tower of three distinct levels that rises 63 feet above the deck and marks a dangerous reef to help guide ship traffic from and to Lake Huron and Lake Superior via the St. Marys River at the southeastern edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The light was automated in 1974. In 1997, the lighthouse was declared surplus property by the U. S. Coast Guard due to sophisticated navigational systems aboard ships, and the Coast Guard’s not having the funding to care for the structure in accordance with historic preservation guidelines.

Local citizens formed the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society (DRLPS) in 1998 as a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization to restore and preserve the lighthouse which sits between the two communities of DeTour Village and Drummond Island. DRLPS dedicated volunteers have worked diligently to build the membership-based society and acquire donations and grant funding for their educational and restoration programs to preserve the DeTour Reef Light and enhance the importance of the rich maritime heritage of the region. Chuck Feltner, President of DRLPS, stated “We believe that the worth of a society will be measured, in part, by the extent to which they value their history. On the Great Lakes, lighthouses are a key piece of the maritime history and development of the Great Lakes basin; in Michigan, they are our greatest maritime historical monuments. They must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This has been our mission.”

Lighthouse restoration contractor Mihm Enterprises, and architect U.P. Engineers & Architects have performed an outstanding job on the restoration project which began in 2002 and was completed in September 2004. DRLPS is very grateful to the contractors and to its committed and talented Board of Directors, devoted volunteers, loyal membership and donors, and for the steadfast support from State and Federal government officials, and to the grant providers that include the State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan Coastal Management Program and Clean Michigan Initiative of the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. DRLPS is also thankful for the support of the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Lighthouse Project, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper’s Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the local communities’ governments, in this important joint endeavor to preserve the historic, cultural, recreational and educational value of this significant Michigan maritime monument.

A film of the DeTour Reef Light has recently been produced by Ric Mixter of Airworthy Productions with DRLPS Vice-president Dave Bardsley titled “Gateway to Superior: Saving the DeTour Reef Light” utilizing a Michigan Coastal Management Program grant, and is available in DVD format for $20 plus $3 shipping from DRLPS, PO Box 307, Drummond Island MI 49726, 906-493-6609, www.DRLPS.com.

To learn more about the lighthouse and how you can become a volunteer and member of the DRLPS team, or for information on the See-the-Light educational tours, Be-a-Lighthouse-Keeper and overnight stay programs, please contact DRLPS at www.DRLPS.com or 906-493-6711.

Reported by DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society        

Exterior view
Interior view
 

Port Report

10/24

Alpena

Reported by Ben & Chanda McClain
Friday was an active day in the area with four vessels. The Mississagi unloaded a cargo of sand during the early morning hours on Friday at the Alpena Oil Dock on the Thunder Bay river. The Fred R. White Jr. also delivered a load of coal to Lafarge Friday morning. The J.A.W Iglehart was also in port waiting under the silos for cement. The Iglehart didn't begin loading until later in the afternoon. The Alpena was also out in the bay, and came in once the White departed. It tied up at the coal dock to wait for its turn to take on cargo.

The G. L Ostrander/barge Integrity was in port earlier in the week and is now delivering to various places on Lake Michigan. The Paul H. Townsend is in lay-up at Muskegon.

The Great Lakes Trader was loading at Stoneport on Friday and the Philip R. Clarke was on the schedule for Saturday.

 

Marquette

Reported by Lee Rowe, Art Pickering
The Paul R. Tregurtha brought coal to Marquette's WE Power Plant on Wednesday. The Mesabi Miner was in the harbor on Saturday with a load of coal, but the weather kept her from coming in to the dock.

The Joseph H. Thompson/Jr. and the David Z. Norton came in for ore on Friday. Saturday was expected to be a busy day with trips from the Charles M. Beeghly, the Lee A. Tregurtha, the Michipicoten (also with a load of coke) and the Herbert C. Jackson. All these were put on hold because of the weather.

The Mesabi Miner was finally able to go to the coal unloader Saturday once the winds abated. Charles M. Beeghly came in for a load of ore.  The Tregurtha also came in, but had to anchor in the harbor waiting a turn at the dock.

 

Toronto

Reported by Charlie Gibbons
Kapitan Georgi Georgiev arrived at Redpath Sugar dock Saturday morning; assisted in by McKeil's tugs Atomic and Glenevis, both tugs now sporting the new McKeil color scheme. Canadian Progress was in with salt late Friday and departed early Saturday.

The trawler Miss Kristy, owned by Toronto Drydock Co. is on the drydock undergoing a rebuilding. The vessel has been sold and will be departing the Great Lakes by way of the New York State Barge Canal for a new home in the Bahamas lobster fishing trade.

