Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

LTV Steel to File for Bankruptcy

12/29:
The LTV Corporation said Thursday that it is considering filing voluntary Chapter 11 petitions today, Dec. 29, 2000, in federal court in Youngstown, Ohio. The decision whether to file was expected to be made by the LTV board of directors late Thursday.

Wednesday, LTV told federal, state and local elected officials that without additional financing, the company was in danger of exhausting its cash resources, potentially forcing it to immediately cease all operations. In the letter addressed to public officials, William H. Bricker, LTV's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "As you know, for the past two years the entire American steel industry has been fighting an unprecedented battle against foreign-made steel that has illegally flooded our markets. Nearly 40 percent of our business has been lost and prices have fallen to the lowest levels in 20 years. Without enforcement of our trade laws by the Administration our only hope of survival was to reorganize LTV under Chapter 11 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code, and emerge as a lower cost operation capable of competing successfully in the global steel market."

The LTV Corporation is a manufacturing company with interests in steel, metal fabrication and leading steel technologies. LTV's Integrated Steel segment is a leading producer of high-quality, value-added flat rolled steel, and a major supplier to the transportation, appliance, electrical equipment and service center industries. LTV's Metal Fabrication segment consists of LTV Copperweld, the largest producer of tubular and bimetallic products in North America and VP Buildings, a leading producer of pre-engineered metal buildings for low-rise commercial applications.

LTV operates a steel mill in Cleveland and a taconite mine in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., and a processing plant and shipping facility in Taconite Harbor, Minn. LTV already has said it will close its taconite operations early in 2001. Once those facilities cease operation, it had planned to purchase taconite pellets from Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., most likely from the Cliffs plant in Silver Bay, Minn.

It is unclear how this move will affect the shipping industry. The port of Cleveland averages 30 shipments of iron ore each month. According to the Lake Carriers Association November 2000 report over 6 million tons of ore have been delivered to Cleveland this season. The largest shipper is the American Steamship Company (ASC) followed by Oglebay Norton. ASC handles about 70% of the cargo. LTV accounts for at least 90% of the ore shipped to Cleveland with the balance being shipped by rail from the CBT dock on Whiskey Island.

The most frequent vessel to call on Cleveland is the American Republic. The Republic was specifically designed to handle the twisting Cuyahoga River to deliver ore to LTV. Other ships involved in the Lorain to Cleveland shuttle include the Buffalo, Earl W. Oglebay, Fred R. White Jr., David Z. Norton and Wolverine. If the Cleveland works were to close it would mean a loss of 30 shipments per month for these ships and the loss of cargo for the vessels that carry the ore from the upper lakes to Lorain.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy, Al Miller and M. Hegarty

Ice Update

12/29:
The upbound convoy was able to clear the lower Detroit River Thursday morning. Traffic was light but the ice still proved challenging. The Philip R. Clarke was upbound for the Wyandotte Power Plant and was assisted into dock by the tug Wyoming.

The Cuyahoga was at the Morton Salt Dock in Rouge unloading while tug Vermont made several passes through the Conrail bridge breaking ice for Cuyahoga's departure at 2:00 p.m. Vermont then escorted Cuyahoga out to Detroit River where the tug broke a track toward the Ojibway Salt Dock in Windsor. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble was downbound at same time and assisted in the transit. The Cuyahoga backed from the Rouge River, then crossed the Detroit River backwards. Heavy ice made it impossible to turn. The Cuyahoga secured at Ojibway about 6:30 p.m. She will load another cargo of salt for a dock above down town Detroit.

The Bramble was bound for the BASF dock to tie up for night. With the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay down with engine problems, the Bramble will remove aids to navigation in the channel.

The Saginaw was unloading in Windsor just below Ambassador Bridge.

The tug Roger Stahl led the way through the heavy ice escorting Gaelic's harbor tugs from Toledo. The Susan Hoey and William Hoey followed the big icebreaking tug and report rough going in Livingstone channel.

The convoy that had been stuck in the lower Detroit River was escorted by the Mackinaw across the heavy ice in Lake St. Clair. Later in the day the vessels passed through the St. Clair River. First was the George A. Stinson followed by Edwin H. Gott. The Stinson stopped at Shell and the Gott made a visit to Imperial for fuel. The Agawa Canyon closely followed the Gott. Behind the Agawa Canyon were the Saturn and Algolake. The tug John Spence with her barge stopped off at Recor Point.

The downbound Canadian Navigator was quite a site with her bow covered with ice. Further up river the downbound Fred R. White Jr. stopped in at shell for fuel before going down river to challenge the ice pack to be found near Detroit. The Algonova was docked behind the White and after the White's departure she moved up river to Imperial Oil.

At midnight traffic was approaching the areas of heavy ice. Only one vessel was downbound, the barge Sarah Spencer and tug Jane Ann IV were approaching the Lake Huron cut sailing for the St. Clair River. Once clear of the rivers, she will sail for her lay-up dock at Port Colborne. Upbound on Lake St. Clair was the Algosteel. The Mackinaw is working in northern Lake St. Clair.

The Algosteel had trouble Thursday evening while upbound in the Livingston Channel and was assisted by the Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley. The Risley returned to the Livingston Channel to work the track. About 1:00 a.m. the Risley asked the H. Lee White and Fred R. White Jr. to wait before entering the channel as they continue to work the ice.

Vessels with early morning e.t.a.'s for the Detroit River Light included the H. Lee White and tanker Gemini. About 1:00 a.m. the Buckeye was sailing for Toledo when it became stuck in Western Lake Erie in the East Outer Channel. The U.S. Coast Guard requested that the Risley assist the vessel. The Risley will decide by 4:00 a.m. if they can stop the work in Livingstone Channel and assist.

The American Mariner, tug Karen Andrie and tug Barbara Andrie were also on Western Lake Erie.

Pictures by N. Schultheiss
Oakglen at ADM in Windsor.
Samuel Risley heads downbound.
Tug Wyoming enters the Detroit River to assist the Philip R. Clarke.
Heading downbound.

Cuyahoga unloading in the Rouge.
Close up.
The blue salt is treated with chemicals to work at lower temperatures.
Tug Vermont breaks ice for the Cuyahoga.
Heading outbound.
Returning to the Cuyahoga.
The Cuyahoga approaches the Conrail Bridge.
Passing under.
Close up.
Wide angle view as the boom passes under the bridge.
Close up of the Cuyahoga's stack.
Profile of the Cuyahoga's bow.

Approaching the Jefferson Street Bridge.
Through the bridge.
Close up.

Gaelic tugs heading upbound.
Roger Stahl leads through heavy ice.
Toledo harbor tugs William and Susan Hoey follow.
Close up of William Hoey.
Susan Hoey.
Roger Stahl continues on.

Cuyahoga enters the Detroit River.
Backing down the river.
USCG Bramble cuts a path for the Cuyahoga.
Cuyahoga making progress.
Group shot.
With the Cuyahoga making progress the Bramble departs.
Cuyahoga passes the Oakglen at ADM.
Classic sterns.
Tug Vermont working with the Cuyahoga.
As the sun sets the Cuyahoga approaches the Salt Dock.

Saginaw unloads in Windsor.
Former Bob-Lo boats at lay-up.

Pictures by Scott B. Tomlinson
Fred R. White Jr. turning
Heading downbound.
Canadian Navigator downbound.
George A. Stinson passing Marysville.
Edwin H. Gott.
Agawa Canyon.

Reported by: Rob Cioletti, Scott B. Tomlinson and Joseph Provost

Last Visit for Saginaw

12/29:
Early Thursday morning the Saginaw River received what is expected to be the last vessel of the season. The Frontenac arrived at the Essroc Cement Dock in Essexville after being assisted through ice that was 12-inches thick in some spots. The tug Manitou and Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Griffon lead the way as the Frontenac was loaded with clinker which is used to make cement.

That evening the Frontenac departed, again with the assistance of the Griffon and Manitou. The vessel was backing out to Light 12 and will turn before heading out to the Lake Huron.

Reported by: Lon W. Morgan and Stephen Hause

Soo News

12/29:
Thursday's traffic was moving at a stead pace until the downbound Paul R. Tregurtha experienced ice problems at Sweets Point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay was called to assist and got the vessel moving.

Other downbound traffic included the Arthur M. Anderson, Earl W. Oglebay, Charles M. Beeghly, John J. Boland and Courtney Burton.
Upbound vessels were the Canadian Progress, tug Joyce L VanEnkevort with barge Great Lakes Trader and Canadian transport.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Buckeye in Lorain

12/29:
Thursday the Buckeye was unloading in Lorain. She was assisted into port by the tug Triton. The Triton waited in port for her departure. She was later expected to assist the American Republic and Courtney Burton in port.

Pictures by TZ
Buckeye unloading
Closer view
Tug Triton.
Another view.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

More Icebreaking

12/29:
Wednesday was a busy day for tug breaking ice. In Sandusky, the Triton broke a track for the CSL Niagara and assisted it to the coal dock. The Iowa traveled from Ashtabula to Conneaut to break ice for the Halifax, while the Rhode Island provided icebreaking assistance for the Armco in Ashtabula. In Toledo, the Illinois provided the icebreaking assistance for the American Mariner, while in Detroit, the Wyoming cleared the way for the George A. Stinson.

It was a busy day in Duluth, as the tugs North Carolina, North Dakota and Kentucky broke ice for and assisted the Reserve, Burns Harbor, John J. Boland, Columbia Star, Canadian Olympic, James R. Barker and the Walter J. McCarthy on inbound and outbound transits.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Twin Ports Report

12/29:
Reserve became the first vessel to lay-up in the Twin Ports this season when it arrived at Fraser Shipyards on the afternoon of Dec. 27. The vessel is docked in one of the old shipbuilding berths alongside the Blatnik Bridge. John G. Munson may be the next to end its season here. After unloading at Gary on the 28th, it's due to lay up at Fraser on Dec. 31.

Again this season, several vessels are expected to lay-up at the former Cargill C and D elevators, now under redevelopment by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. This site was a jumbled mass of concrete last year as demolition of the elevators progressed slowly. Now the site is largely cleared. The dock faces are cleaned up and easily accessible. Only large piles of crushed concrete remain in the center of the site. Port officials want to make this site available for some sort of waterborne commerce, probably a bulk terminal.

Twin Ports vessel traffic is now primarily ore and coal. The harbor is ice-covered, but wide tracks have been broken in the channels. On the morning of Dec. 28, James R. Barker was loading at the DMIR ore docks and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. cleared with coal from Midwest Energy Terminal. Stewart J. Cort was due late in the day at BNSF ore dock. On Dec. 29, Canadian Transport is scheduled to load coal and George A. Stinson is due at BNSF.

Midwest Energy Terminal's schedule currently shows 11 more vessels -- all coal dock regulars -- due before Jan. 5. DMIR is scheduled to handle Indiana Harbor on the 31st.

Up the shore in Two Harbors, DMIR currently has a steady stream of vessels scheduled through Jan. 1. Great Lakes Trader is now scheduled to call there Dec. 29 along with Edwin H. Gott. The rest of the lineup includes Edgar B. Speer and Philip R. Clarke on the 30th, Cason J. Callaway and Roger Blough on the 31st, and American Mariner and Arthur M. Anderson on Jan. 1.

Reported by: Al Miller

Sturgeon Bay News

12/29:
The Sam Laud entered Sturgeon Bay Thursday afternoon heading for winter lay-up at Bay Ship. She was assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobil Bay and the tug Jimmy L. She is at Berth #10 at Bay Ship.

The Lake Michigan Carferry Badger departed the Bay Ship Steel face dock about 4:15 p.m. under tow of the tug Mary Page with the tug Jimmy L. on the stern. She is heading for Ludington, MI. for winter lay-up. The Badger got a late start because the Selvick tugs were busy breaking ice for the Sam Laud. She is expected to reach Ludington by early morning today.

Pictures by Vic DeLarwelle
Mobil Bay widening track.
Jimmy L. heading out to Laud.
Sam Laud tied up berth #10 Bay Ship.
Badge passing through the bridge.
Stern tugs.
Passing the Ryerson.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle and Max Hanley,

Toledo Update

12/29:
The American Mariner was at the A.R.M.S. Dock to unload a grain cargo. The tug Illinois assisted in doing some ice breaking around the dock complex as well as assisting the Mariner to the docksite. The Mariner was expected to depart sometime Thursday.

The tanker Gemini was at the Sun Oil Dock loading cargo, she departed late on Thursday. The tug Barbara Andrie with her barge was at the T.W.I. Dock. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock due to low water conditions. At 11:30 a.m. the water level was a plus 8 inches. The shipyard crew needs at least plus 15 inches of water to remove the barge from the drydock. Winds are forecast to shift on Lake Erie to the northeast today, when this happens the water levels should rise in the area. The tugs Frank Palladino and James Palladino are tied up at the riverfront dock of the shipyard waiting to remove the barge from drydock and then take her to Sandusky, Ohio for lay-up.

There are no new winter lay-ups at the time of this report.

The Gaelic tug Roger Stahl escorted their Toledo based tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey back to Detroit early Thursday morning for lay-up and winter repairs. Both tugs should be back in Toledo next Spring.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Retired Captain

12/29:
Retired Mailboat skipper James Burns passed away over the Holiday. He served aboard the J.W. Westcott for over 10 years. He was featured in a 1989 National Geographic story on special mail delivery services in the United States. Captain Burns was 72.

Reported by: Sam Buchanan

New Picture of the Day

12/29:
New picture in the Original Photo Gallery. Agawa Canyon assisted to Andersons "K" Elevator in Toledo. Each day this week we feature a new image of vessels working in ice.

Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - December 29

B.F. JONES (2) was launched December 29, 1906 as a) GENERAL GARRETSON.

KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (1) was launched in 1906 as a) WILLIAM B. KERR.

The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (1) was christened on December 29, 1926.

The GOLDEN HIND was laid up for the last time on December 29, 1985 at Toronto.

On 29 December 1813, ARIEL (4-gun armed schooner, 112 t, built in 1813 at Erie, PA as part of Perry's fleet) ran aground in a squall at Black River (now Buffalo) and was burned by the British.

CAROLINE (wooden sidewheeler, 71', 46 t, built in 1822 at New York City) was chartered to transport arms and munitions to Navy Island near Buffalo. On 29 December 1837, she was commandeered by about 60 Canadian rebels under the command of a Royal Navy officer at Schlosser on the Niagara River. In the fight that followed, she was set afire, abandoned and allowed to drift down the river. Some sources say that she went over the Falls. This incident caused hostile feelings along the U.S. northeastern frontier for many months.

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

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

Mackinaw Diverted

12/28:
The U.S. Coast Guard ice breaker Mackinaw was diverted from Saginaw and sent to assist with the ice jam in the lower Detroit River. The Mackinaw entered the St. Clair River downbound about 11:00 p.m. last night.

The Mackinaw was scheduled to break ice in Saginaw once clear of ice breaking duties in the lower Detroit River.

Two vessels are expected to visit the Saginaw River before the end of the season, one of which was reported to be sailing all the way to Saginaw.

