Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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Cuyahoga Returns
11/30
The Cuyahoga made her second visit in as many weeks Friday. She arrived in port carrying a cargo of salt for Grey County Highway Department. It was unloaded in the parking lot of Great Lakes Elevators Ltd. The Cuyahoga arrived early morning and departed about 11:15 a.m.
Reported by: Mike Bannon

Seaway Terminal Rehabilitation
11/30
Rehabilitation of the Port Huron Seaway Terminal (Bean Dock) has begun on the St. Clair River. The first stage, demolition of the wharf is nearly complete. Over the winter and early spring crews will complete a new wharf along with improvements to the South Warehouse as well as landscaping. Completion is expected for the first week of May 2003.
During the interim period, the facility will be not be available for ships to moor at. The owners look forward to welcoming ships back in the spring.
Questions regarding mooring can be addressed to Acheson Ventures at (810) 966-0900.
Reported by: Robert Lafean

Conquest in Milwaukee
11/30
The Southdown Conquest arrived in Milwaukee on Thanksgiving Day. Friday the tug and barge were still at the Cemex dock. Extra lines have been put out and there was no sign of activity, indicating a temporary lay up.
Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Marquette Update
11/30
Friday brought an unusual sight to the Marquette ore dock, the Joseph Thompson and Joseph Thompson Jr. arrived to take on a load of taconite ore. The Charles M. Beeghly took on a load of ore as well. All other expected traffic has been put on hold because high winds and waves.
Thompson loading.
Another view.
Close up of tug.
Beeghly loading.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw News
11/30
The Calumet passed the pump out station inbound at the mouth of the Saginaw River at 2:22 Friday afternoon. She was headed up to the Sargeant Dock in Zilwaukee.
Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Calumet upbound at Smith Park.
Bow view.
Stern view.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Kingston Update
11/30
The Halifax arrived in Picton at 4:00 p.m. Friday. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was also heading for Picton. The English River planned to depart Bath but remained in port Friday morning as winds were blowing at 45 knots. Gale Warnings remained in effect for Lake Ontario Friday night.
The James Norris was anchored in Prince Edward Bay Friday morning waiting for weather.
Reported by: Ron Walsh

Quebec Report
11/30
Thursday saw a mix of ships in port. The Canadian Miner was unloading wheat from Thunder Bay, the saltie North Defiance was unloading chemicals from Houston, TX. The saltie Tai He Hai was loading scrap iron for Asia, Seattle Trader was unloading coal. The new USCG Cutter Oak was downbound or delivery trip.
CSL Teakglen (ex Mantadoc) on her last trip from Quebec City on Oct 02 2002 with a load of grain for Goderich Ont.
Stern view.
Away from the dock.
Close up.
Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Amherstburg Traffic
11/30
Below are images of traffic passing in the lower Detroit River at Amherstburg, Ont. Wednesday.
Walter J. McCarthy Jr. upbound.
Close up.
Another view.
Tug John Spence and McAsphalt 401.
Reported by: Eric Stapleton

Today in Great Lakes History - November 30
The CANADIAN PIONEER suffered a major engine room fire on 30 Nov 1987 at Nanticoke.
On November 30, 1981 the A.H. FERBERT (2) was laid up for the last time at the Hallett Dock #5, Duluth, MN.
The PERE MARQUETTE 22 passed down the Welland Canal on November 30, 1973 in tow of the tugs JOHN PURVES and YVON SIMARD en route to Sorel, Que. where she was cut down to a barge for off-Lakes use.
On 30 Nov 1967, the CITY OF FLINT 32 was laid up, never to run again.
On 30 Nov 1900, ALMERON THOMAS (2-mast wooden schooner, 50', 35 gt, built in 1891 at Bay City, MI) was carrying gravel in a storm on Lake Huron when she sprang a leak and ran for the beach. She struck bottom and then capsized. She broke up in twenty feet of water near Point Lookout in Saginaw Bay, No lives were lost.
The schooner S. J. HOLLY came into the harbor at Oswego, New York on 30 November 1867 after a hard crossing of Lake Ontario. The previous day she left the Welland Canal and encountered a growing gale. Capt. Oscar Haynes sought calm water along the north shore, but the heavy seas and freezing winds made sailing perilous, The ropes and chains froze stiff and the schooner was almost unmanageable. The only canvas out was a two reef foresail and it was frozen in place. With great skill, the skipper managed to limp into port, having lost the yawl and sustained serious damage to the cargo. Fortunately no lives were lost.
On 30 Nov 1910, ATHABASKA (steel propeller passenger steamer, 263', 1774 gt, built in 1883 in Scotland) collided with the tug GENERAL and sank near Lonely Island in Georgian Bay. No lives were lost. She was later recovered and rebuilt as a bulk freighter and lasted until she was broken up in 1948.
Painting of the Athabaska by Father Dowling.

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

Beeghly Departs
11/29
Wednesday afternoon the Charles M. Beeghly departed Rouge Steel in Detroit and passed outbound through the Rouge River.
Backing from the Rouge.
Turning.
Bow view at the Jefferson St. Bridge.
Close up of stack.
Flower box. (Picture by Capt. Scott M. Briggs taken last summer)
Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

Algolake in Goderich
11/29
The Algolake made a rare visit to the salt mine on Sunday, loading for Marinette, Wisconsin. The Algorail visited port Monday and the Algoway was in Wednesday, both taking loads of salt to Parry Sound, Ontario.
Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Beeghly Departs
11/29
Wednesday afternoon the Charles M. Beeghly departed Rouge Steel in Detroit and passed outbound through the Rouge River.
Backing from the Rouge.
Turning.
Bow view at the Jefferson St. Bridge.
Close up of stack.
Flower box. (Picture by Capt. Scott M. Briggs taken last summer)
Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

Twin Ports Report
11/29
Vessels in the Twin Ports grain trade took Thanksgiving Day off, but other vessels remained active.
Grain elevators were idle on the holiday, a move that's usually done to avoid paying overtime to grain millers and longshoremen. In Superior, Stokmarnes was at Peavey, Tecam Sea was at Cenex Harvest States and Kinsman Independent remained at Elevator S. In Duluth, Mapleglen was at AGP. Anchored out for the past few days was Isolda.
Alpena arrived through the Duluth entry in late morning and proceeded to the Superior terminal to begin unloading. CSL Tadoussac and Saginaw were both scheduled to make rare appearances at the BNSF ore dock in Superior.
With nighttime temperatures well below freezing, the harbor has taken on a coating of ice. So far, it's not thick enough to hinder navigation.
Pictures by: Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Kinsman Independent loading.
Wide view. Midwest Energy Terminal can be seen in the back ground to the left.
Reported by: Al Miller

Tregurtha's Celebrate Thanksgiving in Marquette
11/29
Marquette saw the two Tregurtha’s at the upper harbor on Thanksgiving Day. The Lee A. was in taking a load of taconite pellets while big Paul brought a load of coal to the Presque Isle Power Plant.
Paul R. Tregurtha unloading.
Another view.
Lee A. Tregurtha loading.
Bow view.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw Report
11/29
The Paul H. Townsend was downbound the Saginaw River early Thursday morning after unloading at the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton. The Townsend arrived late Tuesday night.
Passing the outbound Townsend at the Front Range was the inbound Buffalo. The Buffalo went up to the Bay Aggregates Dock in Bangor Township to unload before departing later in the day.
Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Paul H. Townsend downbound at the Karn-Weadock Plant.
Stern view.
Buffalo upbound at the Front Range.
Stern view.
Buffalo and Townsend passing.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Busy Day in Lorain
11/29
It was another busy Thanksgiving in the port of Lorain Thursday. Last year saw five vessels in and anchored off port, Thursday saw four vessels.
At 6 p.m. the St. Clair was outbound in the Black River after unloading taconite up the river at Republic Tech. Earl W. Oglebay was right behind her outbound after unloading stone at the Jonick Dock. The Armco had just arrived and anchored off shore to wait for day light and less wind to back into the pellet terminal. They will unload a cargo of taconite. By 7 p.m. the American Republic gave a security call that it would be in to pellet term within the hour to take on a load of taconite for the Cleveland shuttle.
Also the Reserve was due in Silver Bay Thursday night to load taconite for Lorain and the Buckeye is due at the Pellet Terminal Saturday morning with a load of taconite from Silver Bay.
Reported by: Ned Gang

Toronto Update
11/29
The saltie Okolchitza arrived early Thursday assisted by McKeil harbor tugs into the Redpath Sugar dock. Repairs to the second gantry crane at Redpath have been completed and Thursday afternoon unloading was back in gear.
The only other arrival Thursday was the cement boat Stephen B. Roman, she will likely be gone by Friday morning.
Reported by: Gerry O.

Outage
11/29
The main network backbone that servers the Boatnerd sites was out for a time Friday morning, sorry for the interruption.