 

Saginaw River

Reported by G. Garris
The Joyce L. Vanenkevort/Great Lakes Trader were in bound the Saginaw River around 4 p.m. Saturday with a split load for Sargent Essexville and Saginaw Rock Products Dock. The Trader arrived up river in Saginaw shortly after 7 p.m. The pair were expected to be out bound early Sunday morning.

 

Toldeo

Sunday the Federal Hunter departed out toward Maumee Bay and passed Balaban I of Er Denizcilik Sanayi Nakliyat Ve Ticaret A.S.,Istanbul, Turkey, on her way up to ADM Elevators escorted by Illinois and Idaho of Great Lakes Towing.

Onega Traveller remains at CSX RR Docks. Canadian Prospector remains loading at The Anderson’s Kuhlman Facility. Detroit Princess is in the short drydock at Toledo Shipyard and can be viewed afoot from Jamie Farr Park on N.Summit Street near Galena Street off I-280. Algorail was coming in at 1800 hrs possibly to The Andersons Erwin Facility but there was some linkage difficulties postponing her daytime entry outside of the CSX RR Bridge.

 

Sturgeon Bay

Reported by Wendell Wilke
As of Friday, the tug Jane Anne IV was on the drydock at Bay Shipbuilding while the barge Sarah Spencer remains anchored off Sherwood Point (north of the yard). Also at the yard is the Washington Island Ferry Line ferry Voyageur, in the same slip as the Edward L. Ryerson. The Voyageur has reportedly been sold to Shoreline Marine of Chicago.

 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 23

On 23 October 1887, the small wooden scow-schooner LADY ELGIN was driven ashore about one mile north of Goderich, Ontario in a severe storm that claimed numerous other vessels.  By 26 October, she was broken up by the waves.

The CECILIA DESGAGNES was launched October 23, 1970, as a.) CARL GORTHON, for Rederi A/B Gylfe, Hälsingborg, Sweden.

The rail car ferry GRAND RAPIDS was launched October 23, 1926, at Manitowoc, Wisconsin for the Grand Trunk-Milwaukee Car Ferry Co., Muskegon, Michigan. She entered service in December of 1926.

WILLIAM B SCHILLER was launched October 23, 1909, for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio.

October 23, 1953 - The str. SPARTAN arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage. Captain Harold A. Altschwager was in command.

On 23 October 1868, F T BARNEY (wooden schooner, 255 tons, built in 1856 at Vermilion, Ohio) collided with the schooner TRACY J BRONSON and sank below Nine Mile Point, Northwest 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 foot, 115 gross tons, 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.

Today in Great Lakes History - October 24

On 24 October 1886, the wooden steam barge RUDOLPH burned on Lake St. Clair and was beached.  She was loaded with lumber from East Saginaw, Michigan for Cleveland, Ohio.

On 24 October 1902, W T CHAPPELL (2-mast wooden schooner, 72 foot, 39 gross tons, built in 1877 at Sebewaing, Michigan) was carrying stove wood from Grand Marais, Michigan to the Soo in a severe storm on Lake Superior when she sprang a leak.  She was blown over and sank 4 miles from the Vermillion Life Saving Station.  The Life Saving crew rescued the 2-man crew in the surf boat and took them to the Whitefish Point Lighthouse for the night since the storm was so severe.

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.

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.

NIPIGON BAY arrived Thunder Bay, Ontario 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 foot, 468 tons, built in 1849 at Cleveland, Ohio) 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 foot, 356 gross tons, 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 foot, 1558 gross tons, built in 1903 at Buffalo, New York as J S KEEFE) ran aground south of the channel into the Saugeen River. The tug RUTH 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
 

Photo Gallery Updated

10/23

Photo Galleries
 

Cargo Jet May Have Dropped Engine Into Lake Michigan
 

10/22      

A cargo jet departing Chicago's O'Hare International Airport experienced engine trouble late Wednesday and may have dropped one of its engines into Lake Michigan, authorities said.

The Boeing 741-R owned by Kalitta Air bound for New York landed safely in Detroit. Its crew reported engine problems with one of its engines over Michigan. When the aircraft landed, the crew discovered the had fallen off.

Michigan authorities searched for the engine Thursday, but the Federal Aviation Administration said it might have fallen into Lake Michigan.

Reported by Al Miller

Port Huron Marine Mart Saturday

10/22

The Lake Huron Lore Marine Society, The Port Huron Museum and Acheson Ventures will be hosting a Marine Flea Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Huron Seaway Terminal, 2336 Military Street in Port Huron. Vendors will be on hand to sell items that include photos, books and artifacts, all with a Great Lakes theme. Look for us at the Know Your Ships table.