Reported by: Dave Wobser and Stephen Hause

Ice Delays Continue

12/28:
The traffic jam on Lake St. Clair was freed from ice early Wednesday morning. Tuesday night the downbound St. Clair and upbound Canadian Progress had become stuck in ice as they were about to pass on Lake St. Clair stopping traffic. Because of this traffic is now alternating one way on the lake. Ice was reported to be 10 - 14 inches thick on the northern part of the lake. With low temperatures near 0 degrees, the track in the ice is quickly refreezing.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley arrived on scene in the lower Detroit River. After working for 12 hours they were able to get the Cuyahoga upbound through the Livingstone Channel before 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The Livingstone Channel is only 400 feet wide where she was stuck and that called for some very careful maneuvering by the Risley, especially when the icebreaker is backing along the side the vessel. Sailing for Windsor, the Cuyahoga was stuck in the area for more than a day, travelling a distance of one ship length an hour through the ice at times.

With the downbound Cuyahoga clear, the Frontenac and Saturn were cleared to head upbound. The Risley returned to the area after escorting the Cuyahoga to assist the Bristol Bay in her attempts to help the Saturn through the Livingstone Channel. During the operation the Bristol Bay developed mechanical problems and was later forced to return to Station Belle Isle for repairs.

That evening the downbound convoy was cleared to start moving. As downbound vessels held their position in the Detroit River, many were anchoring in the St. Clair River and lower Lake Huron until cleared to pass.

About 4:00 p.m. the first vessels in the downbound convoy were cleared to sail. First underway was the group in the Detroit River. Naticoke was in the lead, followed by Buckeye, Armco, Cason J. Callaway, American Mariner, and then the Andrie tugs with their barge. The upbound Saturn had cleared the Livingston Channel and was to anchor as soon as space is available at the Belle Isle anchorage.

Two hours later the next five vessels downbound were underway. The H. Lee White, Roger Blough, Kaye E. Barker, Buffalo, and Middletown will be the last one. The Barker turn into the Rouge River off the Detroit River about 11:00 p.m.

The upbound group waiting in Lake Erie Wednesday was tug John Spence, Edwin H. Gott, Agawa Canyon, Algolake and Philip R. Clarke. The Clarke will be heading for the Wyandotte Power plant and has requested U.S. Coast Guard assistance into the channel. In Detroit the Saturn will depart the Belle Isle anchorage, and the George A. Stinson should be ready to leave Great Lakes Steel by the time the upbound parade gets moving. The downbound convoy was expected to clear about 5:00 a.m. today.

Reported by: Dave Wobser, Kevin Wilson, Andrew Severson and Paul Beesley

Stahl Heads for Toledo

12/28:
Late Wednesday night Gaelic Tugboat Co.'s icebreaking tug Roger Stahl departed their Detroit dock for Toledo. The Toledo tugs have been keeping busy with the Algosteel and the Agawa Canyon each taking two tugs. One to the Kulmans dock and one to Andersons. Then they both departed with the Algobay who loaded grain. The Algosteel was expected at noon Wednesday.

In Detroit Gaelic tugs helped the Canadian Progress shift at Zug Island early morning on Dec. 26 then again departing late on the same day. The Kaye E. Barker was assisted into the Rouge late on Wednesday.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co.

Icebreaking Assistance

12/28:
Malcolm Marine's tug Manitou provided icebreaking assistance for the Sam Laud in and out of Harbor Beach, Michigan on Tuesday. The Sam Laud departed Harbor Beach about 11:30 p.m. bound for winter lay-up at Sturgeon Bay, WI. The tug Manitou departed Harbor Beach at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday bound for Saginaw River to provide icebreaking assistance to the Frontenac. At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Capt. Keith Malcolm reported in at Pt. Aux Barques, with freezing spray and only patchy ice conditions.

The Frontenac is due at Gravely Shoal about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, the Manitou will be waiting to assist her in to Essexville.

Reported by: Diane Hasler

Soo News

12/28:
Wednesday the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay escorted the Stewart J. Cort upbound through the St Mary's River. There were sunny December skies at the Soo Locks at noon when the Fred R. White Jr. was lowered in the Poe Lock downbound. Transiting the river was the John G. Munson, Canadian Transfer, Mapleglen, Canadian Navigator and Algomarine.

Late that night the tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer arrived at the Soo and locked downbound through the Poe Lock for her last trip of the season.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Toledo Update

12/28:
The Agawa Canyon, and Algobay departed Toledo very early Wednesday morning with the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey handling the tows. The Algosteel finished unloading her oats cargo at Andersons "K" Elevator and departed around noon with the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey on the bow of the vessel and the William Hoey was handling the ice breaking duties escorting the tow downriver.

The Algosteel tow was supposed to be the last tow handled at Toledo for this season by the Gaelic Tugboat Company their tugs will be headed back to Detroit soon for lay-up.

The tanker Gemini was at the Sun Oil Company Dock. The tugs James Palladino, and Frank Palladino were still tied up at the Shipyard riverfront dock while there barge Kellstone I remains in drydock. The shipyard crews need at least + 15 inches of water before they will be able to remove the barge from drydock. The crews hoped to accomplish on Wednesday. If the barge is refloated, the tow will depart Toledo Thursday morning bound for Sandusky, Ohio and winter lay-up.

There are no new winter lay-ups to report. The Armco is still scheduled in at the Torco Dock late on Saturday. However with ice and weather conditions she will be delayed arriving.

It is unknown at this time if the Cuyahoga will arrive at Toledo to load the last grain cargo of the season. Her trip may have been cancelled due to the severe ice conditions in the Detroit, St. Clair rivers and Western Lake Erie.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Risley Works Aids to Navigation, Saves Bird

12/28:
Below is a report from crew member Paul Beesley aboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley.

We left the Cornwall area on 22 December bound for the Welland Canal. En route we were tasked to replace several light buoys with winter spars. Most of these we did, but by the time we reached Lake Ontario the winds were up to 35 knots and they had kicked up the sea. There was no way we could lift the buoys in those conditions so we left them for the Simcoe and better weather conditions and headed West across the lake.

By heading West we steamed directly into the wind and the sea. It was an uncomfortable night but we reduced speed and arrived at Port Weller at 0830 on the 23rd. After all night bucking the wind and the waves we had accumulated a certain amount of ice on the decks, railings and rigging. Some of this had to be knocked off before we could tie up in Port Weller.

We finally tied up at wharf number 1, Port Weller, to load winter spars for the Welland Canal and to offload a few buoys from the St Lawrence River. As we approached the dock we noticed a seagull desperately trying to fly away, but the poor thing was frozen to the dock. The deckhands were careful not to disturb the bird too much while tying up. One fellow went so far as to spread a bit of salt around the creature in hopes the ice would melt.

Several hours later we had finished the buoys below lock one and were preparing to leave the dock. The bird was still frozen in. A couple of fellows approached carefully, wrapped a hand around the bird and cut the ice beneath it. The bird was finally free and wasted no time flying away. That is, as soon as it relinquished its beak-hold on the rescuer!

Just off Port Weller Dry Dock we placed a buoy to mark a shoal. This area will have its water level reduced over the winter but the yard needs to mark the shoal so their tugs can move around safely with various hulls and additions.

There is a fair amount of ice in the Canal and this caused problems at the locks and slowed down our transit. Also, the flight locks were only open on the West side. This also slowed down our transit.

We had to stop every so often to change one of the summer buoys, and we have to do all this work with our self-propelled barge as there is not enough water at the buoys for the ship to work safely. This also takes time.

During one of these trips in the barge we passed the Cuyahoga which was downbound for Toronto. We talked with the crew in passing and learned they would be upbound the next day, had 3 or 4 more trips left and would be laying up in Sarnia. The Montrealais also tootled by while we were out working in the barge.

We actually spent an hour waiting for lock 7 because of icing problems in the lock. By the time 11 PM rolled around we had only gotten as far as lock 7. When we left the lock the Seaway asked us to check a buoy at Thorold which was in the middle of the channel and thus an impediment to shipping. We picked that up and tied up just above lock 7.

Bright and early this morning, the 24th, we set out again to finish our transit and our buoy work. The Rt. Hon Paul Martin was downbound and we had to wait for her to pass before continuing.

Around about Port Robinson we picked up a buoy whose lantern had been smashed by the ice. By the way, the ice is between one and two inches thick and this is about the maximum thickness for our 26 foot barge.

We ended up in Port Colborne were we unloaded buoys and kept the bridge operator from an early Christmas Eve with his family. We went through the bridge 3 times in about 2 hours, the last time at 6 PM. Finally we tied up at the fuel dock in Port Colborne. We will be leaving here about 10 PM and moving to the East side of the canal because the Frontenac is due in the middle of the night. She should be the last ship through the Canal.

The weather forecast for Lake Erie on Christmas day is windy and very cold. We may end up staying the day in Port Colborne with the John Spence, Petite Forte and a couple of others. Then it will be off to Western Lake Erie to help out there.

Merry Christmas to all the Boatnerds from the crew of the Samuel Risley.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Last Day of Ford Fleet Festival

12/28:
Today is the last day for the Ford Fleet Festival at the Dossin Museum in Detroit. On hand will be members of Detroit Lodge #7 of the International Shipmasters Association, and members of the Former Ford Fleet to talk about life on the Great Lakes - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visit www.glmi.org for more information

Lay-up List Updates

12/28:
The 7th Annual Winter Lay-up List has many new updates. Due to a file error last night I lost some of the credits appearing at the bottom of the page. If your are a contributor and your name is not listed please e-mail

Click here to visit the 7th Annual Winter Lay-up List

New Picture of the Day

12/28:
New picture in the Original Photo Gallery. The Armco underway on a cold St. Marys River. Each day this week we feature a new image of vessels working in ice.

Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - December 28

The HENRY FORD II was laid up in the Rouge Steel slip at Dearborn, MI on December 28, 1988.

On 28 December 1907, CALDERA (steel propeller freighter, 504', 6328 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI.

On 28 December 1881, the steamer R. J. GORDON arrived in Port Huron from Marine City on her maiden voyage with a large number of passengers. She was powered with a steam engine with an 18" cylinder and 20" stroke. Her dimensions were 116' long with a 26' beam. She cost nearly $20,000 and was built to run between Algonac and Lexington.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Traffic Stopped by Ice

12/27:
Tuesday night the downbound St. Clair and upbound Canadian Progress became stuck in ice as they were about to pass on Lake St. Clair. Blocking the shipping channel, all traffic was halted in the area. The vessels are near the Crib Light in the middle of the lake. The vessels planned to wait until an icebreaker was able to free them, many shut down their engines while they waited.

Shortly after midnight the tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader asked the Traffic Center for permission to approach the vessel, detach from its barge, and break the vessels free. The tug was given permission and departed the Sterling Fuel dock and expected to be on scene about 3:00 a.m. Detaching from the barge takes less than ten minutes.

Waiting in the area for the vessels to be freed are the Naticoke, Algowest and Canadian Transport, some have become frozen in place. Vessels sailing downbound on Lake Huron were going to anchor near Lights 11 and 12.

Heavy Brash and Plate Ice conditions in the lower Detroit River and Western Lake Erie continue to cause problems and stop traffic.

Last night the Cuyahoga was downbound in the Detroit River's Livingston Channel that was blocked at the lower end. The vessel spent all day trapped. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay and Samuel Risley were working to free the Cuyahoga. At midnight the Cuyahoga was travelling a distance of one ship length an hour through the ice. Operations were suspended until daylight.

Waiting to enter the river upbound was the Frontenac, Saturn, H. Lee White and the Edwin H. Gott.

Armco, American Mariner, Buckeye, Cason J. Callaway were anchored below Belle Isle waiting to head downbound when the channel is opened.

Oakglen was at the ADM elevator in Windsor and the George A. Stinson had been at the Great Lakes Steel all of Tuesday or longer due to unloading problems.

Ice conditions this severe have not been seen in many years. Costs can rise quickly for the shipping companies as some vessels cost thousands of dollars an hour to operate as they sit in the ice.

Reported by: Dave Wobser and Rob Cioletti

Mackinaw in Saginaw

12/27:
On Tuesday night the U.S. Coast Guard Ice Breaker Mackinaw was in the Saginaw Bay. The Mackinaw is expected to go up the Saginaw River at 8:00 a.m. today to break the ice. Last night the crew was not sure how far up river the big icebreaker would go. Two more vessels are expected to visit the river before the end of the season, one of which will go all the way to Saginaw.

Reported by: Ryan Kenny

Last Through the Seaway

12/27:
Early Tuesday morning the Jade Star was the last commercial vessel of the season in the Seaway. From the St. Zotique anchorage on Lake St. Francois she was escorted down the Seaway by the icebreaker/navaid tender Tracy. Their ETA was before midnight on Christmas Day at St. Lambert Lock. Thick ice in the narrow canals made their departure very slow and a revised ETA indicated that the Jade Star was to arrive at St. Lambert after midnight.

In 1999 and 1998 the Petrolia Desgagnes was the last vessel of the season.

Monday morning the Lady Hamilton was the last foreign-flag vessel to clear the Seaway for the season. Stuck in the ice that morning off the Baillargeon dock at Côte Ste. Catherine was the Manitoulin in ballast for Quebec City. She was freed by the CCGS George R. Pearkes.

Downbound in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Monday morning for the Magdalen Islands was the Ambassador, former Algosea.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Ice at the Soo

12/27:
Ice conditions in the St. Marys River were favorable Tuesday with small amounts of rapid ice forming. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay reported no problems with delays in the river system.

Brash ice and plate ice from 4 to 6 inches was reported in the shipping lanes that can cause problems to river traffic. Conditions worsen as the temperatures drop and falling snow helps refreeze the brash ice giving it added strength to slow or stop vessels in the river.

The Katmai Bay worked most of the day cutting and breaking the flows of brash ice before it reforms in the lanes and turns of the St Mary's River. The Katmai Bay will again be underway in the early dawn to resume another ice patrol down river for another ice breaking mission .

On Christmas Eve there was a steady increase of vessel traffic in the St. Marys River system. Over twenty vessels were in the river.

Upbound include the Sarah Spencer, Paul R. Tregurtha, Reserve, Algonova, Columbia Star, Kaye E. Barker, Earl W. Oglebay, Algorail, Canadian Navigator, Algomarine and John J Boland.

Downbound were the Cason J. Callaway, Indiana Harbor, Oakglen, Armco, Canadian Enterprise, Lee A. Tregurtha, American Mariner and Buckeye. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay was underway early Christmas morning downbound the St. Marys River to Lime Island.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Cleveland Lay-up

12/27:
David Z. Norton arrived early Tuesday on the old riverbed for lay-up at Ontario 4. The pilothouse was shuttered and the unloading boom was raised Tuesday afternoon, presumably for season ending maintenance.

The barge St. Marys Cement was at the Blue Circle dock for winter lay-up arriving on Dec. 23 or 24. The barge appears to have a storage cargo as she sits low in the water. Her tug Petite Forte is in lay-up at Port Colborne.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Anchored at Point Aux Pins

12/27:
About 8:00 a.m. Christmas day the Philip R. Clarke departed her anchorage approximately three miles east of Point Aux pins on Lake Erie (near Port Stanley). The vessel had anchored waiting for the weather to improve. The tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader arrived and dropped the anchor about a half-hour later.