Southdown Challenger Thanksgiving Day Dinner Menu
11/29
November 28, 2002
Appetizers
Oyster Cocktail, Shrimp Cocktail, Assorted Olives & Raw Vegetables

Soups
Oyster Stew & Chicken Noodle Soup

Entree
Roast Tom Turkey w/Sage Dressing & Wild Rice
Lobster Tail w/Butter Sauce
Baked Virginia Ham w/Pineapple Rings
Mashed & Sweet Potatoes, Buttered Peas, Squash, Giblet Gravy, Hot Dinner Rolls, Cranberry Sauce

Desserts
Mincemeat, Apple, Peach & Pumpkin Pie Whipped Cream, Fruit Cake, Ice Cream, Chocolate Mints, Sugared Dates

Refreshments
Coffee, Tea, Milk, Hot Chocolate, Soft Drinks, Egg No, Cigars, Cigarettes, Hard Candy, Gum
Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Today in Great Lakes History - November 29
On November 29, 1966, the Daniel J. Morrell sank approximately 20 miles north of Harbor Beach in Lake Huron. Her nearly identical sistership, the Edward Y. Townsend, was traveling about 20 miles behind the Morrell and made it to the Lime Island Fuel Dock in the St. Mary's River where cracks were found in her deck; the Townsend proceeded to Sault Ste. Marie where she was taken out of service. The Townsend sank in the Atlantic on October 7, 1968, while being towed overseas for scrap.
E. B. BARBER was laid up for the last time at Toronto, Ont. on 29 Nov 1984.
On November 29, 1903 snow and stormy seas drove the two-and-a-half year old J.T. HUTCHINSON onto an uncharted rock (now known as Eagle River Reef) one-half mile off shore and 10 miles west of Eagle Harbor, MI near the northwestern coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
On November 29, 1974 the PERE MARQUETTE 21 was loaded with remnants of Port Huron's Peerless Cement Dock, which reportedly were bound for Saudi Arabia, and cleared there in tow of the GLT tugs AMERICA and OHIO.
The SYLVANIA was in a collision with the DIAMOND ALKALI in the Fighting Island Channel of the Detroit River on 29 Nov 1968 during a snow squall. SYLVANIA's bow was severely damaged.
The propeller BURLINGTON had barges in tow upbound on Lake Erie when she was damaged by the ice and sank in the Pelee Passage.
On 29 November 1856, ARABIAN (3-mast wooden bark, 116', 350 t, built in 1853 at Niagara, Ontario) had stranded on Goose Island Shoal, 10 miles ENE of Mackinac Island ten days earlier. She was relieved of her cargo and was being towed to Chicago by the propeller OGONTZ when a gale blew in and the towline parted. ARABIAN made for shore, her pumps working full force and OGONTZ following. During the night they were separated and ARABIAN sank off Point Betsey in Lake Michigan. Her crew escaped in her yawl.
In 1903 the Pere Marquette 19 arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage. Captain John J. Doyle in command.
On 29 November 1881, the 149' wooden propeller NORTHERN QUEEN, which had been involved in a collision with the 136' wooden propeller canaller LAKE ERIE just five days before, struck the pier at Manistique so hard that she was wrecked. Besides her own crew, she also had LAKE ERIE's crew on board.
On 29 Nov 1902, BAY CITY (1-mast wood schooner-barge, 140', 306 gt, built in 1857 at Saginaw as a brig) was left at anchor in Thunder Bay by the steamer HURON CITY during a storm. BAY CITY's anchor chain parted and the vessel was driven against the Gilchrist dock at Alpena, Michigan and wrecked. Her crew managed to escape with much difficulty.

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 includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Federal Hunter Arrives
11/28
Wednesday the Federal Hunter arrived in Thunder Bay under tow of the Purvis Marine tug Reliance. They were first spotted rounding Thunder Cape at around 10 a.m. and neared the North Entrance of the Breakwall around 1:30 p.m. The tow was greeted by Lake and Gravel Tugs Peninsula and Robert John. Each tug took a side and helped guide the saltie through the breakwall.
The tow then made a turn to starboard to line the Hunter up for the Pascol Engineering drydock. The Federal Hunter was towed for repairs in Thunder Bay after suffering damage to her propeller and rudder while at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
Federal Hunter is met by tugs Peninsula and Robert John.
Lining up for Breakwall Entrance.
Entering inner Harbor.
Starting the turn.
Continuing the turn.
Lined up for the drydock.
Ready to enter the drydock.
Oakglen at Richardson Elevator.
Kapitonas A. Lucka enters the harbor.
BBC Iceland at Agricore United "a" Elevator (former UGG"a").
Calliroe Patronicola at Richardson Elevator.
Reported by: Rob Farrow

Sturgeon Bay Update
11/28
The tug Karen Andrie and barge A-397 were spotted taking a short cut Wednesday from Green Bay to Lake Michigan.
As the Karen Andrie passed Bay Ship, the yard's gantry crane was busy lifting the 60-ton tug Stephan M. Asher out of the Bay and placing it on a deck barge. The tug will be taken to Roen Salvage yard on the deck barge for the winter. Once there repairs and painting will be completed over the winter.
A-397 and tug Karen Andrie off Bay Ship.
Another view.
Gantry crane picks up the Stephan M. Asher .
Tug John R. Asher holds the barge to the dock while the Stephen is loaded.
Stack Markings on the John R.
Through the Michigan Street Bridge.
Side View.
Making the turn into the Roen Yard.
Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Saginaw Report
11/28
The Tug Rebecca Lynn and her barge were inbound the Saginaw River late Tuesday evening. The pair traveled upriver to the Bit-Mat Dock in Bangor Township to unload. By Wednesday afternoon the Rebecca Lynn pulled the barge from the slip and the pair departed for the lake.
Also inbound late Tuesday was the Paul H. Townsend. The Townsend was upbound to unload cement at the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton.
Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Tug Rebecca Lynn downbound at USCG Station Saginaw River.
Tug close up.
Stern view.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toronto News
11/28
The saltie Armonikos departed Redpath Sugar Dock Wednesday afternoon upbound for the Welland Canal.
Dredging the channel to remove Haida from Ontario Place continues. The contract was awarded to Con-Strata Construction; With Solderholm as a sub-contractor. Spud barges owned by McKeil Work Boats and Nadro Marine are being used for this job, along with Soderholm's tug Diver III and spud barge. Visitors to the site are reminded that they should bring a hard hat and safety shoes if they wish to take photos of the work in progress.
Pictures by Jim Gallacher
Armonikos unloading.
Close up.
Bow view.
Heading off onto Lake Ontario.
Reported by: Gerry O. and Jim Gallacher

Kingston Area Ferry Update
11/28
On Monday the Ferry Frontenac II returned to service at Amherst island and the ferry Quinte Loyalist returned to Glenora. The Frontenac II had been in Hamilton for her five year inspection while the Quinte Loyalist took over her run.
Upon her return to the area, Frontenac II took over the ferry run to Wolfe Island while the Wolfe Islander III tied up for a short maintenance refit at Kingston. Last Friday, the Wolfe Islander III returned to service while the Frontenac II had her engine room painted.
Reported by: Brian Johnson

Today in Great Lakes History - November 28
On November 28, 1905, the Pittsburgh Steamship Company vessel Mataafa was wrecked as it tried to re-enter the Duluth Ship Canal in a severe storm. The Mataafa had departed Duluth earlier but had decided to return to safety. After dropping her barge in the lake, the vessel was picked up by waves, was slammed against the north pier and was swung around to rest just hundreds of feet offshore north of the north pier, where it broke in two. Much of the crew froze to death in the cold snap that followed the storm, as there was no quick way to get out to the broken vessel for rescue. The Mataafa was repaired prior to the 1906 season; she ultimately ended her career as an automobile carrier for the T.J. McCarthy Steamship Company and was sold for scrap in 1965.
The CANADIAN OLYMPIC's maiden voyage was 28 Nov 1976 to load coal at Conneaut, Ohio for Nanticoke, Ont. Her name honors the Olympic Games that were held at Montreal that year.
On November 28, 1983 while upbound after leaving the Poe Lock the INDIANA HARBOR was in a collision, caused by high winds, with the downbound Greek salty ANANGEL SPIRIT resulting in a 10 foot gash in the laker's port bow.
LANCASHIRE was launched November 28, 1942 she would be renamed b) SEWELL AVERY
The CATHY B. towed the GOVERNOR MILLER to Vigo, Spain on November 28, 1980 where she was broken up.
The BENSON FORD (2) was renamed e) US.265808 and departed River Rouge on November 28, 1986 towed by the Sandrin tugs TUSKER and GLENADA bound for Ramey's Bend in the Welland Canal.
FRONTENAC (4) arrived at the Fraser Shipyard, Superior, WI on November 28, 1979. Her keel, which had hogged four feet, was declared a constructive total loss.
The BRANSFORD stranded on a reef off Isle Royal in Lake Superior during a major storm on 28 Nov 1905 (the same storm that claimed the steamer MATAAFA). She was recovered.
On her third trip in 1892 the Ann Arbor #1 again ran aground, this time three miles north of Ahnapee (now called Algoma). There was $15,000 damage to her cargo.
In 1906 the Ann Arbor #4 left Cleveland bound for Frankfort on her maiden voyage.
The Ann Arbor #4 ran aground off Kewaunee in 1924.
On 28 November 1905, AMBOY (2-mast wooden schooner-barge, 209', 894 gt, formerly HELENA) was carrying coal in tow of the wooden propeller GEORGE SPENCER in a gale on Lake Superior. In an effort to save both vessels, AMBOY was cut loose. The SPENCER was disabled quickly and was driven ashore near Little Marais, MN. AMBOY struggled against the gale for a full day before finally going ashore near Thomasville, Ontario on 29 November. No lives were lost from either vessel.
On 28 November 1872, W. O. BROWN (wooden schooner, 140', 306 t, built in 1862 at Buffalo) was carrying wheat in a storm on Lake Superior when she was driven ashore near Point Maimanse, Ontario and pounded to pieces. Six lives were lost. Three survivors struggled through a terrible cold spell and finally made it to the Soo on Christmas Day.
On 28 Nov 1874, the propeller JOHN PRIDGEON JR. was launched at Clark's shipyard in Detroit, Michigan. She was built for Capt. John Pridgeon. Her dimensions were 235' x 36' x 17'. The engines of the B. F. WADE were installed in her.
On 28 Nov 1923, the Detroit & Windsor Ferry Company and Bob-Lo docks were destroyed by a fire cause by an overheated stove in the ferry dock waiting room. The blaze started at 3:00 AM.
CANADIAN TRANSFER underwent repairs most of Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000 at the Algoma Steel dock at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. She had run aground the previous night in the Canadian channel approaching Algoma Steel. Canadian Transfer was freed by two Purvis Marine tugs. The vessel suffered a crack or hole in the hull plating about 10 feet from the bottom along its port side.