Reported by Dave Wobser
 

Port Report

10/22      

Saginaw

Reported by G. Garris
There were four vessels along the banks of the Saginaw River Thursday.

The J.A.W. Iglehart was out bound Thursday afternoon after discharging a cargo of cement at the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton overnight.

The Joseph H. Thompson/JR were out bound Early thursday morning after doing a split load at Sargent Essexville and the Burroughs Dock in Saginaw on Wednesday evening.

The Mississagi was in bound late Thursday morning with a load for the Saginaw Rock Products Dock. The Mississagi was out bound in the late afternoon.

The Joyce L. Vanenkevort/Great Lakes Trader were inbound the Saginaw River late Thursday afternoon. The pair unloaded at the Bay Wirt Stone Dock and waited until the downbound Mississagi passed then proceeded up river to complete unloading at the Saginaw Wirt Stone Dock. The pair were out bound passing through the Bay City bridges shortly after 8 p.m.

Toledo

Another drab day Thursday. Water level +27. Frontenac is gone. Federal Hunter, a Fednav ship is ready to sail from ADM Elevators. Canadian Prospector is loading at The Andersons Kuhlman Facility. Little push boat OH7956DS ran a dock down the river. Sandpiper lies at her moorings at Jefferson Dock. Detroit Princess is now in drydock at Toledo Ship & Repair. Onega Traveller remains idle at the head of the CSX RR Dock coal slip. John J. Boland left TORCO Dock after unloading at about 1600 hrs. Michigan and Great Lakes came into BP Riverfront Terminal right before her departure. They will load petroleum.
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 22

On 22 October 1903, while being towed by the GETTYSBURG in the harbor at Grand Marais, Michigan in a severe storm, the SAVELAND (wooden schooner, 194 foot, 689 gross tons, built in 1873 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin) was torn away and thrown against some pilings which punctured her hull.  She sank to her main deck and was pounded to pieces by the storm waves.  No lives were lost.

The tug PRESQUE ISLE (2) 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, Michigan where she loaded 13,900 tons of ore for delivery to Cleveland, Ohio.

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 foot, 289 gross tons, built in 1873 at Grand Haven, Michigan) was carrying wheat in Lake Erie in a northwest gale. She was beached three miles east of Port Burwell, 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 Mc Kay was 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 foot, 82 tons, built in 1870 at Detroit, Michian) was raised from where she sank off Grosse Ile, 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 foot, 147 tons, built in 1855 at Milan, Ohio) and G D NORRIS (2-mast wooden schooner, 128 foot, 262 gross tons, built in 1856 at Cleveland, Ohio) 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

 

Port Report

10/21      

Toledo

Reported by Jim Hoffman
The Federal Hunter was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. The Frontenac was loading grain at the Andersons "E" Elevator. Her estimated time of departure is around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. The Algonorth finished loading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator and departed Wednesday afternoon, meanwhile the Canadian Prospector was inbound Toledo and was headed for Andersons "K" Elevator to load grain. The grain season at Toledo will be quite busy during the next few weeks due to the corn and soybean crops being harvested now. This will mean quite a few boats will be arriving to load grain during the weeks ahead.

The ex Players Riverboat Casino 2 the future Detroit Princess remains tied up at the old Interlake Iron Dock just north of the Shipyard. She has not been placed in drydock yet. The new oil barge under construction in the main drydock at the shipyard is really starting to take shape and is now visible in the drydock.

The salt water vessel Onego Traveller is tied up at the old ore dock area at the CSX Coal Docks waiting for coal to arrive. She is expected to load coal in the next several days. CSX Docks has loaded coal into salt water vessels in previous years.

The Lee A Tregurtha and Philip R. Clarke are due into the CSX Coal Docks on Wednesday evening. The next scheduled boats due into the CSX Docks will be the H. Lee White on Saturday after she finishes unloading ore at the Torco Docks. The John G. Munson on Monday, followed by the CSL Laurentien on Tuesday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Docks will be the John J. Boland on Thursday (21st). The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin and H. Lee White on Saturday, followed by the Canadian Navigator on Sunday.

The Algomarine is due in at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock (CSX Docks) to unload stone on Friday.
 

Today in Great Lakes History

October 21

The Anchor Line’s CONEMAUGH (wooden propeller passenger-package freight steamer, 251’ foot, 1609 gross tons, built in 1880 at W. Bay City, Michigan) and the Union Line’s NEW YORK (wooden propeller package freighter, 269 foot, 1922 gross tons, built in 1879 at Buffalo, New York) collided on the Detroit River at 7:30 p.m., 21 October 1891.  The CONEMAUGH sank close to the Canadian shore.  She was carrying flour and other package freight from Chicago t