Reported by: Tim Roberts

Christmas Day on the Miner

12/27:
Mesabi Miner was among the boats working in the Twin Ports on Christmas Day. The vessel was loading 51,000 tons of taconite pellets at the DMIR ore dock for delivery to Nanticoke, Ontario.

According to a story in the Duluth News Tribune, morale was high among the crew members, especially those living in Duluth, who were able to take advantage of the slow loading process to extend their visits home. Nonetheless, many crewmembers -- especially the younger ones with young children -- felt the pain of being separated from their families at the holidays.

With the temperature barely rising above zero during the day, loading was slow. Pellets were frozen together and conveyor belts balky. The normal 6- to 7-hour loading was expected to take about 30 hours.

Because some crewmembers were off the boat on Christmas Day, the big holiday dinner was scheduled to be served Dec. 26. The menu included filet mignon, prime rib, smoked turkey, duck, crab legs, pies, pop and ice cream.

Reported by: Al Miller

Christmas Menu

12/27:
Below is this year's Christmas Dinner Menu from the Alpena.
Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail
Deviled Eggs
Oyster Stew

Entrees
Lobster Tails w/Drawn butter
Prime Rib Aus Jus
Roast Turkey w/Dressing
Baked Cornish Hens
Baked Glazed Ham

Vegetables
Mashed Potatoes w/Plain or Giblet Gravy
Baked Acorn Squash
Sweet Peas
Broccoli w/Cheese

Desserts
Apple, Pumpkin & Pecan Pie
Fruit Cake
Candy & Nuts
Ice Cream

Extras
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Apple Cider
Soda/Eggnog/Coffee/Tea

Reported by: Andy Laborde

Twin Ports Report

12/27:
The DMIR ore docks in Duluth and Two Harbors are scheduled to remain busy through the end of the year despite bitter temperatures and heavy ice in Duluth harbor.

In Two Harbors, Great Lakes Trader is scheduled to make its first appearance on Dec. 28. Edwin H. Gott and Edgar B. Speer are both due on the 29th; and Cason J. Callaway, Philip R. Clarke and Roger Blough are all due on the 30th.

At the Duluth dock, James R. Barker is due on the 28th; Armco on the 29th and Indiana Harbor on the 30th.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

12/27:
Tuesday the Canadian Coast Guard cutter Griffon was breaking ice in the Toledo Ship Channel and Maumee Bay. She was preparing a track for the Algosteel and Agawa Canyon to enter Toledo. The Algosteel has a cargo of oats is bound for the T. W. I. Dock and Anderson's "K" Elevator. The Agawa Canyon has a salt cargo onboard and is headed for the Kuhlman Dock to unload.

The Gaelic Tugboat Co. tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey were breaking ice in the Maumee River from the T.W.I. Dock all the way upriver to the Kuhlman Dock to make passage easier for both of the Algoma boats. These tugs also handled both vessel tows into there respective dock sites.

The Algobay was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator and is scheduled to depart later that evening. The Gaelic Tugboat Co. will also handle this tow.

The tanker Gemini was at the Sun Oil Dock. The barge Kellstone I with the tugs Frank Palladino, and James Palladino are scheduled to depart Toledo on Wednesday morning bound most likely to Sandusky, Ohio for lay-up.

There are no new winter lay-ups to report.

The Armco is the last scheduled ore boat for the Torco Docks due in late Saturday, Dec. 30. It is unknown at this time if Cuyahoga will be able to load the last grain cargo of the season from Toledo.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Conneaut News

12/27:
The Algolake was in Conneaut, OH. Monday to load coal for Nanticoke. The vessel was scheduled for back to back visits to the port, expected to arrive again on Tuesday. Conneaut seems to be winding down for the season with the schedule for the week below
Tuesday: Algolake, coal dock
Wednesday: St Clair, coal dock
Thursday: Adam E. Cornelius, Nanticoke, Fred R. White Jr. coal dock
Saturday: Earl W. Oglebay coal dock

Algolake in ice.
Fishing tug Big Burtha, high and dry on land.


Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

E-mail Service

12/27:
Tuesday morning my e-mail service returned. I downloaded about 200 messages and have been making updates to the pages. Thanks for your patience.
Happy holidays, Neil

Today in Great Lakes History - December 27

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) cleared the Welland Canal Christmas night 1985 and finally anchored at Pointe aux Trembles near Montreal, Que. December 27th awaiting another load of scrap. The SAVIC remained there the entire winter, because the underwriters ordered that her hull be re-enforced by welding straps to her stress points for her overseas journey.

The THOMAS LAMONT as a single tow arrived at Aliaga, Turkey on December 27, 1987 where she was scrapped. The LAMONT was one of the last bulkers that retained her telescoping hatch covers to the very end.

Data from: 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

Saginaw Unloads

12/26:
Christmas day the crew of the Saginaw was busy unloading stone from Meldrum Bay at the Ajax Stone Company on the Rouge River in Detroit.
Saginaw at dock.
Another view.
Christmas greeting from crew member Chuck Parker.
Agawa Canyon at anchor above Detroit.
Video clip of ice and Agawa Canyon.

Reported by: T. Parker

Stop at the Soo

12/26:
While upbound in the St Marys River the Arthur M. Anderson made a stop at the Carbide Dock in the Soo. A U.S. Coast Guard inspector was called and gave the vessel permission to get underway. The Anderson departed shortly after 9:00 p.m. It is unknown why the inspector was onboard.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Last Vessel

12/26:
The last vessel of the season passed through the Iroquois Lock Monday at 4:50 p.m. It was the Canadian Venture sailing upbound.

Reported by: Dave Beach

Toledo Update

12/26:
Monday the Algobay was at Andersons "E" Elevator waiting to load grain. The tanker Gemini was at the Sun Oil Dock. The Joseph H. Frantz is in winter lay-up at the Hocking Valley South Dock. The Wolverine and barge Kellstone I are in drydock at the Shipyard.

The tugs Frank Palladino and James Palladino are tied up at the riverfront dock of the Shipyard. These are the tugs that handle the barge Kellstone I. They will probably be heading to Sandusky, Ohio once the barge comes off the drydock.

The next scheduled ore boat for the Torco Dock will be the Armco on Saturday, Dec. 30. The next tentative grain boat may be the Cuyahoga due in at one of the Anderson grain Elevators. The Algosteel, and Agawa Canyon are expected in port to unload cargo over the next few days.

Vessel arrivals are dependent on the heavy ice conditions in the lower Detroit River, and Western Lake Erie.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

E-mail Service

12/26:
This morning my e-mail service returned. I downloaded about 200 messages and will be making updates to this page and the Winter Lay-up page. Thanks for your patience.
Happy holidays, Neil

Today in Great Lakes History - December 26

In 1981 the ENDERS M. VOORHEES laid up for the last time at Duluth's Hallett Dock #5.

On 26 December 1916, the wreck of the wooden self-unloading freighter TOPEKA was leveled by dynamiting. She sank just off Windsor/Sandwich, Ontario in the Detroit River on 15 April 1916 in a collision with the small steamer CHRISTOPHER. Her machinery was removed prior to dynamiting.

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

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

Ice Delays Continue

12/25:
Heavy Brash and Plate Ice conditions on Lake Erie caused slow goings and evening stopping traffic upbound from the entrance of the East Outer Channel, Detroit River Light and up through the lower Livingston Channel. That morning the vessels Arthur M. Anderson, Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Courtney Burton, and Southdown Challenger all required the assistance of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon.

At midnight ice operations were suspended until daylight.

Reported by: Joseph Provost

Icebreaking in Toledo and Detroit

12/25:
The Gaelic tugs in Detroit and Toledo have been busy breaking ice for inbound and outbound ships. On Saturday in Toledo the tugs William Hoey and Susan Hoey cleared the way through the ice in the Maumee River for the Algobay from the lake through five bridges to Andersons K. The tugs have been ordered for Sunday morning by the Algobay to break the ice and shift the ship from Andersons K to E.

Meanwhile Saturday morning in Detroit the tug Shannon had just arrived from Sarnia with a barge load of #6 oil and was asked by the Kaye E. Barker to break a path through the ice up the Rouge River to Rouge Steel. On the outbound trip that evening the tug Patricia Hoey cleared the way for the Barker. The Rouge River has been ice free over the years because of excess hot water being discharged into the river from the Rouge power house. The new power house being more efficient, allows the river to now freeze each winter.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co.

USS Christmas at Point Aux Pins

12/25:
At 2:00 p.m. yesterday the Philip R. Clarke dropped anchor approximately three miles east of Point Aux pins on Lake Erie (near Port Stanley). The vessel was anchored waiting for the weather and is expected to arrive in Conneaut, Ohio late today.

Reported by: Tim Roberts

Holiday Delay

12/25:
The Algobay arrived at Toledo on December 23 on her last trip of the season. Unfortunately, she is experiencing a long delay at the Anderson's "K" elevator due to the holidays and won't begin to load a storage cargo of grain for Port Colborne until sometime on Dec 26. She is expected to arrive at the canal for lay-up late this week.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Toledo Update

12/25:
The Manitoulin grain cargo was cancelled as she proceeded to Windsor, Ontario to load a partial grain cargo there and then was to proceed to Quebec to unload her cargo there. The next tentative grain boat will be the Cuyahoga due in port in the next several days.

The next scheduled ore boat will be the Armco due in on Saturday 30 Dec. The Algosteel is also due in port to unload cargo within the next several days.

Heavy ice conditions in the area are causing problems for the vessels sailing through it.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Update

12/25:
Sunday morning there were about ten vessels still making their way through the ice in the Seaway and Lake Ontario eastbound for Montreal and other destinations. Seven of the vessels were the Algoport, Emerald Star, Jade Star, Algonorth, Lady Hamilton, Maria Desgagnes and Manitoulin.

As expected the Lady Hamilton will be the last foreign-flag saltie to depart the Seaway. Jade Star might be the last vessel for the 2000 season. She was unloading at Morrisburg, Ont. yesterday.

Vessels that left Montreal in convoy Sunday morning were Nexus, Algosound, Atlantic Huron, Necat-A, Thalassa Desgagnés, Canmar Pride and Maersk Belawan.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Ice Forecast

12/25:
Ice hazard bulletin for the Great Lakes issued by Environment Canada from Canadian Ice Service in Ottawa at 1700 Utc Sunday 24 December 2000.

No ice warning in effect for the next 36 hours.
Lake Ontario... Open water along the north coast and over the northeast section of the lake. Fast ice in the Bay of Quinte and in sheltered bays of the Prince Edward County. Local patches of 9 plus tenths mostly thin Lake Ice in sheltered bays in the eastern end of the lake and into the St Lawrence River. Patches of 1 to 4 tenths new lake ice along the shore east of Toronto. Otherwise ice free.

Lake Erie...Ice free over the central portion of the lake. Open water within 10 miles of the lake shore with patches of 8 to 9 tenths new lake ice within 5 miles of the shore. 9 plus tenths thin Lake Ice in Long Point Bay. West of a line between Erieau and Avon point 9 tenths new and thin lake except 9 plus tenths medium and thin lake ice in northern half of western basin. In Lake St Clair 9 plus tenths thin with some medium lake except for a small area of 5 to 7 tenths new lake ice within 3 miles of the southern shore.

Lake Huron and Georgian Bay...Ice free over most of the lake and in central portion of Georgian Bay. Open water along the shore of the lake. Areas of 6 to 9 tenths new with some thin lake ice along the eastern and western shore of Lake Huron, in the northern half of the north channel and within 6 to 12 miles from the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay. 9 plus tenths thin and medium lake ice in most of St Marys River and over Saginaw Bay.

Lake Superior...Ice free over the lake. Open water near the lake shore with patches of new and thin lake ice in sheltered bays. Fast ice in most of Black Bay and western Nipigon Bay. 9 plus tenths thin and new lake ice in eastern Nipigon Bay. 7 to 9 tenths new lake ice along the northern and western shore of Thunder Bay.

Lake Michigan... Not available

Click here for the St. Lawrence River Forecast.

Note: this report is offered for entertainment and should not be relied on for navigation. Please consult Canadian Ice Service for current conditions (subscription necessary)

Area coverage is expressed in tenths
1-3/10's---very open drift ice
4-6/10's---open drift ice
7-8/10's---close pack ice
9-9+/10's--very close pack
10/10's---compact
10/10's---frozen together - consolidated

When ice reaches 6/10's or greater, ships can no longer traverse between floes.

Fast ice--ice fastened to the shore (frozen all the way across)

New Lake Ice----recently formed less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) thick.
Thin Lake Ice---2 - 6 inches (5 - 15 centimeters) thick.
Medium Lake Ice- 6 - 12 inches (15 - 30 centimeters) thick.
Thick Lake Ice--12 - 28 inches (30-70 centimeters) thick.
Very Thick Ice--greater than 28 inches (70 centimeters thick).

E-mail Delay

12/25:
About 10:00 p.m. it appeared that my e-mail server went down. If you are trying to reach me please send to ncschult@yahoo.com. I will post a message on this News Page when the server is back online.
Happy holidays, Neil

E. M. Ford

12/25:
It was 21 years ago this Christmas morning that the stern of the 1898 built E.M. Ford was resting on the bottom of Milwaukee's outer harbor. The bow settled to the bottom Christmas night.

The Ford was torn free from its temporary lay-up location by a fierce northeast storm on Christmas Eve. The Ford was loaded with a winter storage load, but could not travel up the river to the Huron Cement terminal for lay-up until the S.T. Crapo arrived with its final load after Christmas.

The Ford was directed to slip #1 in the outer harbor by city harbor workers. Normally a safe location unless a storm from the northeast is brewing, slip #1 faces northeast and is in a direct line with the main harbor entrance. It was a clear sunny day when the crew of the Ford laid the boat up a few days before Christmas and went home for the holiday.

The five man crew still on board was no match for the storm that continued to build throughout the day on the 24th. The stern began to work loose by early afternoon, eventually swinging far enough to the south to strike the seawall on the opposite side of the slip. By late afternoon, with seas running 10 to 15-feet, the Ford was completely free of all its mooring lines. The surge created by the wind continually pounded the Ford into the seawall at the West End of the slip.

With seas now at almost 20-feet there was little shore crews and two Great Lakes Towing tugs could do but stand by and watch. One of the tugs was sent to the Presque Isle in the inner harbor. The G-tug spent the night pushing against the laid up Presque Isle to keep it from leaving the dock.

The Ford was patched and raised by late January 1980 and towed to Sturgeon Bay for extensive repairs. But not before the now hardened cargo of cement was removed. Litigation between National Gypsum and the City of Milwaukee went back and forth until just a few years ago when the U.S. Supreme Court made a final ruling involving payment of interest.

Reported by: Andy Laborde

Today in Great Lakes History - December 25

The E.G. GRACE carried 14,797 tons of taconite ore on her last trip out of Taconite Harbor, MN bound for South Chicago, IL and then was laid up at Ashtabula, OH on December 25, 1976 with engine trouble which often plagued the six "Al" ships powered with Lentz-Poppet engines. The lay-up of the E.G. GRACE lasted until April, 1984 when she became the first Maritimer to be sold for scrap.