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 includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Kinsman Independent
11/27
Tuesday the classic straight deck Kinsman Independent was loading grain at the General Mills Elevator in Superior, Wi. The grain will be taken to Buffalo, NY. and unloaded. The Independent is reported to have just one more trip after this one. They will return to Superior to take on a storage cargo for Buffalo.
The Independent is expected to enter lay-up and not return to service next year. Rumors continue to circulate that her owners have chartered the idle Joseph H. Frantz for service next season.
The lack of self unloading gear on the vessel may bring her long career to an end.
Early this year the General Mills elevator in Buffalo was fitted with an unloading hopper. With the ability to accept grain from self unloading vessels this will likely put the Independent out of work. The Kinsman Independent's fleet mate Kinsman Enterprise was sold early this year for scrapping.
Grain unloaded at the elevator is processed in the attached flour mill and used to make various General Mills cereals such as Cheerios, Lucky Charms and flour products such as Gold Medal Flour.
The Independent is the last operating U.S. Straight Deck bulk carrier and this is rumored to be her final season.
Entering port through the Duluth Piers.
On deck looking forward.
Close up of stack.
Looking forward from the Emergency Steering Station.
Looking aft.
Internal phone system.
View across bridge.
Chadburn and emergency whistle lever.
Guests enjoyed their own lounge.
Another view.
View from the guest’s private deck.
Bar in the guest quarters.
Guest galley.
Remnant of Kinsman past in the old name.
Staterooms 1-2 shared bathroom.
Another view.
Stateroom 2 as it would appear in use. (Staterooms have not been used in several years and still remain more or less original from Ford days)
Stateroom.
"S" painted on turbine casing in the engine room.
View across engine room (chad and pressure gauges in foreground).
Main gauge board for monitoring ships steam pressure.
Closeup of engine room chadburn.
Low Pressure Turbine from above prop shaft looking forward.
Steam turbine DC electric generator 1 of 2.
Builders plate on generator.
Turbine builders plate.
Electrical motor center in engine room.
Turbine from upper deck.
Looking forward to boilers.

Reported by: Steve Haverty

Federal Hunter Towed to Thunder Bay
11/27
The Federal Hunter was expected to be being towed from Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Tuesday afternoon for repairs in Thunder Bay. The Fednav vessel damaged her propeller and rudder while docking at Algoma Steel last week. The ship will be towed to Thunder Bay by the Purvis tug Reliance assisted by the tug Scott Purvis.
Federal Hunter towed from the Soo. (USCG Buckthorn is seen working Aids to Navigation)
Close up.
Reported by: Bonnie Barnes

Algolake Unloads
11/27
Tuesday morning the Algolake arrived in Marinette, Wi. to discharge a cargo of salt at Marinette Fuel & Dock. This was the Algolake's first trip to Marinette, and was the fourth cargo of salt at MF&D this year. She departed around 12:30 p.m. heading to Thunder Bay.
Pictures by Scott Best
Unloading at MF&D.
Another view.
Stern view unloading .
Stern view.
Wide view unloading .
Pictures by Dick Lund
Workboat hoisted aboard.
Departing.
Another view.
Passing North Pier Lighthouse.
Reported by: Dick Lund

Split Load for the McCarthy
11/27
Tuesday the 1000-foot Walter J. McCarthy Jr. turned downbound into the St. Clair River heading for Monroe, Mi. The vessel unloaded about 32,000 tons of coal at the St. Clair, Edison Coal Dock before heading downbound with the remaining 32,000 tons.
The trip to Monroe takes approximately eight hours. The cargo of coal was loaded in Superior, Wi., it is necessary to split a load because the channel at Monroe is not deep enough to handle the McCarthy at full draft.

Reported by: Craig S. Zimmerman

Marquette News
11/27
The Herbert Jackson waited on a snowy Tuesday to load taconite at Marquette. The Kaye Barker loaded and left before noon. Lake effect continued to bring heavy snow to the Marquette area.
Jackson waiting to load.
Bow view.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Today in Great Lakes History - November 27
The ALGOSEA entered Lake service as a self-unloader for the first time with salt loaded at Goderich, Ont. and passed downbound in the Welland Canal November 27, 1976 for Quebec City.
The AVONDALE (2) was condemned and was not allowed to carry cargo after she arrived at Toledo, OH on November 27, 1975 to load soybeans.
The steam barge CHAUNCY HURLBUT was launched at the shipyard of Simon Langell at St. Clair, MI on Thanksgiving Day, 27 November 1873. She was built for Chandler Bros. of Detroit.
On 27 November 1886, COMANCHE (wooden schooner, 137', 322 t, built in 1867 at Oswego, NY) was carrying corn in a storm on Lake Ontario when she ran on a shoal and sank near Point Peninsula, NY. A local farmer died while trying to rescue her crew of 8. His was the only death. She was later recovered and rebuilt as THOMAS DOBBIE.
The Pere Marquette 22 collided with the Wabash in heavy fog in 1937.
In 1966 the City of Midland 41 ran aground at Ludington in a storm. Stranded on board were a number of passengers and 56 crewman. Ballast tanks were flooded to hold the steamer on until the storm subsided. She was pulled off four days later by the Roen tug JOHN PURVES.
The propeller MONTGOMERY, which burned in June 1878, was raised on 27 November 1878. Her engine and boiler were removed and she was converted to a barge. She was rebuilt at Algonac, Michigan in the summer of 1879.
On 27 November 1866, the Oswego Advertiser & Times reported that the schooner HENRY FITZHUGH arrived at Oswego, New York with 17,700 bushels of wheat from Milwaukee. Her skipper was Captain Cal Becker. The round trip took 23 days which was considered "pretty fast sailing."
The CITY OF FLINT 32 was launched in Manitowoc on 27 Nov 1929.
Image of the City Of Flint 32 from the Father Dowling Collection
On Monday, 27 Nov 1996, the MALLARD up bound apparently bounce off the wall in the Welland canal below Lock 1 and into the path of the CANADIAN ENTERPRISE. It was a sideswipe rather than a head on collision. The ENTERPRISE was repaired at Port Weller Dry Docks. The repairs to the gangway and ballast vent pipes took six hours. The MALLARD proceeded to Port Colborne to be repaired there.
At 10:20 p.m. on Monday, 27 NOV 2000, the CANADIAN TRANSFER radioed Soo Traffic to report that the vessel was aground off Algoma Steel and "taking on water but in no danger." The crew reported that they had two anchors down and one line on the dock. Purvis Marine was contacted.

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 includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Iglehart off Dry Dock
11/26
Monday the J.A.W. Iglehart was removed from the floating dry dock at Bay Ship in Sturgeon Bay, Wi. The cement carrier was moved to Berth #8 for final work before returning to service.
As the dry dock was being pumped down, the Chicago based tour boat the Odyssey II was being placed into the small graving dock next to the floating dry dock.
Odessey II ready for dry docking.
Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

LTV plant in Hoyt Lakes Faces Financial and Technical Hurdles
11/26
Teck Cominco, a Canadian based worldwide mining company, is pursuing plans to develop copper and nickel deposits near Babbitt, MN.
The project would use the old LTV plant in Hoyt Lakes, now owned by Cleveland-Cliffs. The metals would be extracted from the ore by a new liquid based process rather then smeltering.
"It's a new technology, a new approach for us and we're getting a lot of support," said David Godlewski, Teck Cominco environmental and public affairs manager. Tuesday, he updated the St. Louis County Commission on Mesaba's status.
"The deposit has been looked at for years," he said. "We're looking at it with new technology. Hopefully, with new technology and support from the state, the project will be a go."
The company is perfecting the technology at a pilot plant in Canada. He said testing is planned during 2003 to develop a design for a small scale commercial plant.
Godlewski explained the company's financial objectives are a 10 percent return on invested capital at each major asset.
"We have very strict and tight financial hurdles for new operations," he said. "It's a very tough hurdle to overcome. Not many mines operating in the world can make that hurdle.
He said the type of ore found there defeated efforts to develop in the 1970s. "What we're looking at is a deposit that has a challenging grade," he said. "We're going to have to be very efficient in producing."
He said the LTV plant is a critical element because it exists and without it project costs would be 50 percent higher. Developing the project to the production stage is expected cost about $600 million.
Teck is having is having discussions with Cleveland-Cliffs and it could become a joint project. Teck officials, IRRRA and other participants held a meeting at the plant Tuesday.
Godlewski said Teck has mineral control over the ore, which is about half state and half private.
They are currently working on permitting for a 55,000 ton sample that would be crushed and concentrated at LTV, providing some short-term jobs.
Teck is also seeking some financial help -- about $40 million -- possibly split between federal, state and local funds. "We are working to consolidate funding, and hope to by mid-2003," he said. "We would take the bulk sample, process it at LTV and take the concentrate to Vancouver, then start the permitting process."
"We are looking at four to five years at the earliest," Godlewski said. "We are moving as quickly as possible."
Reported by: Andy Greenlees