Data from: 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

Ice Delays Continue

12/24:
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bristol Bay began its day Saturday morning clearing a track for upbound traffic while operating with only one engine. Cold temperatures and wind have combined to create thick ice fields in Western Lake Erie and the lower Detroit River. The Bristol Bay worked her way back to her base at Belle Isle followed by the Canadian Navigator, Agawa Canyon, tug Jacklyn M. with the barge Integrity, Paul R. Tregurtha, Columbia star and Canadian Olympic.

The Paul R. Tregurtha passed Detroit upbound carrying eight reindeer and a red sleigh on her unloading boom. It took the Tregurtha about 14 hours to travel the distance that normally takes a few hours.

The Columbia Star passed upbound about 6:00 p.m. sporting Christmas lights above the pilothouse and in the shape of a tree and a star on the rear of her cabins. The Columbia Star made a stop at Sterling fuel.

The downbound Algorail was also in the holiday spirit. The vessel is decorated with holiday lights around the top of her pilot house, on the unloading boom, around all the aft cabins and strung down from her mast having a large tree-like appearance.

The Kaye E. Barker became ice bound while turning into the Rouge Short Cut, and needed assistance from the Gaelic Tugboat Co. tug Shannon to get free.

The Canadian Coast Guard Griffon took over icebreaking duties in the lower Detroit River and assisted a convoy of vessel. Those vessels were the John J. Boland heading for Detroit, the upbound Earl. W. Oglebay and the Reserve. The Reserve was sailing upbound from Toledo and reported ice to be 8-inches to 1-foot thick.

The J.A.W. Iglehart arrived for winter lay-up Friday. She will winter at the Lafarge dock in Detroit.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Neah Bay is reported to be enroute to the area to assist in ice breaking.

Reported by: Joseph Provost and Lawrence Yost

Soo Ice

12/24:
Ice was causing problems in the St. Mary's River Saturday morning. Vessel traffic was halted as the Algosteel was trapped in ice at the Moon Island turn. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Katmai Bay was called for assistance.

Later that afternoon the Mackinaw locked through downbound and will join the cutter Katmai Bay in the lower river. The Algosteel was freed and under escorted by the Katmai Bay heading upbound to the Soo. Vessel traffic was again underway.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Algosea to Depart Lay-up

12/24:
The Algosea's winter lay-up will be a short one as the vessel will spend the winter trading on the ocean.

Last week the Canadian registry of vessel was closed and she took back her previous name of Ambassador. The vessel was in lay-up at Trois-Rivières since Dec. 9.

Reported by: René Beauchamp and Pierre Parent

White due back in Muskegon

12/24:
The Fred R. White Jr. was schedule to make a return trip to Muskegon on Saturday. She was expected about 1:00 a.m. but may have changed due to the weather. The White will be unloading coal at the Sappi Paper Mill.

Reported by: Scott Golin

Sarah Spencer in Midland

12/24:
The barge Sarah Spencer arrived in Midland Friday for one of its final trips of the season. Ice was reported to be 8-10 inches thick and the barge became stuck several miles from the dock. The tug Jane Ann IV left the barge, broke a path to the berth, then retrieved the barge and docked. This operation took about 12 hours due to the heavy ice.

Saturday the barge was lying approximately 25 feet off the dock and was using her self-unloading boom to reach the hoppers. As the barge is lightened, it is winched in towards the dock. The Sarah Spencer will return to Thunder Bay to load its last cargo for Port Colborne.

Also in Midland Saturday was the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay.

Reported by: Tom Barber, Rudy Smith, and Allen Stevens

Nindawayma on the Move

12/24:
Arriving under tow at Rimouski from Les Méchins on Friday morning was the ferry Nindawayma. The vessel had been purchased earlier this year by the Verreault Group for a reported 1.5 Million (C). The vessel will be converted into a cable ship for a company based in England.

The 102 meter Spanish built (1975) Nindawayma departed Owen Sound in November after an eight year lay-up.

The Nindawayma was originally purchased by Ontario Northland for $11 million in 1989 but by 1992 was laid up due to a downturn in traffic. In 1996 she was put up for sale but several proposals for her purchase failed.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Season Winding Down

12/24:
On Friday, the pilot boat from Cape Vincent left for its winter storage in Clayton after taking a pilot to the Thalassa Desgagnes. The Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley was picking up navigation aids but could not reach the one at Charity Shoal due to weather. She then went on to the Welland Canal. The Canadian Voyager and the English River both went to anchor in Prince Edward Bay due to weather on Lake Ontario.

The Robinson Bay continued to pick up aids in the U.S. sector.

Saturday the Lady Hamilton was eastbound and is the last saltie in the system. She expected to reach the Iroquois Lock about 6:00 p.m.

Seaway Radio Message was given on Friday and is the last message of the season unless special conditions arise. At midnight on the 21st there were 9 ocean vessels above St. Lambert (13 in 1999) and 1 above Port Weller (2 in 1999).

Reported by: Ron Walsh

More Icebreaking

12/24:
The tug Triton broke a track into the coal dock in Sandusky on Friday night for the Sam Laud. After finishing the track, the Triton proceeded to Lorain to break out the Agawa Canyon from the Jonick dock. By Saturday morning, the Triton had returned to Sandusky to break ice on the outbound voyage for the Sam Laud, but frozen coal cars had slowed the Laud's loading to a crawl. The Triton will break out the Laud when loading is completed sometime Sunday morning. These last three visits by G-Tugs are rare for Sandusky and Lorain, but persistent ice conditions are requiring the tug's assistance both inbound, at the docks, and outbound.

Elsewhere, the tug Iowa broke ice for the Walter J. McCarthy in Conneaut, before proceeding to Ashtabula to assist the Courtney Burton.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Toledo Update

12/24:
Saturday the Reserve was finally able to complete loading her coal cargo at the CSX Dock. She was departing the dock around 3:00 p.m. The vessel will be the last coal boat of the season.

The tugs Frank Palladino, and James Palladino were tied up at the Shipyard riverfront dock. Their barge Kellstone I remains in drydock undergoing repairs. The tugs may be taking the barge back to Sandusky in a few days for winter lay-up.

The Algobay arrived at Anderson's "K" Elevator under tow of the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey.

The next scheduled ore boat will be the Armco due in at the Torco Dock on Saturday afternoon.

Scheduled grain boats expected to arrive in Toledo are the Manitoulin and Cuyahoga. They should be arriving in the next several days. The Algosteel is also due in soon to unload cargo at one of the docksites.

Vessel arrivals are dependent on the heavy ice conditions being encountered on the lower Detroit River, and Western Lake Erie. The Coast Guard is using a convoy system in the areas to better assist the vessels traveling through the ice.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Hamilton Report

12/24:
Hamilton was busy Friday afternoon with an Upper Lakes Group vessel departing and meeting fleetmate Canadian Century. The Century was followed by the James Norris and Frontenac.

The Canadian Century headed to Dofasco's coal dock, the Norris to Pier 12 (possibly to unload stone) and the Frontenac to Stelco's ore dock.

The Canadian Miner arrived earlier Friday and docked at Pier 9 along with the Algogulf who has been in lay-up since last year. The Gordon C. Leitch and the Algocen are in lay-up at Eastport Piers 27 and 23.

Reported by: Marc Ouellette

Seaway News

12/24:
Saturday morning there were several vessels downbound in the Seaway or on Lake Ontario. There was only one foreign-flag saltie, the Lady Hamilton on Lake Ontario bound for Montreal for the bunkering docks.

Vessels that departed Montreal that morning were the Lok Maheshwari, Canadian Ranger, Behice, Lake Erie and Axion.

Being used as icebreakers lately in the Seaway was the McKeil tug Lac Manitoba and Groupe Ocean tug Omni St. Laurent in the vicinity of the Côte Ste. Catherine lock.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Seasons Greetings

12/24:
Happy Holidays to all, the web site has seen another year of phenomenal growth and I thank everyone for their hard work in contributing to the site and thank the regular viewers for their continued support.

Click here for my electronic Holiday greeting card.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 24

December 24, 1969 - The CITY OF FLINT 32 made her last trip out of Ludington pulled by 2 tugs. She was sold to Norfolk and Western Railway Company to be converted into a river ferry barge and renamed ROANOKE.

On 24 December 1910, ALSAKA (wooden propeller bulk freighter, 165', 348 t, built in 1878 at Detroit, formerly ACORN) was sheltering from a storm a few miles from Tobermory, Ontario, when she caught fire from an overheated boiler and burned to a total loss. She was originally built as a sidewheel passenger vessel and when rebuilt in 1889, her engine went into the steamer FRANK E. KIRBY.

On 24 December 1875, the Port Huron Times listed the following vessels at winter lay-up at St. Clair, Michigan -- Scows: ANNA H. MOORE, A. MONROE, MYRTLE, CLIPPER VISION, J. SNADERS and B. MONROE; Steamers: BERTIE DAHLKE and HELEN; Schooners: JOHN RICE and M. R. GOFFE; Barges: MILLIN and JUSTIN R. WHITING; Tug: C. M. FARRAR; and Dredge: H. LIFIAN.

On Christmas Eve of 1979 While at her temporary dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the E.M. Ford sank when gale force winds forced her from her moorings and repeatedly slammed her bow into the dock facing. By Christmas morning her stern was settled on the bottom, her engine room flooded. Her storage cargo of powdered cement was partially flooded also. By afternoon, the proud steamer lay sunken at her dock. She stayed on the bottom for several weeks as crews had to remove a solid 3 feet of hardened cement and patch her holed bow. On January 20th, 1980 she was refloated and towed to Bay Shipbuilding where work began on rebuilding her.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Todd Davidson, 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

Ice Delays Traffic in Western Lake Erie

12/23:
Heavy ice this week in Western Lake Erie and the lower Detroit River has delayed shipping traffic as vessels experience conditions that have not been seen in years. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay has been assisting vessels in the area since Wednesday. Friday morning the Saginaw was in the Pelee Passage heading upbound near the Detroit River light waiting for assistance. The ice was reported to be about 8-inches thick, delaying many vessel.

The vessels, traveling in convoy, were slowly making their way up the lower Detroit River later that day. About 5:00 p.m. the Saginaw was upbound traveling at 7 mph. The Algolake, Southdown Challenger and Halifax were waiting for Bristol Bay to reach the top of the Detroit River's Livingston Channel, then take them downbound. Four other vessels were waiting to go upbound.

One of the vessel waiting to head upbound was the tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity. They departed Toledo and expected to arrive at the Detroit River Light about 5:50 p.m. The tug and barge had a tough trip across Lake Erie sailing from Buffalo to Toledo.

The tug and barge reached the lower entrance of the Detroit River and were waiting until Saturday morning to head upbound as the Coast Guard closed the channel over night.

Temperatures hovered around 0 degrees Friday with wind chills reaching 30 degrees below 0.

The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Griffon passed downbound Friday evening above the Huron Cut heading to assist the ice breaking in Lake Erie.

Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over the lower Detroit River Friday 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.
Bristol Bay working in the ice.
Saginaw upbound.
Southdown Challenger and Algowest pass.
Close up of the Southdown Challenger.
Close up of the Algowest.
Algolake on ice.
The Detroit - Windsor truck ferry.

Reported by: Dave Wobser, T. Parker, Robin Greathouse, Don Coles and Linda Stoetzer

Fast Work at Port Weller

12/23:
Crews at Port Weller Dry Docks have removed the forebody of the Louis R Desmarais. The vessel's forward mast and unloading boom cables have been removed and her boom was being removed Friday evening.

The old forebody is expected to be floated from the drydock and removed some time today with the new forebody being floated into place. Crews appear to be focusing on the Desmarais as the old forebody must be removed and new forebody put in place before the canal is drained. Not much work appears to have been done on the Tadoussac.

Reported by: Jason Junge, Jim Sprunt and Gerry O.

No Break for SMET

12/23:
If Santa shows up at Midwest Energy Terminal this weekend, the crew there will probably put him to work. Nine vessels are due there over the three-day weekend. Canadian Enterprise, St. Clair, Adam E. Cornelius and Nanticoke are scheduled for Dec. 23; Oglebay Norton is due on the 24th; and Columbia Star, Canadian Olympic, Paul R. Tregurtha and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. are all due Dec. 25. Most of these vessels are scheduled to return for another load before the end of the year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marinette and Menominee Season Review

12/23:
The Shipping season got underway in March with the Arrival of the McKee Sons to begin work for her conversion. The first cargo was brought into Marinette by the Catherine Desgagnes who visited 7 times during the season. The Pere Marquette 41/Undaunted and the Menominee each made six visits. The Calcite II delivered two cargoes of coal to Menominee Paper, while the Charles M. Beeghly made a rare trip to Marinette also with a cargo of coal.

Several salties were in port delivering Pig Iron that is used in local Foundries. The Gordon C Leitch was also a "rare" visitor this fall with a Pig Iron Cargo.

The 2000 season saw an increase of more than 10 vessels from 1999, the season ended in early December with the Pere Marquette arriving with one last Pig Iron Cargo for the year.

Reported by: Scott Best

Toledo Update

12/23:
Friday the Reserve was loading coal at the CSX Dock. The loading process was very slow because of the cold weather causing the coal to freeze in the railroad cars as well as equipment breakdowns being encountered. She was expected to depart later in the day.

Another ore boat has been scheduled for the Torco Ore Dock and that will be the Armco for Saturday, Dec. 30.

The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity were slowly headed upbound the Maumee River for the Lafarge Dock to unload cement. They encountered problems with some of the railroad bridges opening due to the bitterly cold weather.

The Algobay, Manitoulin, and Cuyahoga are scheduled to load grain at the elevators during the next several days, however weather and rapidly developing ice on western Lake Erie will cause delays in there arrivals at this port.

The USCG has issued a winter navigation plan for all tugs and barges operating on western Lake Erie, the Detroit and St Clair River systems, the southern half of Lake Huron and all of Saginaw Bay due to the rapidly developing heavy ice in these areas.

The Wolverine is in drydock at the Shipyard for survey and the Joseph H. Frantz is in winter lay-up at the Hocking Valley South Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway News

12/23:
Salties transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway Thursday between the St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks included: Lake Superior, Axion, Federal Asahi, Fairlift, Ira, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Kopalnia Halemba, Sidsel Knutsen, Havelstern and Necat-A . By midnight Friday there were expected to be only a handful of salties left in the Seaway. The Lady Hamilton is expected to be the last vessel to pass downbound at St. Lambert.

Vessels departing Montreal in convoy Friday morning were Kopalnia Halemba, Algocape, Atlantic Queen, Rays, Montreal Senator, Algocatalyst and Lykes Inspirer.

Cartierdoc was expected in Montreal Friday from Sorel for winter lay up. The Algosea is not at Quebec but at Trois-Rivières, section 10. According to the Coast Guard report of Dec. 20, she was scheduled to depart for the Magdalen Islands but her departure was canceled.

The John B. Aird was downbound in the Seaway on Dec. 20 for Baie Comeau when her destination was changed to Contrecoeur to unload potash. The Aird had to go to the Lanoraie Anchorage as the Millenium Raptor was at Contrecoeur Thursday. Friday morning the Millenium Raptor departed and John B. Aird took the vacant dock.