Twin Ports Report
11/26
The Twin Ports grain trade remains brisk as November nears its end. On Monday, four ships were loading and two more were anchored out on the lake waiting their turns at the elevators. In Duluth, tiny Flinterspirit was dwarfed by the loading rig as it loaded at Cargill B1 and Utviken was loading at AGP. In Superior, Quebecois was loading at the Peavey elevator while Mathilde Oldendorff was loading at Cenex Harvest States. At anchor were Stokmarnes and Tecam Sea.
Showing up at an unaccustomed location Monday was American Mariner, unloading stone at the CLM dock in Superior. It later shifted to Midwest Energy Terminal to load coal for Marquette. George A. Stinson also put in an unusual appearance in Duluth. It arrived in midafternoon to load taconite pellets at the DMIR ore dock. The Stinson generally is a fixture at the BNSF ore dock in Superior.
Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette News
11/26
The Charles M. Beeghly left Marquette with a load of taconite on Monday. She met some rough water on her way out. Tuesday will see the Kaye Barker and Herbert Jackson loading. The American Mariner is expected Wednesday, and the Lee A. Tregurtha on Thursday. Big Paul Tregurtha will be bringing a load of coal to the Presque Isle Power Plant on Thursday.
Beeghly departing.
Heading for the lake.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Busy Day in Owen Sound
11/26
On Saturday the Owen Sound harbor was a hotbed of activity. First in was Cuyahoga with a load of salt for the Grey County Highway Department. It was deposited in the parking lot of Great Lakes Elevators. Next in was the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley. The Risley is doing seasonal work in the area.
Finally, the Susan Hannah and barge Southdown Conquest were in port unloading cement at the E.C. King facility. All vessels came in after 7 p.m. and departed by early morning Sunday.
Reported by: Mike Bannon

Saginaw News
11/26
The Tug Mary E. Hannah and her tank barge were inbound early Monday morning passing the Front Range shortly before 3 a.m. She proceeded to the Triple Clean Liquifuels Dock in Essexville where she unloaded until the evening hours. The Mary Hannah moved to a towing position and the pair departed for the lake.
Behind the Mary Hannah was the tanker Gemini who passed the Front Range around 3:30 a.m. She was headed to the Ashland-Marathon Dock in Bangor Township to unload. Gemini finished unloading and was outbound passing the Front Range around shortly after 10 p.m. Outbound Monday morning was the Joseph H. Thompson who had unloaded overnight at the Saginaw Rock Dock. She was outbound passing the Front Range around 8 a.m.
Also outbound was the Algorail after unloading during the night at the BV Dock. She had quite an eventful morning first, having to check back as bridge hours were in effect until 8:30 a.m. for Lafayette Bridge. Next, a vehicle accident on Veteran's Bridge forced her to check back again until the cars were cleared and the gates could come down. Then after finally clearing Vet's, Liberty Bridge called saying a lock was stuck and that he had to call a maintenance man in. Algorail put it astern stopping in the river between Liberty and Vet's where she sat holding herself in the channel for about two hours before the bridge was repaired and able to open.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Algorail downbound clear of Veteran's Memorial Bridge.
Stopping for the stuck Liberty Bridge.
Sitting in the channel waiting.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Hamilton Report
11/26
Monday afternoon saw lots of vessel activity in Hamilton Harbor. Starting at Pier 8, the saltie Commander was moored and had been unloading steel products, but no unloading activity was seen early that afternoon. The Lykes Energizer was moored at Pier 9 and was shifting cargo containers around its deck. Bright Laker was unloading a bulk cargo at Pier 11 as was the Adimon which was moored to the north face of Pier 12.
At Pier 12, the Vamand Wave was unloading steel coils. The Federal Weser was unloading steel products at Pier 23 and over at the JRI facilities at Pier 25, the Algosound was moored.
Dofasco's iron ore dock was busy, with the Algocape unloading iron ore and the CSL Niagara moored just north of the Algocape loading mill scale.
CSL Laurentien was unloading coal at Stelco, while being refueled by the Hamilton Energy.
The CCG Griffon left Hamilton Harbor and transited the Burlington Ship Canal at 1:47 p.m. and out into Lake Ontario. Coming into Hamilton, McKeil Marine's tug Lac Como waited for the Griffon to transit the canal and then the tug transited the canal at 1:53 p.m. and into the harbor.
Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto Update
11/26
Late Saturday night the firetug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie responded to an electrical fire at Ontario Place's waterfront theatre. The fire shut the theatre down.
Dredging continues at Ontario Place for a channel to remove H.M.C.S. Haida. The dredging contract appears to have been given to Soderholm Contracting Ltd. Their tug Diver III and barge are on the scene.
CCG Griffon and the tug Wendy B. departed the harbor early Sunday.
The salty Armonikas remains at Redpath Sugar where unloading continues slowly due to one of the two unloading cranes being broken down. The salty Okolchitza remains in Port Weller anchorage awaiting this berth.
Reported by: Gerry O.

Today in Great Lakes History - November 26
The MESQUITE departed Charlevoix and locked through the Soo on November 26, 1989 to begin SUNDEW's normal buoy tending duties on Lake Superior.
The ELIZABETH HINDMAN was launched November 26, 1920 as a) GLENCLOVA.
November 26, 1910 - The Ann Arbor #5 was launched. She was the first carferry to be built with a seagate, as a result of the sinking of the Pere Marquette 18 in September of 1910.
On 26 November 1872, the steamer GEO. W. REYNOLDS burned at 1 o'clock in the morning at the dock in Bay City. The fire supposedly originated in the engine room. She was owned by A. English of East Saginaw.
On 26 November 1853, ALBANY (wooden sidewheel passenger/package freight, 202', 669 t, built in 1846 at Detroit, MI) was carrying passengers and miscellaneous cargo in a storm on Lake Huron.. She was making for the shelter of Presque Isle harbor when the gale drove her over a bar. Her crew and 200 passengers came ashore in her boats. Plans were made to haul her back across the bar when another storm wrecked her. Her boiler and most of her machinery were recovered the following year.
LAKE BREEZE (wooden propeller, 122', 301 gc, built in 1868 at Toledo, OH) burned at her dock in Leamington, Ontario on 26 November 1878. One man perished in the flames. She was raised in 1880 but the hull was deemed worthless. Her machinery and metal gear were removed in 1881 and sold to an American company.
The ANN ARBOR No. 5 (steel carferry, 359', 2988 gt) was launched by the Toledo Ship Building Company (hull #118) on 26 Nov 1910. She was the first carferry to be built with a seagate, as a result of the sinking of the PERE MARQUETTE 18 in September of 1910.
On 26 Nov 1881, JANE MILLER (wooden propeller passenger-package freight "coaster", 78', 210 gc, built in 1878 at Little Current, ON) departed Meaford, Ontario for Wiarton-- sailing out into the teeth of a gale and was never seen again. All 30 aboard were lost. She probably sank near the mouth of Colpoy's Bay in Georgian Bay. She had serviced the many small ports on the inside coast of the Bruce Peninsula.
HIRAM W. SIBLEY (wooden propeller freighter, 221', 1419 gt, built in 1890 at E. Saginaw, MI) was carrying 70,000 bushels of corn from Chicago for Detroit. On 26 Nov 1898, she stranded on the northwest corner of South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan during blizzard. (Some sources say this occurred on 27 November.) The tugs PROTECTOR and SWEEPSTAKES were dispatched for assistance but the SIBLEY re-floated herself during the following night and then began to sink again. She was put ashore on South Fox Island to save her but she broke in half; then completely broke up during a gale on 7 December 1898.
During the early afternoon of 26 Nov 1999, the LOUIS R. DESMARAIS suffered an engine room fire while sailing in the western section of Lake Ontario. Crews onboard the DESMARAIS put out the fire and restarted her engines. The DESMARAIS proceeded to the Welland canal where she was inspected by both U.S. and Canadian investigators. No significant damage was noted and the vessel was allowed to proceed.

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 includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history.

Agreement removes hurdle for Lake Ontario ferry
11/25
An agreement reached this week by state and local officials in New York could clear the way for fast ferry service between Rochester and Toronto to begin in May 2004.
Democrat and Republican officials said their bipartisan approach enabled them to reach an agreement over which organization would serve as a conduit to accept a $6.6 million state loan and pass it along to the ferry project. The agreement also is expected to clear the way for the private-public ferry venture to obtain $7.4 million in state grants.
The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority was supposed to pass the loan to the private ferry company, Canadian American Transportation Systems, to build the ship. But the deal wavered as CATS and the RGRTA debated the terms. Finally, the city cut RGRTA out of the deal and instead used Rochester Urban Renewal Agency as the conduit for the money.
With the financial issues apparently out of the way, the focus now turns to making sure Rochester and Toronto are ready for the ferry. CATS also must get permits from Canadian officials, and the U.S. Coast Guard must approve the plans.
CATS has ordered a $42.5 million catamaran from Australian shipbuilder Austal Ltd.
Canadian officials said they are happy the project is progressing, and they are pushing the project in Toronto.
"We think the project and the service will be to the advantage of both cities and both countries," said Case Ootes, Toronto's deputy mayor.
Reported by: Tom Brewer and Mike Nomad