Several lakers have entered the Seaway lately all bound for Toronto and loaded with an unusual cargo for them, sugar. The vessels were the Algoisle, Canadian Voyager and Canadian Prospector.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 23

The IMPERIAL ST. CLAIR was selected to participate in the three-year winter navigation experiment during which the Soo Locks remained open all year. On December 23, 1976, at the very onset, she ran aground entering ice-jammed Parry Sound on Georgian Bay in a blinding snow squall. One of her cargo tanks ruptured spilling 1,800 barrels of diesel oil.

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) was downbound past Detroit, MI December 23, 1985 by-passing a 15,000 ton load of scrap because of the lack of time to clear the Seaway.

CHARLES DICK was sold for scrap to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne, Ont. on December 23, 1976.

The SIR TREVOR DAWSON was laid up after the War until December 23, 1920 when she was sold to Pioneer Steamship Co. and renamed c) CHARLES L. HUTCHINSON (3).

On 23 December 1905, JAMES B. WOOD (steel propeller freighter, 514', 7159 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. In 1913, she was renamed ARCTURUS.

On 23 December 1885, MARY MARTINI (wooden propeller passenger-package freight vessel, 85', 91 gt, built in 1877 at W. Bay City) stranded on Brule Point, 13 miles east of Grand Marais, MN on Lake Superior in fair weather. A navigational error was blamed. She became a total loss but her passengers and crew were taken off by the Duluth tug T. H. CAMP.

In 1903 the PERE MARQUETTE 20 arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage.

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 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

Alpena Departs

12/22:
The Alpena departed Saginaw today with the help of the tug Manitou. The pair were out bound from Saginaw after 12:30 p.m.

Malcolm Marine Inc.'s tug Manitou departed Port Huron 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday to assist the Alpena. Capt. Bill Malcolm of the tug reported 8-10" of ice in Saginaw Bay.

The Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Griffon was waiting to assist the Algorail. The Algorail arrived Thursday evening sailing for the Sand & Stone Dock in Essexville. Algorail was sailing from Sarnia where she had been repaired, the vessel was damaged in Toledo.

Pictures taken on Wednesday by Stephen Hause
Alpena at dock.
Bow view.

Reported by: Lon Morgan, Ryan Kenny and Diane Hasler

Sales Fall Short for Cleveland-Cliffs

12/22:
Cleveland-Cliffs reported Dec. 20 that its sales of taconite pellets will fall as much as 1 million tons short of expectations this year.

Fourth-quarter pellet sales will be 2.5 million tons, down from an earlier projection of 3.2 million to 3.5 million tons. Sales for the year are expected to be 10.3 million tons, down from projections of 11 million to 11.3 million tons.

``The reduction in the fourth-quarter shipments is a reflection of deteriorating fundamentals in the North American steel industry,'' said John Brinzo, Cleveland-Cliffs chairman and chief executive officer. ``Weak order books, attributable to slowing economies in the U.S. and Canada, and high volumes of steel imports have caused a number of Cliffs' steel company customers to curtail their raw steel output in the fourth quarter.''

In addition, more than 3 million tons of taconite pellets will remain in Cliffs' inventory at the end of the year, meaning those pellets will be used to meet sales commitments in 2001 and 2002. Cliffs expects to record a small fourth-quarter loss.

Iron and steel industry conditions are expected to remain difficult in the first half of 2001, said Brinzo. But he says higher pellet sales volumes in 2001, including a contract with LTV Steel Corp., should make 2001 results better than 2000. LTV is closing its taconite plant in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., and purchasing pellets from other producers.

Cliffs operates several taconite plants in Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Reported by: Al Miller

McKee Sons/Invincible Update

12/22:
The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible were expected to arrive in Port Colborne on December 22, the pair has been delayed in Detroit with a frozen cargo. An updated e.t.a. for Port Colborne was not available.

Plans call for the barge to winter in the Welland Canal at Wharf 12, the stone dock, and for the tug to winter in Hamilton. If this is to happen the pair must be in the system by 8:00 a.m. Sunday. There will be no extensions on canal closing.

Reported by: David Bull and Jim Sprunt

Icebreaking Update

12/22:
On Wednesday, tugs of The Great Lakes Towing Company were busy breaking ice around the Great Lakes system. In Duluth, the tug North Carolina broke ice for the Mesabi Miner, George A. Stinson, Algoway and Stewart J. Cort. In Erie, the Iowa broke ice for the inbound and outbound voyages of the John J. Boland. In Buffalo, the Mississippi and New Jersey broke ice for the Gemini. In Toledo, the Illinois and Louisiana broke ice for the Wolverine. Lastly, in Detroit, the Vermont and Wyoming broke ice for the Buffalo.

As of Thursday morning, The Great Lakes Towing Company's big tug Triton was en route to the Pelee Passage on Lake Erie. The American Republic was beset in ice in the passage and the Triton has been dispatched to break her free. Consistent freezing temperatures across the western basin of Lake Erie have necessitated G-Tugs to break ice for lakers from Toledo to Buffalo this week.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Twin Ports report

12/22:
Despite a thick cover of ice, the Twin Ports remained active Dec. 21. Algoway was unloading salt at the Cutler Magner dock in Duluth. Tug North Carolina from Great Lakes Towing was helping Edwin H. Gott push its way into the loading slip at the DMIR ore dock, and Mesabi Miner was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal. A width swath of broken ice in the navigation channels, marks where 1,000-footers and tugs have kept traffic moving. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew also was active in the morning breaking ice.

Reported by: Al Miller

Soo Update

12/22:
Many vessels were at anchor Thursday morning and got underway in the afternoon. Above the locks at anchor in Wiskey Bay were the Cason J. Callaway, Armco, Charles M. Beeghly and the St. Clair west of Gros Cap.

Downbound was the Burns Harbor, Algolake and the Courtney Burton. Upbound was the American Mariner, Adam E. Cornelius, Algonova and Lee A. Tregurtha. The USCG cutter Katmai Bay escorted them. When Algonova is ready to transit the river downbound, the Katmai Bay will assist the tanker through the river system.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Toledo Update

12/22:
The Buckeye was at the Torco Dock unloading ore Thursday afternoon. She is the last ore boat of the season scheduled for the dock. The Reserve was loading coal at the CSX Dock. The loading process is very slow going because the coal is frozen in the railroad cars. She was not expected to finish loading until sometime today. She is expected to be the last coal boat of the season.

The Agawa Canyon arrived at Anderson's "K" Elevator Thursday afternoon under tow of the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey. It was unloading a cargo of potash. The Manitoulin is the next scheduled grain vessel due in but with weather and ice conditions on Western Lake Erie she may be delayed.

The Wolverine is in drydock at the Shipyard and the Joseph H. Frantz is in winter lay-up at the Hocking Valley South Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Lorain Harbor Update

12/22:
Thursday evening the Paul R. Tregurtha was backing into the pellet terminal. The Interlake 1000-footer is a very infrequent visitor to the port. She was unloading taconite into Bay #2.

The Lee A. Tregurtha is the next boat due to unload at the Lorain Pellet terminal on Dec 26. The David Z. Norton is on the shuttle to LTV in Cleveland and departed about noon Thursday and was expected back in Lorain early this morning. There was no ice reported outside of harbor and very little in harbor.

With recent repairs to the Lorain Lighthouse and exterior lighting it is now a beautiful sight at night.

Reported by: Ned Gang

Seaway West Traffic

12/22:
The traffic was slow in the Seaway due to ice and weather Thursday. At 6:00 p.m. the Lake Champlain was passing down at the American locks and the Sidsel Knudsen was to tie up on an approach wall.

At midnight on Dec. 20 there were 14 salties above St. Lambert (19 in 1999) and 2 salties above Port Weller (6 in 1999). Ice is reported to be forming above Lock 8 of the Welland Canal.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Departing the Seaway

12/22:
Salties transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway Wednesday between the Iroquois and St. Lambert locks were: Daviken, Millenium Harmony, Iryda, Marinus Green, Lake Superior, Axion, Millenium Eagle, Federal Asahi, Fairlift, Seletar Hope, Swallow and Kopalnia Helemba. Vessels that left Montreal Thursday morning in convoy were Diamond Star, Millenium Eagle, Stolt Aspiration, Lake Superior and Nuevitas.

The Stolt Aspiration did not depart Montreal Wednesday as expected. Her departure was delayed because of the ice jam on Lake St. Peter.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

For Sale - St. Helena Island

12/22:
St. Helena Island in the Straits of Mackinac is for sale on the Internet auction site eBay. The starting bid of $3,000,000 includes the uninhabited island and the fully restored St. Helena Light Station.

Click here to place your bid

Reported by: Richard Weiss

Today in Great Lakes History - December 22

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) finally arrived at Masan, South Korea December 22, 1986 for dismantling there which was completed in 1987.

DETROIT EDISON (2) grounded on Gray's Reef in northern Lake Michigan, December 22, 1980, inflicting heavy damage to 350 feet of her bottom.

The GORDON C. LEITCH (1) was laid up on December 22, 1981 no longer economically able to compete and was used for grain storage at Toronto.

RAYMOND H. REISS arrived at Ramey's Bend, Port Colborne, Ont. on December 22, 1980 for scrapping there.

LIGHTSHIP 103 was commissioned December 22, 1920.

On 22 December 1922, CORNELL (wooden propeller tug, 72', 66 gt, built in 1888 at Buffalo) foundered somewhere between Cleveland and Erie, PA while enroute to new owners in Syracuse, NY. She had a crew of 8. The weather was clear and mild with almost no wind. She had just been put back into service and inspected after several years of idleness. Her ice-encrusted lifeboat was found on 26 December, 25 miles east of Long Point, containing the frozen body of the fireman.

The Shelter Bay of Q&O Transportation , 317136, net tons 5473, was laid up for the last time on Dec. 23, 1978 in Goderich Ontario.

On 23 December 1885, MARY MARTINI (wooden propeller passenger-package freight vessel, 85', 91 gt, built in 1877 at W. Bay City) stranded on Brule Point, 13 miles east of Grand Marais, MN on Lake Superior in fair weather. A navigational error was blamed. She became a total loss but her passengers and crew were taken off by the Duluth tug T. H. CAMP.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Wally Moroziuk, 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

Alpena Reaches Saginaw

12/21:
The steamer Alpena arrived overnight Wednesday alongside the E.M. Ford at the Lafarge cement terminal at Saginaw. The vessel had been accompanied up the river by the tug Gregory J. Busch, which was breaking through ice for her.

The Alpena appeared to have finished unloading her cargo by mid-day Wednesday. However, according to reports, the Busch has experienced a breakdown and is unable to lead the steamer out of the river. The Alpena had arranged for ice breaking assistance coming from Port Huron. It was reported that a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker would arrive on Thursday to assist.

Pictures by Stephen Hause
Alpena at dock.
Bow view.
Sam Laud departing on Dec. 9.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Ryan Kenny and Dan McNeil

Last Saltie

12/21:
Wednesday the last saltie of the season passed downbound through the Soo Locks. The Lady Hamilton is sailing off the lakes with a cargo loaded in Thunder Bay.

Last year the Lady Hamilton was the last saltie to pass Detroit on Dec. 22.
Pictures from the Soo Locks Live Cams
Downbound in the Poe Lock.

Desmarais Forebody

12/21:
The conversion of the Louis R. Desmarais at Port Weller Dry Docks is well underway. The forebody is being cut from the vessel and was expected to remain at Port Weller over the winter so that it could receive the scrapped sections from Tadoussac. Since the canal is to be drained between Locks 1 and 2 the old hull was to sit on the mud all winter.

Latest reports say that the draining of that section of the canal has been extended by four days so the old forebody can be moved.

The Welland Canal will close to both upbound and downbound traffic at 8:00 a.m. December 24.

Reported by: Mark Hall

Presque Isle Arrives

12/21:
The tug Presque Isle arrived in Milwaukee for lay up on Tuesday. The tug will spend the winter at the Port of Milwaukee Heavy Lift Dock. The tug dropped its barge at Bay Ship for winter work.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Tug and Barge head for Port Colborne

12/21:
The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible are due at Wharf 12, Port Colborne today. The pair winter at the dock. The scheduled opening of the Welland Canal for the 2001 shipping season is March 23.

Reported by: Gerry O. and Jim Sprunt

Earl W. on Rare Trip

12/21:
The Earl W. Oglebay was on a rare trip through the Soo Locks Wednesday. The Earl W. was downbound with a cargo of taconite from Marquette for Ashtabula.
Pictures from the Soo Locks Live Cams
Downbound in the Poe Lock.

Reported by: Rod Burdick

White Unloads

12/21:
The Fred R. White Jr. was in Muskegon Wednesday. She was backed in the Sappi Paper Slip unloading coal. Her transit through Muskegon Lake saw the vessel cut through the early season ice that was snow covered.

Reported by: Ike Stephenson

Saltie Update

12/21:
The salties in the Seaway between St.Lambert and Iroquois locks Tuesday were Baltic Confidence, Orla, Daviken, Irma, Kapitonas Serafinas, Capricorn, Stolt Aspiration, Millenium Harmony, Iryda, Atlantic Queen, Marinus Green, Seletar Hope and Swallow.

Vessels that departed Montreal in convoy Wednesday morning were Kapitonas Serafinas, Canadian Provider, Shipka, Orla, Iryda, Daviken, Capricorn and Stolt Aspiration.

There was an ice jam on Lake St. Peter Wednesday and vessels with low power were advised to go to anchor until it was cleared. Working in the area was the icebreaker George R. Pearkes.

According to the 8:35 a.m. Coast Guard bulletin the following salties were still above St. Lambert lock. Axion, Fairlift, Ira, Lake Champlain, Federal Asahi, Havelstern, Kopalnia Halemba, Lady Hamilton, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Marinus Green, Millenium Eagle, Necat-A, Swallow and Sidsel Knutsen. 15 vessels total.

The closest one to Montreal was Marinus Green on Lake St. Louis and the farthest one the Lady Hamilton which had departed Thunder Bay 36 hours ago. The Kopalnia Halemba which was supposed to go to Windsor was downbound for Montreal instead. She passed Sodus Point on Lake Ontario at 7:00 a.m.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Sturgeon Bay Update

12/21:
The Tug Holly Ann returned to Sturgeon Bay Wednesday morning to pick up two barges to be returned to Chicago. With no traffic in the ship canal, she made up her tow in the turning basin by the Michigan St. Bridge and then went back out to the lake via the Ship Canal.

The tug Dorothy Ann was refloated from the small dry dock at Bay Ship and recoupled with the Barge Pathfinder at berth #8. It is unknown when or if she will depart Sturgeon Bay.

The Tug Escort II from Selvick Marine was lifted from the Bay Wednesday and placed on the Palmer Johnson dock. The tug will have hull coolers installed by Selvick Marine crews. With all of the heavy ice this year, brash ice in the cooling systems has been a problem. Her fleet mate Susan Selvick under went the same work a few days ago and was fully tested while assisting with the Presque Isle to the Dry Dock.

Tug Holly Ann.
Escort II on blocks at PJ dock. Travel Lift in Background was used to lift the tug out.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Toledo Update

12/21:
The Wolverine arrived Wednesday morning for winter lay-up and was placed in drydock at Toledo Shipyard for her 5-year survey and miscellaneous repairs. She will be in drydock for several weeks. The tugs Illinois and Montana assisted her into the drydock.

The Middletown was loading coal at the CSX Dock and is expected to depart Wednesday evening. The Reserve is at the #2 Dock waiting to follow. She will be the last coal boat of the season for the CSX Dock complex.