Trip down the River
11/25
Below are images on a trip aboard the saltie Vlistborg from Port Huron to Detroit Sunday. The Vlistborg arrived on the lakes with a load of pulp wood for Menominee, Mi. After unloading the small saltie sailed to Duluth where they loaded a cargo of Sugar Beet Pellets for Spain.
Vlistborg downbound above Port Huron.
Huron Belle Deckhand Assisting Pilot Craig Silliven down the pilot ladder after bringing the Great Laker down Lake Huron. Great Laker is rumored to be heading for a name change after this trip.
Pilot Boat Huron Belle along side of the Vlistborg in Lake Huron.
Approaching the Blue Water Bridges.
Pilot Alain Gindroz "wheels" the Vlistborg down through the rapids under the Blue Water Bridge while Guest Daniel Michelson and Capt. Henk Kars observe.
Capt. Henk Kars.
Remanants of smoke from the Cannon Salute as we passed the Flower Lady's Haven on Harsen's Island.
Chief Officer Gert Mol relaxes in the Wheelhouse.
2nd Officer Maarten Lankhorst .
Every pilothouse seems to have a copy of Know Your Ships.
Kaye E. Barker upbound.
Stern view.
David Z. Norton.
Stern view.
Gemini.
Wolverine.
Canadian Transfer.
Stern view.
No frozen meals here as Wade Streeter enjoys lunch.
Tug Karen Andrie and barge.
Paul R. Tregurtha.
Philip R. Clarke.
Stern view.
Group picture. From Top Left. Chief Officer. Gert Mol, Capt. Henk Kars, Pilot Alain Gindroz, 2nd Officer Maarten Lankhorst, Bottom from left. Guest Daniel Michelson, Jr. Officer Jeroen Way.
Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

Saginaw News
11/25
Two vessels called on the Saginaw River on Sunday. First, the Joseph H. Thompson arrived, passing the Front Range at 1pm. She stopped the Sargent Dock in Essexville to lighter before continuing up to Saginaw Rock in Saginaw to Finish.
Shortly after the Thompson departed Essexville, the Algorail was upbound about 20 minutes behind her. Algorail was passing the Sargent Dock around 6:45 p.m. and her security call indicated she was headed up to the Buena Vista dock to unload.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Joseph H. Thompson departing the Sargent Dock in Essexville.
Shifting cargo by unloading into her own hold.
Stern view.
Algorail upbound at Essroc.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Montreal Traffic
11/25
Canada Senator downbound off Verchères, Nov. 16.
Stern view.
Spar Ruby upbound off Verchères for Seaway, Nov. 16.
Aivik passing Canadian Progress both bound for Seaway Nov. 16.
Aivik upbound off Verchères for Seaway, Nov. 16.
Peonia upbound off Verchères to Montréal, Nov. 20.
Bluewing downbound off Verchères from Seaway, Nov. 21.
Stern view
Canadian Enterprise off Varennes upbound for Seaway, Nov. 22.
Tug Ocean Reliance pushing barge 550-3 off Varennes, Nov. 22.
Ocean Reliance close up view.
Stern view.
Reported by: Marc Piché

Storm Photos
11/25
The pictures below were taken from an Oil Rig in the Atlantic. The ships in the photos are standby ships in case of emergency on the rig.
Climbing a wave.
Over the top.
View of the sea.
Must have been some ride.
Plowing through a wave.
Close up.
Ready for the next.
Reported by: Paul Beesley

Weekly Updates
11/25
The weekly updates have been uploaded.
Many new pictures and features including:
The long awaited revised First Volume of Ahoy & Farewell is Now Available
New detailed art work in the Great Lakes Shipping Profiles page
Preview 14 new images from the Marine Historical Society of Detroit's 2003 calendar
Our popular Maritime Buff Gift Guide in the Where to Buy Section. Many vendors offering special holiday sales
Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - November 25
INCAN SUPERIOR was withdrawn from service after completing 2,386 trips between Thunder Bay and Superior and on November 25, 1992 she passed downbound at Sault Ste. Marie for service on the Canadian West Coast.
ROBERT C. STANLEY was laid up for the last time November 25, 1981 at the Tower Bay slip, Superior, WI.
CITY OF MILWAUKEE was launched November 25, 1930
On 25 November 1866, F. W. BACKUS (wooden propeller, 133', 289 t, built in 1846 at Amherstburg, Ont.) was carrying hay, horses and cattle off Racine, WI. She was run to the beach when it was discovered that she was on fire. Her crew and passengers disembarked. The tug DAISY LEE towed her out while she was still burning, intending to scuttle her, but the towline burned through and she drifted back to shore and burned to the waterline. Her live cargo was pushed overboard while she was still well out and they swam to shore.
November 25, 1930 - The Grand Trunk carferry City of Milwaukee was launched in Manitowoc. She was sponsored by Mrs. Walter J. Wilde, wife of the collector of customs at Milwaukee. She entered service in January of 1931.
On 25 November 1874, WILLIAM SANDERSON (wooden schooner, 136', 385 gt, built in 1853 at Oswego, NY) was carrying wheat in a storm on Lake Michigan when she foundered. The broken wreck washed ashore off Empire, Michigan near Sleeping Bear. She was owned by Scott & Brown of Detroit.
During a storm on 25 November 1895, MATTIE C. BELL (wooden schooner, 181', 769 gt, built in 1882 at E. Saginaw, MI) was in tow of the steamer JIM SHERRIFS on Lake Michigan. The schooner stranded at Big Summer Island, was abandoned in place and later broke up. No lives were lost.
On 25 Nov 1947, the CAPTAIN JOHN ROEN was renamed ADAM E. CORNELIUS.
On 25 Nov 1905, the JOSEPH G. BUTLER, JR. (steel straight-deck bulk freighter, 525', 6588 gt) entered service, departing Lorain, Ohio for Duluth on her maiden voyage. The vessel was damaged in a severe storm on that first crossing of Lake Superior, but she was repaired and had a long career. She was renamed DONALD B. GILLIES in 1935 and GROVEDALE in 1963. She was sunk as a dock in Hamilton in 1973 and finally sold for scrap in 1981.
Photo of the Butler from the Father Dowling Collection.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Algowood Departs
11/24
On Saturday afternoon the Gaelic tugs Susan and Patricia Hoey assisted the Algowood from Anderson's K Elevator to Lake Erie. The vessel arrived on Thursday to take on a load of grain for Baie Comeau, Quebec.
Tugs Susan And Patricia Hoey at the dock on the Maumee River.
Patricia Hoey upbound the Maumee River at the King and N & S South Bridges.
Another view.
Patricia Hoey moves into place.
Algowood preparing to depart the dock, the Patricia Hoey on the stern.
Pulling away from the dock.
Another view.
Algowood passing through the N & S South Bridge with only about 20 feet clearance, 10 feet on each side.
tug Susan Hoey.
Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Double Date in Manistee
11/24
Friday afternoon saw two ships anchored off Manistee awaiting better wind conditions. The Buffalo arrived in the morning and anchored off, while the Algoway arrived about 4:30 p.m. and also anchored. The Buffalo lifted anchored at about 10:30 p.m. and proceeded inbound through the river. When she was clear of Maple St. Bridge the Algoway departed her anchorage to head up the river. The Algoway proceeded inbound at dead slow speed, and it appeared as though her bow thruster was not working.
The vessel appeared to run aground at the foot of Cherry St. and backed full astern for 15 minutes in order to free herself from the sandy bottom. She then completed her turn and proceeded upriver at a slow pace and made the rest of the trip without incident.
The Buffalo was bound for the Tondu dock with a load of coal from Conneaut, Ohio, while the Algoway had the 5th load of rock salt for Seng's #1 Dock this year. She loaded her cargo in Goderich, Ontario. The Algoway was in Manistee on Monday the 18th also with a load of salt.
Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Return Trip for Maumee
11/24
On Saturday, the Maumee made her second visit to the Saginaw River in three days. She was inbound Saturday morning passing the Front Range around 10 a.m. Maumee continued upriver to Saginaw to unload and was back outbound at the Front Range around 9:30 p.m.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Maumee upbound at the North Star Dock.
Close up.
Bow view.
Stern view at the Lake State Rail Bridge.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Today in Great Lakes History - November 24
On November 24, 1990, the Kinsman Independent ran hard aground off of Isle Royale. The vessel was on its way to load grain in Thunder Bay when she ended up 25 miles off course. The damage to the vessel was nearly $2 million, and she was repaired at Thunder Bay before the start of the 1991 season.
On November 24, 1950 while bound for South Chicago with iron ore, the ENDERS M. VOORHEES collided with the upbound steamer ELTON HOYT II (l) (now the MEDUSA CHALLENGER) in the Straits of Mackinac during a blinding snow storm. Both vessels received such serious bow damage that they had to be beached near McGulpin Point west of Mackinaw City to avoid sinking.
The ROSEMOUNT (2), stored with coal, inadvertently sank alongside CSL's Century Coal Dock at Montreal on November 24, 1934.
The THOMAS F. PATTON was launched November 24, 1945 as a C4-S-A4 cargo ship for U.S. Maritime Commission (U.S.M.C. Hull #2370) as a) SCOTT E. LAND.

PRINDOC (3) was launched November 24, 1965.
November 24, 1892 - The Ann Arbor #1 ran aground on her first trip just north of the Kewaunee harbor.
On 24 Nov 1881, LAKE ERIE (wooden propeller canaller, 136', 464 gc, built in 1873 at St, Catharine's, ON) collided with the steamer NORTHERN QUEEN in fog and a blizzard near Poverty Island by the mouth of Green Bay. LAKE ERIE sank in one hour 40 minutes. NORTHERN QUEEN took aboard the crew but one man was scalded and died before reaching Manistique.
The CITY OF SAGINAW 31 entered service in 1931.
On 24 November 1905, ARGO (steel propeller passenger/package freight, 174', 1089 t, built in 1896 at Detroit, MI) dropped into a trough of a wave, hit bottom and sank in relatively shallow water while approaching the harbor at Holland, MI. 38 passengers and crew were taken off by breeches' buoy in a thrilling rescue by the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
NEPTUNE (wooden propeller, 185', 774 gt, built in 1856 at Buffalo) was laid up at East Saginaw, Michigan on 24 November 1874 when she was discovered to be on fire at about 4:00 AM. She burned to a total loss.
The ANN ARBOR NO. 1 left Frankfort for Kewaunee on November 24, 1892. Because of the reluctance of shippers to trust their products on this new kind of ferry it was difficult to find cargo for this first trip. Finally, a fuel company which sold coal to the railroad routed four cars to Kewaunee via the ferry.