The Paterson was loading grain at Anderson's "K" Elevator and is expected to depart later on this evening with the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey/William Hoey handling the tow.

The Buckeye is due in at the Torco Dock Thursday morning to unload ore pellets. She will be the last scheduled ore boat of the season for the dock.

Vessel scheduled to visit Toledo within the next few days include three grain boats going to the various elevator complexes and two more Algoma vessels bringing cargo in to be unloaded.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Little Change In U.S.-Flag Carriage In November

12/21:
Dry-bulk cargoes moved in U.S.-Flag vessels on the Great Lakes totaled 11.3 million tons in November, just a slight decrease compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season., U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 102.8 million tons, an increase of 1.4 percent.

The November iron ore float for U.S.-Flag lakers slipped 4.1 percent to 5,468,063 tons. With steel imports still running near record levels, at least two domestic steelmakers have cut their iron ore orders as this season draws to a close. For the season, U.S.-Flag iron ore cargoes stand at 52.6 million tons, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the same point in the 1999 navigation season.

While November coal loadings were virtually unchanged, the season-to-date total of 18,365,722 net tons represents a decrease of 6.8 percent. Increased rail deliveries to a major Lower Rivers utility and reduced demand at an iron range power plant account for the decrease. The stone trade in U.S. bottoms is slightly ahead of last year's pace.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Today in Great Lakes History - December 21

The 437-foot bow section of the Roger Blough was float launched December 21, 1968 less ballast tanks because the existing dry dock wasn’t wide enough to accommodate her 105-foot width.

The WILLIAM G. MATHER was laid up for the last time December 21, 1980 at the Hocking Valley coal dock at Toledo, OH.

AMOCO ILLINOIS was laid up for the last time at Bay City, MI on December 21, 1980.

HOCHELAGA (2) was laid up on December 21, 1981 for the last time at Cardinal, Ont.

The OUTARDE (3) operated until December 21, 1983 when she was laid up for the last time at Toronto.

On 21 December 1891, the whaleback steamer CHARLES W. WETMORE tied up at the dock at Everett, Washington, ending a voyage of 93 days that started in Philadelphia and went around the tip of South America.

On 21 December 1879, CITY OF TOLEDO (wooden propeller package freighter, 413 gt, built in 1865 at Ogdensburg) was carrying winter provisions from Milwaukee to Ludington. In a white squall, she struck a reef and was stranded 7 miles north of Ludington, a few hundred yards from shore. Some of the crew made it to shore and sought help. The local Lifesaving Station was only in the planning stages, but a crew captain was on hand. He hastily assembled a volunteer lifesaving crew and over a five hour period, rescued all on board. None of the 24 person crew was lost.

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 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

Oglebay Norton Vessels begin to Lay-up

12/20:
The Joseph H. Frantz arrived for lay-up Tuesday at the Hocking Valley South Dock around 3:00 p.m. She was assisted into the Dock by the G tug Illinois. As usual, the 75 year old Frantz is the first in the fleet to lay-up. The Wolverine is also due to lay-up in Toledo. She was unloading one last shuttle on Tuesday morning in Cleveland before heading to Toledo.

Other unusual movements in the fleet include both the Earl W. Oglebay and Courtney Burton due in Marquette on Dec. 19 and 20 to load pellets for Ashtabula. The Columbia Star is also due in Ashtabula with taconite from Silver Bay.

The Fred R. White Jr. was delayed due to a dock breakdown while loading in Chicago. The Reserve will soon be loading a cargo of coal in Toledo destined for Duluth.

Reported by: Andy Hering and Jim Hoffman

Algorail Update

12/20:
On Tuesday the Algorail was in Sarnia for repairs to damage suffered when the vessel grounded in Toledo. The Toledo Blade reported damage to the vessel as "small tears" in the hull. It is unknown how long the vessel will be in Sarnia.

The Algorail was originally scheduled to finish unloading in Essexville, Michigan.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Fuel Dock Damaged

12/20:
Local news reported Tuesday that the Kaye E. Barker struck the Shell Fuel Dock at Corruna, Ontario. The dock on the St. Clair River is used by both Canadian and U.S. vessel.

Vessels were heard calling the Sterling fuel dock in Windsor, Ontario Tuesday to arrange for fueling as the Shell Dock will be closed for an unknown length of time.

The Barker proceeded on her voyage, there was no report of damage to the vessel.

Picture by Don Coles
Barker passing Windmill Point Light at the head of the Detroit River.

Alpena on Ice

12/20:
The steamer Alpena passed the Saginaw River Front Range lights Tuesday evening with the tug Gregory J. Busch leading to break the ice. The pair took about two and a half hours from the time they became visible from shore to the time they arrived. They reported ice 7 inches thick in the shipping channel, as well as several buoys buried under the ice.

Last night they were in the river making progress but were concerned with buoys off station or under the ice.

Once the Alpena arrives at the Lafarge Cement Dock in Saginaw, it will take about 12 hours to unload and then they will make the trip out to the Saginaw Bay.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Challenger Delayed

12/20:
The weather, bridges and ship repairs have all combined to keep the Southdown Challenger in Chicago for 9 days.

Gale warnings associated with a major snowstorm, kept the Challenger at their dock on Lake Calumet last Monday and Tuesday. Broken bridges over the Calumet River stranded the Challenger in mid stream when they finally did depart their dock. The bridges broke down from the excessive weight of snow on their bridge decks. The delay was so long that the Challenger was forced to return to their dock due to another round of gale warnings.

Unknown ship repairs had kept the Challenger in Chicago for the past few days. The "happy crew" hoped to finally head to Charlevoix Tuesday.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Ice Breaking

12/20:
On Monday, tugs from The Great Lakes Towing Company continued icebreaking efforts throughout the Lakes. In Duluth, G-Tugs (North Carolina, North Dakota and Kentucky) broke ice for the Oglebay Norton, Montrealais, Frontenac and Jane Ann IV/Sarah Spencer. In Green Bay, the Indiana broke ice for the Philip R. Clarke. In Buffalo, the Mississippi broke ice for the Gemini. In Conneaut, the Iowa broke ice for the Rt. Hon Paul J. Martin.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Twin Ports report

12/20:
The end of the fall grain rush means the Twin Ports are the quietest they've been since early last spring. On the morning of Dec. 19 the only working vessels in port were Montrealais loading at Cenex Harvest States and Burns Harbor loading at BNSF. Algolake was due later in the day to load at Midwest Energy Terminal and Stewart J. Cort was expected at BNSF.

Midwest Energy Terminal has a steady stream of vessels scheduled through the end of the year. The lineup includes: Mesabi Miner, Dec. 20;l St. Clair, Dec. 21; Adam E. Cornelius, Dec. 22; Canadian Enterprise and Nanticoke, Dec. 23. A big jam-up is possible on Christmas Eve, with Oglebay Norton, Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Columbia Star and Paul R. Tregurtha all due that day. Since it takes about 8 hours to load a 1,000-footer there, some delays are likely. Canadian Olympic is due in Christmas Day.

Reported by: Al Miller

Soo Update

12/20:
Tuesday afternoon the tug W. N. Twolan and barge arrived at the Government Dock with a load of lumber. The pair are waiting for weather before locking through into Lake Superior.

Work on the MacArthur Lock is progressing as crews prepare for winter maintenance. Tuesday crews were installing framing to cover lock as they prepare for the long winter of repairs.
Framing in place to cover the Mac (left).

Reported by: Dan Fletcher

Toledo Update

12/20:
Tuesday the Paterson was at Anderson's "K" Elevator loading grain. The tug Shannon with her barge Marysville was at the Sun Oil Dock loading cargo.

The American Mariner finished loading coal at the CSX Dock and departed late that morning. The Middletown was at the # 2 Dock waiting to follow, she shifted over to the #4 Dock to load coal when the Mariner departed.

The last scheduled coal boat of the season for the CSX Dock will be the Reserve due in late Tuesday evening.

The last scheduled ore boat for the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye due in early Thursday morning. The Wolverine is the next scheduled vessel to lay-up in Toledo within the next few days.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Welland Canal News

12/20:
The last downbound salty through the canal is expected to be Lady Hamilton on her way from Thunder Bay. The Polish owned ship, Kopalnia Halemba, is scheduled to depart Toronto for Windsor and be back down the canal before closing on Dec. 24.

The tug Ecosse, formerly R&L No.1 is now in the colors of Nadro Marine of Port Dover. The tug Offshore Supplier was rumored to have been sold off lakes and is now to be said registered in the Cayman Islands and operating in the Caribbean Sea.

Reported by: Jim Sprunt

Seaway East Traffic

12/20:
Tuesday traffic in the Seaway was mainly salties exiting the Seaway. The tugs Robinson Bay and Performance, along with a buoy barge, have been removing lighted aids from Tibbett's Point eastward.

Seaway radio message #13 stated that there were 29 salties above St. Lambert (28 in 1999), and 10 salties above Port Weller (18 in 1999). Extensive delays at locks due to heavy broken ice were again mentioned along with one way navigation in the South Shore canal and the Intermediate Pool between Snell and Eisenhower locks.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Departing the Seaway

12/20:
Vessels exiting the Seaway between Iroquois and St. Lambert locks Tuesday included the Federal Hudson, Lake Ontario, Great Laker, Shipka, Orla, Daviken, Irma, Stolt Aspiration, Iryda and Atlantic Queen.

For about ten days night navigation is restricted on the river between Montreal and Quebec City. Most of the vessels are leaving both ports in convoy after 7:00 a.m. each day. There have been about 5 to 10 vessels in these convoys. Tuesday morning a convoy departed the port of Montreal with the Storm, Baltic Confidence, Cartierdoc, Algosar, Quebecois and Canadian Mariner traveling together.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Passing of Captain William J. Chambers

12/20:
Family, friends and co-workers mourned the loss of veteran Captain William J. Chambers, a 40-year veteran of The Great Lakes Towing Company, who passed away Friday morning, December 15, 2000, of an apparent heart attack. Captain Chambers, 58, served in the port of Cleveland, where he towed thousands of ships during his career.

Excerpted from his obituary in the Cleveland Plain Dealer: William J. 'Captain' Chambers, 58, who owned the Flat Iron Cafe in the 1970s and the Public House at Kamm's Corners in the 1980s and 1990s, died Friday when he apparently suffered a heart attack while delivering a gift to a former employee in Cleveland.

Mr. Chambers was also a tugboat captain and a retired pipefitter. The Coast Guard commended him for participating in the dangerous rescue of six men on a barge and towboat that had gone adrift in a storm-tossed Lake Erie in December 1992.

Mr. Chambers was on The Great Lakes Towing Co.'s 90-foot tug Wisconsin, when word was received that the crews of the barge and the towboat that had been pulling it were in trouble near Cleveland. Rescue efforts were hampered by waves of up to 12 feet, winds gusting to about 50 mph and 30-degree temperatures.

The decks of the boats were covered with ice. The crew of the Wisconsin managed to get a towline to the barge and bring it to safety, then do the same with the towboat that was in danger of crashing into the breakwall. Although there was great risk that rescuers would fall into the frigid lake, no on was injured.

Captain Chambers was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday.

Reported by: Jerry Popiel

Today in Great Lakes History - December 20

The SAMUEL MATHER (5) was towed from Ashtabula on December 20, 1975 to Port Colborne, Ont. where her boilers were converted to oil-fired burners by Herb Fraser & Associates and renamed c) JOAN M. McCULLOUGH.

The FRONTENAC (4)'s scrapping process was completed there December 20, 1985.

The CRISPIN OGLEBAY (1) hauled her last cargo, a load of salt, into Rochester, NY on December 20, 1973 and then was laid up at Kingston, Ont. for the winter.

The Keel was laid for the PERE MARQUETTE 22 on December 20, 1923.

In 1910 the PERE MARQUETTE 18 (II) was launched at South Chicago. She was the only Great Lakes carferry to be built in Chicago.

December 20, 1979 - The Interstate Commerce Commission approved the termination of the C&O's Milwaukee run. C&O terminated the run the following year.

On 20 December 1867, ALIDA (wooden propeller packet/tug, 81', 58 gt, built in 1856 at Saginaw, MI) had her boiler explode in the Saginaw River. She caught fire and burned to a total loss. This little packet/tug was the only steamer to regularly venture up the Saginaw River beyond the mouth of the Flint River.

On 20 December 1873, the Great Western ferry MICHIGAN was finally launched at the Jenkins yard in Walkerville, Ontario. Her launching was originally scheduled for 18 December, but she stuck on the ways. She was built for use on the Detroit River and her dimensions were 282' x 72'6" beam.

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 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

Algorail Update

12/19:
The Algorail was refloated and docked at the Kuhlman Dock very late Sunday evening. The vessel was carrying a cargo of potash and most of the cargo was unloaded at Kuhlman's Dock overnight. Monday afternoon her bow area was quite high out of the water for survey.

The Algorail departed the Kuhlman Dock under tow of the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey about 4:30 p.m. Monday. It was unknown where the vessel was heading and there was no report of damage available.

Sunday afternoon the vessel grounded while passing through the NS South Railroad Bridge. High southwest winds were blamed for lowering water levels in the shipping channel. The water level for Western Lake Erie and Toledo ship channel had been steady at -30 inches below low water datum. The vessel grounded in the middle of the draw and the bridge was unable to close.

The Toledo Blade reported the Algorail's port bow struck the river bottom. The paper reports that the crew was pumping water to increase the ship’s buoyancy while awaiting a rise in the river level.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Desmarais Arrives

12/16:
The Louis R. Desmarais arrived Sunday afternoon at Port Weller Dry Docks. Monday the vessel was in the deep dock and work on her conversion has already begun.

The forebody of the Louis R. Desmarais must be cut and moved before the canal closes. The Desmarais will be converted to a SeawayMax laker over the winter. The new forebody that was built at the dry docks will be joined to the existing stern section. The old forward section is to remain at Port Weller over the winter so that it can receive the scrapped sections from Tadoussac. Since the canal is to be drained between Locks 1 and 2 the old hull will sit on the mud all winter.

The Welland Canal will close to both upbound and downbound traffic at 8:00 a.m. December 24.

Reported by: Jason Junge, Jim Sprunt and Gerry O.

Presque Isle enters Bay Ship

12/19:
Before dawn Selvick Marine tugs were busy breaking ice and freeing the Presque Isle at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay. The Presque Isle tug detached from the Barge early and headed up the Bay of Green Bay and around the tip of the Door, for the Heavy lift dock in Milwaukee for winter lay-up.

The Barge was freed from the ice by Selvick tugs and the USCG Mobile Bay, commanded by Lt. Cdr. John Little. The tow from Sherwood Point to Bay Ship is about four miles. The tow was stalled several times in the hard ice.

Pictures by Vic DeLarwelle
Presque Isle under tow.
Close up
USCG Mobile Bay laying off drydock waiting for tow.

Reported by: Paul Graf and Vic DeLarwelle

Tug Takes on Water

12/19:
Quick action by the La Pointe Volunteer Fire Department kept the tug Eclipse from settling to the bottom of Lake Superior's La Pointe Harbor on Friday morning, December 15.

Crew on the Madeline Island Ferry "Island Queen" noticed the tug settled low in the water as they entered the harbor for the first ferry trip off of Madeline Island shortly before 6:30 am. The tug, locked in the harbor ice, had only inches of freeboard showing. A borrowed pump stemmed further settling until the Fire Department arrived with the portable pump they usually use for tanker filling. It took about one hour to pump down about five feet of water below decks. The cause of the near sinking was a valve left open after laying up the tug for the winter.

The tug, along with the barge Sandy G., are owned by Nelson Construction of La Pointe and are used for marine construction and bulk material handling jobs around the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

Reported by: T. W. Eldred

Heavy Cargo

12/19:

The tug Holly Ann pushing a barge entered Sturgeon Bay through the ship canal Monday and entered Bay Ship. The barge as carrying an 80-ton valve to be used on a new dredge that Bay Ship is building. The tug and barge were expected to return to Chicago Monday.

Tug and barge at Bay Ship.
Valve is hoisted off the barge at Berth #8.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Seaway Traffic

12/19:
About 11:00 a.m. Monday the traffic in the Seaway was suspended due to wind and ice in the South Shore canal and then a problem with the bridge at Cote Ste. Catherine. The Federal Hudson was tied at Cote Ste. Catherine wharf. There were at least six ships at anchor and the Daviken was heading for the Upper wall at Eisenhower.

The Algocen went to anchor by her own choice for weather. Winds were reported to be 20 to 25 knots, seas 8 to 10 feet and some spray later. At 7:15 p.m. winds were reported to be 21 knots and the Saginaw went to anchor. She got underway later with an e.t.a. for Psyche Shoal of 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. for Oswego.

Seaway Radio message number 12 stated that extensive delays were being experienced at some locks due to heavy broken ice.

On Dec. 17 there were 33 ocean vessels above St. Lambert (32 in 1999) and 13 ocean vessels above Port Weller (22 in 1999).

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Twin Ports report

12/19:
Buffalo departed Fraser Shipyards sometime during the weekend after undergoing repairs in drydock.

Although the Seaway season is over in Duluth-Superior, the port remains busy. Montrealais was due to arrive Dec. 18 for grain, Oglebay Norton was scheduled to arrive to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal, and Frontenac and Burns Harbor were both due at the BNSF ore dock.

The Duluth DMIR ore dock currently has only 1,000-footers scheduled for the rest of December. Edwin H. Gott is due Dec. 20; Indiana Harbor, Dec. 21; Mesabi Miner, Dec. 24, James R. Barker, Dec. 27; and Indiana Harbor, Dec. 29.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

12/19:
Monday the Algocape was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator and was expected to depart later that evening. The Cuyahoga finished loading grain and departed Anderson's "K" Elevator early Monday afternoon. The Paterson was heading upbound in the Maumee River under escort of the Gaelic tug Susan Hoey bound for Anderson's "K" Elevator to load grain. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge was at the Sun Oil Dock.

The American Mariner was loading coal at the CSX Dock. The next scheduled coal boats are the Middletown due about 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning followed by the Reserve expected late Tuesday afternoon. The Reserve is the last scheduled coal boat of the season for the dock.

The last scheduled ore boat of the season for the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye due in Wednesday evening.

The Cuyahoga is scheduled for one more trip into Toledo to load grain at one of the Anderson's grain complexes during late December between Christmas and New Years. The Joseph H. Frantz is due in Toledo late Tuesday or early Wednesday for winter lay-up. She will probably go to the Hocking Valley North Dock for lay-up.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Saltie Exodus

12/19:
The Seaway Authority reported at least 14 salties were downbound in the canals and locks between Iroquois and St.Lambert locks Sunday. Those in the system included the Federal Hudson, Stolt Aspiration, Audacious, Moor Laker, Great Laker, Storm, Atlantic Swan, Baltic Confidence, Rays, Shipka, Orla, Irma, Kapitonas Serafinas and Capricorn .

Monday, because of unusual high winds, traffic was very slow in the canals with ships waiting at various anchorages and very few of them are expected to clear the Seaway.

Data for the season shows new foreign-flag salties names that transited the Seaway locks this year. 99 new names were logged including the Barbados-flag Anna Desgagnes that had transited in the past but was then Canadian-flag. Of the other 98, 63 never visited under their current name or former names. The remaining 35 had visited Great Lakes ports before under at least one previous name. In 1999 there were 82 new names and in 1998, 105 new names.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 19

The ASHLAND was launched December 19, 1942 as the L6-S-B1 class bulk carrier a) CLARENCE B. RANDALL (1). She laid up for the last time on the same day in 1979.

The ELMGLEN (2) ran aground December 19, 1989 near Johnson Point in the Munuscong Channel of the St. Marys River. Downbound loaded with grain, she had been diverted to the Munuscong Channel because of difficulties encountered by her fleetmate BEECHGLEN in the ice clogged West Neebish Channel.

Because of the increased demand for iron ore during the Korean conflict more ships were needed and as a consequence the yards on the Great Lakes were operating at capacity. In December 1950 the Republic Steel Corp. bought 70% of Nicholson--Universal stock in order to purchase ships from the surplus fleet.

On 19 December 1927, ALEXANDRIA (wooden propeller freighter, 97', 201 gc, built in 1902 at Chatham, Ontario) burned in the harbor of Little Current, Ontario off the Government Dock where her remains still lay.

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

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

Algorail Grounds

12/18:
The Algorail was being towed upriver Sunday afternoon to the Kuhlman Dock between Anderson's "K" and "E" Elevators when she grounded while passing through the NS South Railroad Bridge (near the grain elevators). The water level for Western Lake Erie and Toledo ship channel had been steady at -30 inches below low water datum. The vessel grounded in the middle of the draw and the bridge is unable to close. Train traffic in the area was being diverted. It appears that the vessel be moved until the strong westerly winds diminish and the water levels start rising.

The Algorail appeared to have suffered damaged from the grounding and that she was taking on water. The vessel was being pumped out and crews were gaining on the water coming into the hull. The plan is get the Algorail pumped out so that she can be moved from the center of the Railroad Bridge and over to the Kuhlman Dock to start unloading her stone cargo. Once the cargo is unloaded they will survey the damage.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

100 for Canadian Transfer

12/18:
Late last week the Canadian Transfer made its 100th visit to Marquette this season. No other vessel has made as many trips. The Canadian Transfer has been hauling ore all season for Algoma Steel in Soo, Canada. She has been making the 29 to 30 hour trip to and from Marquette just about every other day this season.

Scattered in for a bit of variety, the Canadian Transfer has made about two to three trips per month to Duluth and other ore docks along western Superior.

Reported by: Art Pickering

Toledo Update

12/18:
Sunday the Algocape was at Anderson's "E" Elevator loading grain. The CSL Niagara was loading coal at the CSX Dock with the American Mariner waiting to follow at the #2 Dock. The Cuyahoga was at Anderson's "K" Elevator loading grain. The barge Kellstone I is in drydock at the shipyard.

The Cason J. Callaway was expected to arrive Sunday to unload cargo at one of the dock sites. The Paterson was also expected to load grain.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the Reserve expected this afternoon followed by the Armco Tuesday morning. She will be the last coal boat of the season for the CSX dock.

The last scheduled ore boat of the season for the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye due in Wednesday afternoon.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Twin Ports report

12/18:
Lake Champlain departed Duluth on Dec. 16, earning the spot of last saltie of the season. The 590-foot ship is carrying 17,500 metric tons of soybeans to Finland. The Algosound was expected to be Duluth-Superior's last Seaway vessel of the season, with a scheduled departure on Dec. 17.

Buckeye in the Duluth Harbor Sunday afternoon the way to the DMIR dock #6. Kent Rengo

Sara Spencer at Elevator A in Duluth. Kent Rengo

Reported by: Al Miller and Kent Rengo

Sturgeon Bay Update

12/18:
Presque Isle arrived out side the bay of Sturgeon Bay Sunday. The tug and barge was expected to lay in the pack ice until some time today. Tugs from Selvick Marine will assist her into the inner bay to Bay Ship for dry docking of the barge and winter lay-up. The tug Presque Isle is scheduled to spend winter lay-up at the Heavy Lift dock in Milwaukee.

The tug Sharon M. Selvick was Placed back into service Sunday, after having Skin, (Hull Coolers Installed) by Selvick Marine Crews. This will allow the tug to work in the ice with out picking up brash ice in her cooling system. The work was done at Palmer Johnson's dock. A Marine Travel Lift Host made short work of lifting the tug off her blocks and placing her back into the bay. With all of the ice forming early this year, the more tugs for Ice breaking in the Bay the easier it will be to bring in the winter lay-up fleet.

Stern shot in ice off Sherwood Point.
Close up.
On blocking at Palmer Johnson Dock.
Off Blocks.
Turning to line up with the dock.
Back into the Bay.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Seaway Radio Message Number 11

12/18:
Ships will be accepted for transit on the Welland Canal at the respective call-in points until 8:00 a.m. December 24. Vessels will not be accepted for transit after this time.

The South Shore Canal is mainly ice covered with a broken track in the navigation channel. New ice is forming in the navigation channel on Lake St. Louis. Brash ice is present in the Beauharnois canal from Lock 4 to the upper canal entrance. The eastern half of Lake St. Francis is 40 to 60% ice covered with thin ice. A broken ice cover extends from Snell lock to above Eisenhower lock. One way navigation is in effect in both the South Shore Canal and the intermediate pool between Snell and Eisenhower locks.

Mariners are asked to take measures in icy waters to keep cooling water intakes free from ice to avoid engine-cooling problems that could result in a loss of vessel power.

At midnight December 14th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 40 as compared to 39 in 1999. Above Port Weller the number was 23 as compared to 33 in 1999. Mariners are urged to make plans to exit the system as early as possible taking into account possible delays that may be encountered during their outbound trip to ensure a timely arrival at Cape Vincent.

The thinning of non-essential navigation aids from Beauharnois canal to the U.S. locks is in progress. U.S. navigation aids in the south Cornwall channel will be removed on December 15th due to deteriorating conditions. Thinning of navigation aids above Eisenhower lock will begin on December 16th. More detailed information may be obtained from the respective Traffic Control Center.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 2000, due to lower than normal water temperatures and the subsequent reduction in water levels, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Ice Forecast

12/18:
Canadian Ice Service in Ottawa at 1700 utc Sunday 17 December 2000.

No ice warning in effect for the next 36 hours.
Lake Ontario...Ice free except open water along portions of the shore. Consolidated thin lake ice in the Bay Of Quinte and in sheltered bays of the Prince Edward County. Patches of 9 plus tenths mostly thin lake ice in sheltered bays in the eastern end of the lake and into the St Lawrence River.

Lake Erie...Ice free over the lake. Open water along portions of the lake shore. In the western basin 8 to 9 tenths new and thin lake ice except for a 5 to 8 mile wide lead along the western shore. 9 plus tenths thin lake ice in long point bay. 8 to 9 plus tenths new and thin lake ice along the eastern shore of Lake St Clair and most of the Detroit River. 5 to 6 tenths new lake ice in the center of Lake St Clair.

Lake Huron and Georgian Bay...Ice free over the lake and in central portion of Georgian Bay. Open water along the shore of the lake with a few strips of new lake ice along the eastern shore between Point Clark and Goderich. In the North Channel and along the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay 2 to 5 tenths new with some thin lake ice. 9 plus tenths thin lake ice in most of St Marys River and over southern Saginaw Bay.

Lake Superior...Ice free over the lake. Open water near the lake shore with patches of new and thin lake ice in sheltered bays. Fast in northern black bay. 5 to 9 tenths thin and new lake ice in the entrance to black bay. 9 plus tenths thin lake ice in western Nipigon Bay. 6 to 8 tenths new ice along the western shore of thunder bay.

Lake Michigan... Not available

Click here for the St. Lawrence River Forecast.

Note: this report is offered for entertainment and should not be relied on for navigation. Please consult Canadian Ice Service for current conditions (subscription necessary)

Area coverage is expressed in tenths
1-3/10's---very open drift ice
4-6/10's---open drift ice
7-8/10's---close pack ice
9-9+/10's--very close pack
10/10's---compact
10/10's---frozen together - consolidated

When ice reaches 6/10's or greater, ships can no longer traverse between floes.

Fast ice--ice fastened to the shore (frozen all the way across)

New Lake Ice----recently formed less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) thick.
Thin Lake Ice---2 - 6 inches (5 - 15 centimeters) thick.
Medium Lake Ice- 6 - 12 inches (15 - 30 centimeters) thick.
Thick Lake Ice--12 - 28 inches (30-70 centimeters) thick.
Very Thick Ice--greater than 28 inches (70 centimeters thick).

Today in Great Lakes History - December 18

The NANTICOKE was launched December 18, 1979.

GEORGIAN BAY was launched during a snow storm on December 18, 1953

The JOHN T. HUTCHINSON was laid up for the last time December 18, 1981 at Cleveland.

On December 18, 1921 gale force winds drove the CARMI A. THOMPSON ashore at Buffalo, NY where she was laid up with grain for winter storage. She ended up wedged between the LOUIS W. HILL and the MERTON E. FARR. The THOMPSON was released on January 5, 1922 but required the replacement of 156 hull plates before her return to service.

The ALABAMA was launched in 1909.

On 18 December 1899, BARGE 115 (steel whaleback, 256', 1169 gt, built in 1891 at Superior, WI) was carrying iron ore in a storm on Lake Huron when she broke from her tow steamer well out in the lake. She went ashore five days later at Pic Island off Thunder Bay, Ontario, and broke up. Her crew was thought to be lost, but they showed up days later after a long trek through the wilderness.

On 18 December 1959, BRIDGEBUILDER X (propeller tug, 71', 46 gt, built in 1911 at Lorain, Ohio) foundered in a storm while enroute from Sturgeon Bay to N. Fox Island on Lake Michigan. Two lives were lost. She had been built as the fish tug PITTSBURG. In 1939, she was converted to the excursion boat BIDE-A-WEE. Then she was converted to a construction tug for the building of the Mackinac Bridge and finally she was rebuilt in 1958 as a logging tug.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Last Grain Vessel in Quebec City

12/17:
Mapleglen was unloading grain at Bunge's Terminal (Pier 18) on Saturday afternoon, after her noon arriving from Thunder Bay. This is expected to be the last grain delivery of the season by a straightdecker from head of the lakes. During the winter grain is delivered to Bunge Terminal by train from western Canada. This grain is then loaded on salt water vessels.

Waiting for orders was salty Setif II, at pier 27. The Canadian Voyager was loading sugar at pier 53, on her way back from Port-Cartier, while Capt. Henry Jackman was unloading a cargo of salt at pier 52. Salt is usually delivered to another area of the harbor, a few miles upbound.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

Ohio Breaks Ice in Sandusky Bay

12/17:
The Great Lakes Towing Company tug Ohio broke ice into Sandusky Bay early Saturday morning for the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, which was headed for the coal dock. The tug Ohio left late Friday night from Cleveland, and broke a track for the Martin through the ice on the bay that had formed due to two weeks of freezing temperatures.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Toledo Update

12/17:
Friday evening the Algocape, with an assist from the Gaelic tug Susan Hoey, shifted over from Anderson's "K" Elevator to the Anderson's "E" Elevator. Very early Saturday morning the American Mariner arrived at Andersons "K" Elevator to unload cargo, once finished unloading cargo she would shift over to the CSX Coal Docks early Sunday morning to load coal.