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

Stellanova Update
11/23
Repairs to the Stellanova are advancing rapidly. The entire bow section has been removed as of last week and the new modules are in various states of construction in the Verreault steel shop.
The Jumboship vessel Jumbo Vision arrived in Les Méchins on Wednesday morning to load the remaining cargo, originally carried by the Stellanova. The Jumbo Vision departed as scheduled at 3 p.m. Thrusday to complete delivery of the cargo to the southern United States.
Stellanova's bow.
New bow module under construction.
Stellanova and Jumbo Vision.
Jumbo Vision loading.
Reported by: Ryan Beaupré

Montreal Inspections
11/23
Stopping for inspection Thursday night was the saltie Adimon. The vessel is heading for Hamilton but stopped at the Pointe Aux Trembles Anchorage after a brief grounding near Contrecoeur. The ship was stuck for about an hour and then sailed to Montreal under power for inspection.
Also reported to have problems Thursday was the tug Ocean Reliance and barge 550-3. The pair reported to touch bottom while downbound in the Seaway Thursday. She was cleared to sail and depart Friday morning after inspections at the Pointe Aux Trembles Anchorage.
Reported by: Olive S. and Ryan Barbeau

Help keep the William G Mather at Cleveland's Lakefront
11/23
The final city planning meeting regarding city development is today Saturday, Nov. 23rd from 9 am - Noon. At this meeting, you'll get a chance to vote on Waterfront attractions if you attend that particular break-out session.
It's at the Cleveland Convention Center, and parking is free at metered parking. Enter through the Lakeside entrance. If you can't be there right at 9 am, if you arrive by 10, you should still be able to participate. We're trying to get a "critical mass" of Mather supported to attend & vote. Bring friends, or send friends if you can't attend.
Click here for more information on the William G. Mather Museum

Salties sold for demolition
11/23
The following vessels, all visitors to Great Lakes ports under at least one name were sold a few months ago to be broken up according to the October edition of "Marine News" published by the World Ship Society. In brackets next to the name of the vessel is the year the ship transited the St. Lawrence Seaway for the first time bound for the Lakes.
The Freedom type LLS 2 ex Platon was beached at Alang, India 18/5/2002. In the Seaway as Marabou (1982) and Pluto (1987).
Lima 1 arrived at Kolkata, India previous to 31/12/2001. In the Seaway as Roseline (1975), Dominique L.D. (1983) and La Chesnais (1986).
The B26 type Orgullo was beached at Alang 6/7/2002. In the Seaway under four previous names. First as Upwey Grange (1976), then Lily Village (1983), Puggi (1988) and Ranger (1993).
Salina arrived Alang 28/6/2002. In the Seaway under all ex names. Felicia V (1980), Kapitan Medvedev (1996) and Lynx (1996). As Kapitan Medvedev, she had been renamed Lynx at Duluth in July 1996.
The Fortune type Spyros was beached at Alang 20/7/2002. In the Seaway as Anangel Glory (1974).
Strength was beached at Alang 27/7/2002. In the Seaway as Jalamudra (1981).
Golden was beached at Alang 30/7/2002. In the Seaway as Chase One (1978). There is a typo error in Marine News. The vessel was named Antares until 1978, not 1979 as reported.

Also reported sold for demolition was the Marindus type Samos. Beached at Alang 2/5/2002, she had been built by Marine Industries of Sorel in 1978 as Marindus Trois-Rivières. Laid up upon completion, she was sold in 1979 to Dutch interests and renamed Amstelsluis. She never transited the Seaway. Only two Marindus ships visited Great Lakes ports, the fleetmates Babor and Biban, both flying the flag of Algeria. They are still in service under their original name.
Reported by: René Beauchamp

Coast Guard rescues three duck hunters
11/23
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three duck hunters in the Ashtabula river entrance Friday. The three hunters were in a 12-foot boat when it started taking on water and capsized. One hunter swam to the shore and called for help.
Coast Guard Station Ashtabula sent a 30-foot rescue boat to pick up the two still in the water, and a truck to get the hunter who had swum to shore. All three were brought to Coast Guard Station Ashtabula where local EMS was waiting to transport them to a local hospital.
Reported by: Scott Bronson

Goderich News
11/23
Docking at the salt mine to load on Wednesday was the Agawa Canyon. Her load was destined for Milwaukee and St. Joseph. The Algoway loaded for a repeat trip to Manistee, Michigan on Thursday. More ships are expected in the next few days. The two Le Groupe Ocean tugs remain docked in the harbor, with no activity observed on either one.
Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Kingston Update
11/23
Thursday was a day of heavy traffic in western Seaway at Kingston. The tug Jerry Newberry and barge, Jean Parisien, Pineglen, Spar Ruby, Mapleglen, CSL Tadoussac, Commander, English River, Stephen B. Roman, Spar Garnet, Kastor P, and Lykes Energizer, area were westbound in the system. The Marie Jeanne and BBC Scotland were eastbound.
The English River was loaded with cement and headed for Oswego. The Stephen B. Roman was also bound for Oswego. The Algosoo anchored of Bath waiting for the English River to depart. She is unloading and expected to be in port for 30 hours. Her next trip will be in ballast for Point Noire.
On the dry-dock, is the Papoose III is having a shaft bearing replaced. This is the last local tour boat to go to winter lay-up.
The local Coast Guard base has been busy. In the last two weeks they have rescued three hunters from Hickory Island and assisted in a medevac, by helicopter, from the Metis, near Waupoos Island.
Reported by: Ron Walsh

Today in Great Lakes History - November 23
After discharging her cargo, the SAMUEL MATHER (6) proceeded to De Tour, MI laying up for the last time at the Pickands Mather Coal Dock on November 23, 1981.
In 1987 the ROGERS CITY (2) was towed out of Menominee, MI for scrapping in Brazil.
STADACONA (3)'s sea trials were completed on November 23, 1952 and was delivered to CSL the next day.
On 23 November 1872, Capt. W. B. Morley launched the propeller JARVIS Lord at Marine City, MI. Her dimensions were 193' x 33' x 18', 1000 tons. She was the first double decker built at Marine City. Her engine was from Wm. Cowie of Detroit.
On 23 November 1867, S. A. CLARK (wooden propeller tug, 12 t, built in 1863 at Buffalo) was in Buffalo's harbor when her boiler exploded and she sank.
November 23, 1930 - The Ann Arbor carferry Wabash grounded in Betsie Lake. She bent her rudder stock and her steering engine was broken up.
On 23 November 1853, the wooden schooner PALESTINE was bound from Kingston to Cleveland with railroad iron at about the same time as the like-laden schooner ONTONAGON. Eight miles west of Rochester, New York, both vessels ran ashore, were pounded heavily by the waves and sank. Both vessels reported erratic variations in their compasses. The cargoes were removed and ONTONAGON was pulled free on 7 December, but PALESTINE was abandoned. A similar event happened with two other iron-laden vessels a few years previously at the same place.
On 23 November 1853, the Ward Line's wooden side-wheeler HURON struck an unseen obstruction in the Saginaw River and sank. She was raised on 12 December 1853, towed to Detroit and repaired at a cost of $12,000. She was then transferred to Lake Michigan to handle the cross-lake traffic given the Ward Line by the Michigan Central Railroad.
Photo of the Huron from the Father Dowling Collection.
The carferry GRAND HAVEN was sold to the West India Fruit & Steamship Co., Norfolk, VA in 1946 and was brought down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, LA for reconditioning before reaching Port Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach, FL. She was brought back to the Lakes and locked upbound through the Welland Canal on 23 Nov 1964. She was intended for roll on/roll off carrier service to haul truck trailers laden with steel coils from Stelco's plant at Hamilton, Ont.
The CSL NIAGARA passed Port Huron, MI on 23 Nov 1999 on her way to Thunder Bay to load grain. This was her first trip to the upper lakes since the vessel was launched in June 1999.

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

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

St. Lawrence River & Seaway News
11/22
Finally leaving Montreal under tow for Hamilton was the ferry Dalmig on Wednesday. The lead tug was Jerry Newberry assisted by Progress. That ferry had been laid up in Montreal since April 18 when she was towed from Dalhousie, N.B. She has been owned by McKeil Work Boats Ltd. since last year. Built in 1957 at Sorel by Marine Industries Ltd., she plied the Seaway before under her original name of Pierre de Saurel in 1971 when she went to Kingston following her purchase by the Government of Ontario. Somehow, she was never used by them and was purchased by the Quebec Government in 1974 to go in service between Tadoussac and Baie Ste. Catherine at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Alterations were done at Sorel. Later on, she was renamed Dalmig, in 1987, when entering service between Dalhousie, N.B. and Miguasha, QC, thus her name. Dal for Dalhousie and Mig for Miguasha.
On Wednesday the pilot station at Pointe des Ormes, QC was moved definitively to the Port of Trois Rivières at section 15. The move was to be done on Dec. 1 but for some reason the date was altered by a week and a half. The pilot station was established there since 1949. It was situated a few miles upstream from downtown Trois-Rivières. Until now, section 15 at Trois-Rivières was used only during the winter months but from now on, it will be used year round.
At Trois-Rivières the Canadian Ranger docked at section 1 behind her fleet mate Canadian Trader. According to the coast guard, the next destination of the laid up Canadian Trader will be Azrew, Algeria.
Reported by: René Beauchamp

Algowood arrives in Toledo
11/22
Late Thursday morning the Algowood arrived off the coal docks in Toledo bound for a grain elevator above the Conrail South Bridge. The Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and Patricia Hoey met the ship and began a tow of about six miles, through five draw bridges and under one high level bridge the ship had to ballast to clear.
successfully completing this, the ship was turned around in the basin and landed at the grain elevator to complete the three hour tow about 2:30 p.m. The following photos were taken from the lead tug Susan Hoey.
Tug Susan Hoey outbound the Maumee River at the Conrail North bridge to meet the Algowood.
Chief engineer Andy Trynka getting the tow lie ready as the tug Patricia Hoey arrives off the coal docks.
Algowood entering the Maumee River from Lake Erie in a light rain.
Algowood under tow at the coal docks.
Captain Rich Sibbersen and the pilot house of the tug Susan Hoey.
Captain Rich Sibbersen at the controls of the tug Susan Hoey.
View aft from the tug Susan Hoey's pilot house, note the video monitor of the tugs tow bitts.
I-280 new bridge cason under construction.
Algowood tow passes downtown Toledo.
Tug Susan Hoey heads the tow for the last bridge at mile 6 of the Maumee River.
In the turning basin the Susan Hoey holds the bow up river as the tug Patricia Hoey pulls the stern of the Algowood upstream to turn the ship downbound.
Another view of the tug Patricia Hoey pulling the stern up river.
Algowood arrives at her destination and her deckhands are swung ashore to handle lines.
Tow completed, Captain Dave Jones heads the tug Patricia Hoey through the Conrail South bridge towards the home dock.
Algowood safe and sound at the grain elevator 6 miles from Lake Erie.
Tug Patricia Hoey approaches the I-280 Bridge.
Toledo Shiprepair Company crews pumping the drydock for a sailing ship in the drydock.
Tug James Hannah and barge waiting for orders lies at the shipyard dock..
Reported by: Bill Hoey

Tug and Barge Traffic
11/22
On the St Clair River Thursday were three different integrated tug/barges combinations. The cement barge Integrity and tug Jacklyn M. passed along with the Presque Isle upbound. The tug Everlast and barge Norman McLeod were downbound that afternoon.
Reported by: Craig S. Zimmerman

Maumee in Saginaw
11/22
The Maumee was inbound the Saginaw River Thursday morning passing the Front Range around 9am. She continued upriver to the Wirt Dock in Saginaw to unload. Later in the day the Maumee departed, turned in the Sixth Street Basin and was outbound for the lake. She passed the Front Range outbound around 10pm.
Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Maumee upbound clear of Lafayette Bridge.
Close up view.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Soo Traffic
11/22
The Cedarglen locked through upbound at the Soo Thursday afternoon with plans to anchor in Wiskey Bay. The delay was necessary to make electrical repairs to one of its generators. With the assistance of the tug Adanac, the Cedarglen was able to make the necessary repairs and was underway late that evening.

Reported by: Chris Nelson

Today in Great Lakes History - November 22
Scrapping of the SPRUCEGLEN was completed on November 22, 1986 by Lakehead Scrap Metal Co. at Thunder Bay. The SPRUCEGLEN was the last Canadian coal-fired bulker.
The FRONTENAC (4) while in ballast sustained major structural damage from grounding on Pellet Reef attempting to enter Silver Bay, MN at 2140 hours on November 22, 1979.
On 22 November 1869, CREAM CITY (3-mast wooden bark, 629 t, built in 1862 at Sheboygan, WI) was carrying wheat in a gale when she lost her way and went ashore on Drummond Island. She appeared to be only slightly damaged, but several large pumps were unable to lower the water in her hull. She was finally abandoned as a total wreck on 8 December. She was built as a "steam bark" with an engine capable of pushing her at 5 or 6 mph. After two months of constant minor disasters, this was considered an unsuccessful experiment and the engine was removed.
The CITY OF MILWAUKEE was chartered to the Ann Arbor Railroad Co. and started the Frankfort, MI-Kewaunee, WI service for them on November 22, 1978.
November 22, 1929 - The City of Saginaw 31 went out on her sea trials.
On 22 November 1860, CIRCASSIAN (wooden schooner, 135', 366 t, built in 1856 at Irving, NY) was carrying grain in a gale and blizzard on Lake Michigan when she stranded on White Shoals near Beaver Island. She sank to her decks and then broke in two. Her crew was presumed lost, but actually made it to Hog Island in the blizzard and they were not rescued from there for two weeks.
A final note from the Big Gale of 1879. On 22 November 1879, the Port Huron Times reported, "The barge DALTON is still high and dry on the beach at Point Edward."

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

Russian Steel Producer Possible Buyer for Rouge Steel
11/21
The American Metal Market reported Wednesday that the Russian steel producer Severstal JSC has shown interest in purchasing Rouge Steel. According to AMM, a deal may be near. A statement from Rouge said it was interested in partnership opportunities, but would not comment specifically on Severstal.
Severstal employs 45,000 people at a steel manufacturing facility and several other subsidiaries. Rouge has been hit hard by a series of serious accidents and other financial problems which have curtailed steel production. As a major supplier to the automotive industry, the deal could mean a much needed source of cash and support.
Reported by: Scott Spencer

Ocean Reliance Downbound
11/21
The new tug Ocean Reliance and its barge cleared the Welland Canal Wednesday morning around 10 a.m. The pair stopped in Port Colborne Tuesday night for some type of repairs. The news tug and barge are headed off the lakes on their delivery trip.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak was expected to depart Toronto around Wednesday evening.
Reported by: Gerry O. and Jimmy Sprunt

October Brings Fourth Straight Rebound in U.S.-Flag Float
11/21
U.S.-Flag Lake carriers hauled 11.8 million net tons of dry-bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in October, an increase of 6.7 percent compared to a year ago. October's increase marks the fourth consecutive month in which U.S.-Flag carriage has outpaced last year and has reduced the gap with 2001 to 2.8 percent.
It is important, however, to understand these comparisons in the proper context. The 2001 navigation season was beset with problems related to domestic steel production. Turn the calendar back to 1997, the last year of full utilization of the nation's steelmaking capacity, and the monthly U.S.-Flag float routinely approached or even topped 14 million tons. Continued reduced demand for iron ore and sluggish orders for aggregate from the construction industry throughout 2002 have kept four U.S.-Flag lakers idle for what now will certainly be the entire season, so the past four months are just the beginning of the voyage back to normalcy.
Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Twin Ports Report
11/21
Armco paid a rare visit Wednesday to the BNSF ore dock in Superior. Other traffic included Isa at AGP grain elevator in Duluth, Vlistborg loading at General Mills Elevator A in Duluth, and Columbia Star loading at Midwest Energy Terminal.
Some interesting visits scheduled in the next few days include Kinsman Independent, due Friday at Elevator S in Superior; James R. Barker, scheduled to load Nov. 27 at Midwest Energy Terminal with coal for Taconite Harbor; and Mississagi due at DMIR in Duluth on Nov. 23.
Occasional Canadian vessels continue to make their rare calls at the DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors. Algomarine is due there today.
Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update
11/21
The Charles M. Beeghly brought a load of coal to the Presque Isle Power Plant Wednesday, and then took on a load of taconite. Other ships expected during the coming week are the Kaye Barker, the Lee A. Tregurtha, the Algosteel, H. Lee White, and American Mariner.
Beeghly unloading.
Close up.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Green Bay Report
11/21
Ships visiting Green Bay are increasing in number and in variety as the shipping season begins to wind down. The cement carriers Paul Townsend and tug Petite Forte with barge St. Marys Cement II visited Lafarge and Blue Circle on Wednesday. Amelia Desgagnes and John G. Munson have also recently called on the Port of Green Bay. The Sam Laud, Joseph H. Thompson, and saltie Stolt Aspiration are among the ships due in port over the next few days.

Picture by Jeff DuMez
Townsend unloading.
Reported by: Jeff DuMez and Jason Leino

Saginaw News
11/21
The steamer Saginaw was outbound Wednesday morning from Sixth Street in Saginaw after unloading overnight at the old GM dock. The vessel was passing through Bay City about 10 a.m.
Pictures by Stephen Hause
Saginaw outbound at Essexville Wednesday morning.
Closeup of bow.
Stern view.
Herbert C. Jackson upbound on Saturday.
Joyce L. Van Enkevort returning to Great Lakes Trader after taking on fuel on Saturday.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo News
11/21
The American Mariner finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday morning. The H. Lee White was waiting at the #2 Dock when the Mariner departed she proceeded to the #4 dock to load coal. The Mississagi finished unloading stone at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock and departed around 9 a.m.
The tug Karen Andrie with her barge finished unloading her cargo at the Seneca Dock and also departed around 9 a.m. The saltwater vessel Darya Devi was at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. There was also another saltie at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge departed from the old Interlake Iron Company Dock and proceeded to the Sun Dock to load cargo. The tug James A. Hannah with her barge, and the Joseph H. Frantz remain in lay-up.
There was a large sailing vessel docked at the riverfront dock The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will now be the Algobay on Saturday. The Jean Parisien and Calumet on Sunday, followed by the John G. Munson and Algomarine on Monday. The next scheduled ore boat due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Courtney Burton on Tuesday.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Today in Great Lakes History - November 21
The PATERSON (1) was launched November 21, 1953.
In 1924 the MERTON E. FARR slammed into the Interstate Bridge that linked Superior, WI with Duluth, MN. causing extensive damage to the bridge. The bridge span fell into the water but the FARR received only minor damage to her bow.
On 21 November 1869, the ALLIANCE (wooden passenger sidewheeler, 87', 197 gt, built in 1857 at Buffalo) slipped her moorings at Lower Black Rock in the Niagara River and went over the fall. She had been laid up since the spring of 1869.
November 21, 1906 - The Pere Marquette 17 encountered one of the worst storms in many years while westbound for the Wisconsin Central slip in Manitowoc. She made port safely, but the wind was so high that she could not hold her course up the river without assistance. The tug Artic assisted, and as they were proceeding through the 10th Street Bridge, a gust of wind from the south drove the ferry and tug against the north pilings of the 10th Street Bridge. The Arctic, pinned between the ferry and the bridge, was not damaged, but she crushed the hull of a fishing tug moored there, sinking her, and inflicted damage of a few hundred dollars to the bridge.
November 21, 1923 - Arthur Stoops, the lookout on the Ann Arbor #6 was drowned while stepping from the apron onto the knuckle to cast off the headline.
On the night of 21 November 1870, C. W. ARMSTRONG (wooden propeller steam tug, 57', 33 t, built in 1856 at Albany, NY) burned at her dock at Bay City, Michigan. No lives were lost.
More incidents from the Big Gale of 1879. On 21 November 1879, the Port Huron Times reported, "The schooner MERCURY is ashore at Pentwater. The schooner LUCKY is high and dry at Manistee; the schooner WAUBASHENE is on the beach east of Port Colborne. The schooner SUMATRA is on the beach at Cleveland; the large river tug J. P. Clark capsized and sunk at Belle Isle in the Detroit River on Wednesday [19 Nov.] and sank in 15 minutes. On e drowned. The schooner PINTO of Oakville, Ontario, stone laden, went down in 30 feet of water about one mile down from Oakville. At Sand beach the barge PRAIRIE STATE is rapidly going to pieces.
Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Steve Haverty and Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Buckeye Sails
11/20
Tuesday morning the Buckeye departed Toledo Shiprepair after a brief stay for some type of repairs. The Buckeye sailed upbound and is due in Superior, Wisconsin on Thursday November to load ore for Indiana Harbor.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman and Frank Frisk

Unusual trip for the Callaway
11/20
The Cason J. Callaway arrived at Ontario Hydro Lambton Generating Station in the St. Clair River at Courtright,Ont. at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to unload coal from Sandusky, Ohio.
Algoma Central Marine, Upper Lakes Shipping and Canada Steamship Lines normally handle coal deliveries to Lambton from Lake Erie ports. It is very unusual to see a U.S. flagged laker delivering to this facility, although the Callaway had a partial unload there in 2001. The Callaway was expected to depart upbound for Calcite, Mi. at about 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

Wagenborg Ships visit Menominee
11/20
Menominee, Mi. has been busy this week with wood pulp ships. On Sunday morning, the Vlistborg arrived at Menominee's K&K Warehouse dock. She departed Monday night making room for the Vancouverborg who arrived Tuesday morning. This was the first visit of the year to Menominee for the Vlistborg and the fourth for the Vancouverborg. At least two more Wagenborg vessels are expected in Menominee in the next three weeks.
Stern view of Vlistborg at K&K dock.
Another view.
Stern view of Vancouverborg at K&K dock.
Another view.
Vancouverborg's hatch crane.

Reported by: Dick Lund

Marquette Update
11/20
Things are picking up at the docks in Marquette. The Lee A. Tregurtha is due Tuesday evening, the Charles M. Beeghly will be bringing coal on Wednesday to the Presque Isle Power plant and then taking on ore. On Friday the Kaye Barker will come for ore, followed by the Lee A. returning on Saturday, and the Algosteel on Sunday. Saturday will also see the H. Lee White bringing stone to the Shiras Steam Plant dock in the lower harbor, then moving to the ore dock for a load on Sunday. The American Mariner is expected to bring a load of coal to the Shiras Steam Plant on Monday.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Toledo News
11/20
The salt water vessel Darya Devi and another saltie were at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. The Algolake was at the CSX Docks loading coal. There were no other active vessels in port at the time of this report.
The tugs James A. Hannah and Mary E. Hannah with barges remain in temporary lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock north of the Shipyard. The Saturn was expected to depart from her lay-up berth Tuesday.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the American Mariner and H. Lee White on Wednesday. The Algobay on Saturday, followed by the Calumet, Jean Parisien, and John G. Munson on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boat due in at the Torco Ore Docks will be the Courtney Burton on Tuesday 26 Nov. The Mississagi is due in at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock early Wednesday morning to unload stone.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto Update
11/20
The saltie Stokemarnes departed Redpath Sugar during the night and her place was taken today by the saltie Toro. Also departing Pier 51 during the night was the saltie Tecam Sea, which was in the Welland Canal Tuesday afternoon.
Laying over in Toronto at the firehall dock was the new U.S.C.G. tender Oak.
The unidentified tug that was brought up the Seaway by Techno Venture yesterday was Jarret McKeil. Both are now in Hamilton.
Pictures by Jim Gallacher
Toro unloading.
Another view.
Close up.
Bow.
Stern.
View over looking the dock.

Reported by: Gerry O. and Jim Gallacher

Aerial Views
11/20
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over the Detroit River Monday and sent in the pictures below. All photographs are available for purchase. Don's company, Great Lakes Aerial Photos, is available for hire for any aerial photography need.
Tug Ocean Reliance and barge 550-3.
John D. Leitch loading at Ojibway Salt in Windsor.
Canadian Olympic.
Stern view.
Canadian Provider.
Algosteel.
Another view.
Algolake at Zug Island.

Reported by: Don Coles

Marine Mart December 7
11/20
Great Lakes Maritime Institute (Dossin Museum) Marine Mart, December 7 at Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI.
More than 30 dealers will be selling Great Lakes ship artifacts, relics, china, post cards, slides, models, paper, books, and much more. The show is from 10 am to 3 pm. There is a $3 admission charge with a 2-for-1 admission to Dossin Museum. Call (313) 852-4051 for more information or directions.
Look for me at the Know Your Ships table. Click here for a map.

Today in Great Lakes History - November 20
The Saginaw was christened at the Government Dock in Sarnia in 1999. Bonnie Bravener and Wendy Siddall broke the traditional bottle of champagne adding the second vessel to Lower Lakes Towing's fleet. The company then generously opened the vessel for tours to all those in the large crowd that had gathered to witness the event.
The EAGLESCLIFFE HALL (2) was launched in 1956 at Grangemouth, Scotland.
At 2240 hours on November 20, 1974 the ROY A. JODREY ran aground on Pullman Shoal, located at Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, NY. All of the crew were rescued. Early the next morning at 0305 hours she slid off the shoal, rolled on her side and sank in 150 feet of water.
RALPH H. WATSON was launched 1937.
On 20 November 1872, the sidewheel steamer W. J. SPICER was finally laid up and the crew dismissed. She had served for many years as the Grand Trunk ferry at Fort Gratiot on the St. Clair River.
On 20 November 1880, BAY CITY (wooden barge, 199', 480 t, built in 1852 at Trenton, MI as the sidewheeler FOREST CITY) was carrying coal when she was cast adrift east of Erie, PA by the steamer JAMES P. DONALDSON in a storm. She was driven ashore and wrecked. Her crew was saved by the U.S. Lifesaving Service using breeches' buoy. November 20, 1898 - Ann Arbor #3 left Cleveland for Frankfort on her maiden voyage.
November 20, 1924 - Pere Marquette fleet engineer Finlay MacLaren died after 42 years with the railroad. He was succeeded by his brother Robert until Leland H. Kent was named fleet engineer in 1925.
On 20 Nov 1871, the schooner E. B. ALLEN was sailing from Chicago to Buffalo with a load of corn when she crossed the bow of the bark NEWSBOY about six miles off the Thunder Bay Light on Lake Huron. The NEWSBOY slammed her bow deep into the schooner's hull amidships and the ALLEN sank in about 30 minutes. The crew escaped in the yawl. The NEWSBOY was badly damaged but did not sink.
On 20 Nov 1999, the Bermuda-flag container ship CANMAR TRIUMPH went aground on the St. Lawrence River, off Varennes about 15 kilometers downstream from Montreal. She was the third vessel to run aground in the St. Lawrence River that Autumn. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that she was having engine problems and the CBC News reported that the vessel's rudder was damaged in the grounding.
On Saturday morning. 20 Nov 1999, Marinette Marine Corporation of Marinette, Wisconsin, launched the 175-foot Coast Guard Cutter HENRY BLAKE. The BLAKE was one of the "Keeper" Class Coastal Class Buoy Tenders. Each ship in the "Keeper" class is named after a famous American lighthouse keeper.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Wolverine at the Soo
11/19
Monday afternoon the Wolverine made a rare appearance upbound at the Soo Locks. This comes less than a week after the Earl W Oglebay made a rare visit through the Locks. The Wolverine is headed to Silver Bay to load ore. Locking upbound just a few hours before the Wolverine was the Fred R White Jr. Behind the Wolverine was the Oglebay Norton and Columbia Star also upbound.
Upbound Monday afternoon.
another view.
Stern View.
Entering the Mac Lock as darkness falls.

Reported by: Scott Best

Ocean Reliance Downbound
11/19
The new tug Ocean Reliance and barge 550-3 were downbound passing Detroit Monday. The pair are on their delivery trip off the lakes for San Francisco.

Reported by: Alan Morris

Twin Ports Report
11/19
Alpena entered Fraser Shipyards on Monday for unspecified repairs.
Algoma vessels were plentiful in the Twin Ports on Monday. Algocen was loading at Cenex Harvest States, Algobay was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal and Algonorth was loading at the AGP elevator. Other vessels included Spar Opal loading at the Peavey elevator and Great Lakes Trader due late at night for BNSF ore dock.