The barge Kellstone I remains at Toledo Shipyard for repairs.

The Agawa Canyon and Algorail were due in Toledo sometime Saturday but with thick fog conditions in the area it is unknown if they were able to arrive in port. The Cason J. Callaway is due in sometime on Sunday, however the fog may delay her arrival. Paterson and Cuyahoga are expected in port to load grain during the next few days. The John J. Boland, and Algobay were able to load their coal cargoes Saturday.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the CSL Niagara, and American Mariner due in Sunday morning. The Armco on Monday morning, followed by the Reserve on Tuesday morning, she may be the last coal boat for the season as it appears the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was cancelled out again. She was due in on Tuesday. The next scheduled ore boat for the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye for Wednesday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Traffic Resumes

12/17:
Shortly after 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning navigation resumed in the Seaway. The Great Laker was at Iroquois and the Lake Ontario at Bradford. The Quebecois and Cartierdoc and got under weigh from Prescott anchorage.

The tug Robinson Bay was at work removing navigation markers in the Seaway.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Possible Strike

12/17:
Quebec City's Group Ocean operates the tugs Ocean Bravo, Ocean Charlie and Capitaine Ionanis in Quebec harbor on a regular basis. These tugs work the harbor to help vessels to dock. The Ocean Charlie is the regular pilot boat for winter navigation. During this long season, those tugs are indispensable for all commercial vessels, stopping in Quebec City or heading for any upbound destination.

There is a reported threat that crews could go on strike Monday morning, as the three engineers on the tugs could strike. The issue is reported to be the number of engineers employed.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

Today in Great Lakes History - December 17

C.L. AUSTIN was launched December 17, 1910 as a) WILLIS L. KING

With an inexperienced Taiwanese crew, boiler problems and the collapse of Lock 7's west wall in the Welland Canal, SAVIC's (CLIFFS VICTORY) departure was delayed until December 17, 1985 when she departed Chicago under her own power.

The NEW QUEDOC sank at her winter moorings at Midland, Ont. December 17, 1961 with a load of storage grain. The sinking was caused by the automatic sea valves that were accidentally opened.

The ROGERS CITY (2) was laid up for the last time at Calcite, MI on December 17, 1981.

On December 17, 1955, in heavy fog, the B.F. AFFLECK collided head-on with her fleetmate HENRY PHIPPS in the Straits of Mackinac. Both vessels were damaged but were able to sail under their own power for repairs.

In 1905 the Anchor Line steamer JUNIATA was launched at the yards of the American Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland. The JUNIATA was the first large passenger boat built in Cleveland since the NORTH LAND and NORTH WEST. Today the JUNIATA exists as the National Historic Landmark MILWAUKEE CLIPPER.

On 17 December 1875, the steamboat JENNISON of Captain Ganoe's line which ran between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven burned at Grand Rapids. She was laid up for the winter just below the city on the Grand River. She was insured for $12,000.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Buffalo In Dry Dock

12/16:
The Buffalo entered Fraser Shipyards in Superior about 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. Crews at the shipyard wasted no time preparing the Buffalo for repairs. Below are images of the vessel in dry dock Friday afternoon as crews surveyed the damage.

The vessel ran aground while backing into the Shiras Generating Plant in Marquette, Michigan Tuesday evening. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the Buffalo suffered holing and damage in the #5 starboard ballast tank.

Bow view in the dry dock. Kent Rengo
Stern view. Kent Rengo
Buffalo aground in Marquette. William H. Rigby

Reported by: Kent Rengo

Activity at Port Weller Dry Docks

12/16:
CSL's Tadoussac went on the new south drydock Friday at Port Weller Dry Docks. Over the winter the vessel's width will be increased to 78-feet. The cargo holds will be rebuilt to a single belt system, dust control will be rebuilt for the handling of cement clinker and iron ore. Her gates will also be automated.

The Canadian Century was expected to depart Port Weller on Friday. The vessel arrived early this week to under go some type of repairs.

The Louis R. Desmarais was downbound in the canal for Port Weller and is expected to be drydocked on Sunday morning.

The forebody of the Louis R. Desmarais must be cut and moved before the canal closes. The Desmarais will be converted to a SeawayMax laker over the winter. The new forebody that was built at the dry docks will be joined to the existing stern section. The plan is for the old forward section to remain at Port Weller over the winter so that it can receive the scrapped sections from Tadoussac. Since the canal is to be drained between Locks 1 and 2 the old hull will sit on the mud all winter.

The Welland Canal will close to both upbound and downbound traffic at 8:00 a.m. December 24.

Reported by: Jason Junge, Jim Sprunt and Gerry O.

Reiss Enter Lay-up in Erie

12/16:
The Richard Reiss ended her season on December 13 at approximately 11:45 p.m. when she turned in the bay and tied up at the Mounfort Terminal, where the Phillip R. Clarke had finished unloading about 3 hours earlier. This marks the second earliest lay-up for the Reiss in recent years, the earliest being last year, when she laid up December 9.

Reiss at her lay-up berth.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Anchors Down

12/16:
Friday at Iroquois Lock was an interesting day. While passing through heavy sea smoke Friday morning a downbound salty went sideways above the lock. No damage was caused to the vessel or the lock.

Following behind the vessel was the 600-foot saltie Audacious loaded with a cargo of peas and accompanied by the Ocean Group tug Ocean Intrepide. As the vessel in front of the Audacious began to have problems, the Audacious dropped her anchors but could not raise them. A possible problem with the windlass is thought to be the cause. The crew was able to raise the anchors using the deck crane.

Ice is also causing problems in some of the Seaway's locks. Friday Federal Hudson had trouble entering a lock due to ice build up. The vessel was backed out and backhoes were used to scrape enough ice off to let her pass.

The upbound Havelstern, bound for Port Credit with hydro cracker bottom, passed through the Iroquois Friday afternoon. Before locking through a chandlers truck loaded two Christmas trees and three mysterious looking boxes on board. When questioned what was in the boxes, the reply was "Long Johns".

Reported by: Dave Beach

Navigation Suspended

12/16:
Friday night navigation is the western Seaway was suspended. At 10:45 p.m. Seaway Clayton announced that the visibility at Hamilton Island was 0. Because of this the Eisenhower and Snell Locks were going to close and navigation would be suspended. Vessels in the area would be going to anchor.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Navigator Upbound

12/16:
Friday the Canadian Navigator was upbound despite others anchored in the Seaway The saltie Rays was anchored just off maitland. Canadian Navigator underway.
Rays at anchor.

Reported by: Peter Carter

Twin Ports report

12/16:
Saltwater traffic in the Twin Ports was winding up Friday. Ira was completing its load at Cenex Harvest States and was expected to depart late in the day. Fairlift was expected to wind up its heavy-lift cargo and depart in the evening. The last saltie out of the Twin Ports this season is expected to be Lake Champlain, which is scheduled to depart the AGP grain elevator on Dec. 16.

Although the salties are departing, grain traffic is continuing. Algosound and Canadian Miner were both scheduled to arrive Dec. 16 to load at Cenex Harvest States, and barge Sarah Spencer is due in to unload barley at the General Mills elevator in Duluth.

Alpena was in Duluth on Dec. 15, paying an unusual late-season visit. The taconite trade remained brisk, with Indiana Harbor loading at DMIR in Duluth, Roger Blough due at DMIR in Two Harbors, George A. Stinson loading at BNSF in Superior, and James R. Barker due at Taconite Harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

12/16:
The Algocape, under tow of the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey, arrived at Anderson's "K" Elevator to load grain very late Thursday evening. They were delayed for several hours because three of the bridges they had to pass through had problems opening. The CSX Railroad Bridge had a frozen lock that had to be thawed out before it would open. The King Bridge is currently being repaired with new steel on the draw span. Weights for this draw had to be recentered so they could raise and lower the bridge properly. The NS south Railroad Bridge also experienced frozen locks on the draw that had to be thawed before opening.

Other problems are causing delays at the CSX coal dock. There was a railroad car derailment near the coal loading machine that caused a long delay before the dock became operational again. Also with the recent ice storm and snowstorm the coal in the railroad cars are frozen. The railroad cars have to pass through a heat shed first to thaw the coal out before they can be dumped into the coal loading machine to be loaded onto the vessel. They are averaging about 10 cars per hour loading rate.

Friday the Philip R. Clarke was at the #4 machine loading coal, the John J. Boland was at the #2 Dock waiting to follow, while the Algobay was at anchor in Lake Erie near the Toledo channel entrance waiting to follow the Boland.

The next scheduled coal boats due at the CSX Dock will be the American Mariner and CSL Niagara this afternoon. The Armco and Reserve are expected on Monday. The last coal boat of the season for the CSX docks will be the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin due in on Tuesday afternoon.

The next tentative ore boat for the Torco Ore Dock will be the Buckeye due in late Tuesday evening.

The barge Kellstone I remains at the Shipyard undergoing repairs. Future vessel arrivals for this port will be the Cason J. Callaway, Agawa Canyon, and Algorail due within the next several days.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Today in Great Lakes History - December 16

On December 16, 1966 while loading at Montreal, the CABOT ( b CANADIAN EXPLORER) rolled over on her side and sank with a loss of two lives. She was refloated on January 18, 1967.

In 1983 HILDA MARJANNE's forward section, which included a bow thruster, was moved to the building berth at Port Weller Dry Docks where it was joined to CHIMO's stern. The joined sections would later emerge from the dry dock as the b) CANADIAN RANGER.

The IMPERIAL BEDFORD was launched December 16,1968.

J.W. McGIFFIN was launched December 16, 1971.

The tug/barge PRESQUE ISLE departed light from Erie December 16,1973 on its maiden voyage bound for Two Harbors, MN. (This was the latest maiden voyage date at that time.) There the PRESQUE ISLE loaded 51,038 long tons of taconite pellets for delivery to Gary, IN. After this ice covered trip, the vessel returned to Erie for winter lay-up. The PRESQUE ISLE was the second thousand foot vessel on the Great Lakes (the Erie-built STEWART CORT which came out in 1972 was the first) and was the last large vessel built at the Erie shipyard.

While in tandem tow on the way to scrapping with the former Ford Motor Co. steamer ROBERT S. McNAMARA, the BUCKEYE MONITOR developed a crack in her deck amidships. The crack extended down her sides to below the waterline and she sank at 0145 hours on December 16, 1973 at position 43°30'N x 30°15'W in the North Atlantic Ocean.

BENSON FORD (2) made her last trip to the Rouge where she was laid up on December 16, 1984.

The PIC RIVER was the last to use the old Welland City Canal on December 16, 1972 as the new Welland by-pass opened the following spring.

The WILLIAM A. IRVIN sustained bottom damage in Lake Erie and laid up December 16, 1978 at Duluth, MN.

THOMAS WILSON operated until December 16, 1979, when she tied up at Toledo. During that final year, the vessel carried only thirty cargoes and all were ore.

On 16 December 1906, ADVENTURER (wooden propeller steam tug, 52', built in 1895 at Two harbors, MN) broke her moorings and went adrift in a gale. She was driven ashore near Ontonagon, MI on Lake Superior and was pounded to pieces.

On 16 December 1954, the 259' bulk carrier BELVOIR was launched at the E. B. McGee Ltd. yard in Port Colborne, Ontario. She was built for the Beaconsfield Steamship Co. She sailed in the last years before the Seaway opened. During the winter of 1958-59, she was lengthened 90 feet at Montreal. She left the Lakes in 1968 and later sank in the Gulf of Honduras with the loss of 21 lives.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Jody Aho, 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

Buffalo Arrives for Repairs

12/15:
The Buffalo entered Fraser Shipyard in Superior about 3:00 a.m. this morning. The vessel is in the ship yard for repairs to damage suffered when the vessel grounded in Marquette.

The vessel ran aground while backing into the Shiras Generating Plant in Marquette, Michigan Tuesday evening. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the Buffalo suffered holing and damage in the #5 starboard ballast tank.

Pictures by William H. Rigby
Buffalo aground in Marquette.

Reported by: Kent Rengo

Pilot Boat to Lay-up

12/15:
The Port of Duluth-Superior pilot boat service, Sea Service, L.L.C. reports that the saltwater vessel season is coming to a close and their pilot boats Sea Pilot and Sea Falcon are scheduled for winter lay-up in the next few days. The tug Sea Colt and tenders Sea Wolf and Sea Sparrow were laid up last week. The barge Sea Lift is being readied for winter lay up in Duluth and the Sea Ox is chartered to a St. Louis steel terminal until spring.

The cold snap has somewhat shortened their season, particularly in the Twin Ports, with the Duluth pilot boat breaking 6 - 8 inches of hard ice in their last runs Monday servicing the salties Lake Superior and Lake Champlain. The pilot boats normally will run until about Christmas Eve day. The Chicago pilot boat had no ice until this last week and will proceed to her winter lay up berth in South Chicago's Calumet River next week.

Pilot boat Sea Pilot.

Reported by: Capt. Ed Montgomery

Mac Drained, Davis in Use

12/15:
The MacArthur Lock has been drained as crews prepare for winter maintenance. With the MacArthur out of service the little used Davis Lock was pressed into service Thursday allowing shallow draft vessels to pass through with out delay waiting for the Poe Lock.

Pictures from the Soo Locks Live Cams
The Mac Lock is empty (left) while a downbound vessel fills the Poe.
Middletown departs the Davis lock (far right).

Reported by: Dan Fletcher and Dave Wobser

Port of Green Bay Ready to End Season

12/15:
The last three ships carrying salt and coal are scheduled to arrive to Green Bay by Saturday, as ice thickens on the Fox River and the Bay. A Canadian ship carrying salt was on its way to the Fox River terminal, but ice conditions slowed it down and the assistance of tugs was needed to help break the ice.

On Thursday the icebreakers continued to break ice on the Fox River.

Reported by: Jeff DuMez

Integrity Waits

12/15:
On Wednesday the tug Jacklyn M. and cement barge Integrity was stuck between two bridges on the Calumet River on their way to the Lafarge Dock to unload. At 3:20 p.m. Thursday one bridge was finally raised as crews removed heavy snow cover off the bridge. On Thursday evening the tug and barge were stopped again, waiting on another bridge to rise. This long delay may effect an early January lay-up of the tug and barge.

Reported by: Robin R Greathouse

Marinette Marine to Launch Cutter

12/15:
Marinette Marine will launch the cutter Maple on Saturday. An icebreaking tug is expected today or early Saturday morning to cut away the ice in the river. Several nights of below zero temperatures has caused significant ice to form in the river.

The Maple will join the Spar at dock. The Spar was launched in August and has been undergoing trials and testing in the River.

Reported by: Scott Best

Barge St. Mary's Cement III in Green Bay

12/15:
The barge St. Mary's Cement III was shifted in Green Bay on Thursday morning from the Leicht's South Dock to the Blue Circle Dock. The tugs Texas and Indiana Ice assisted as ice has been developing rapidly in Green Bay and the Fox River, making icebreaking by the tugs necessary.

Elsewhere on the Lakes, G-Tugs broke ice Wednesday in Duluth/Superior for the lakers Algorail, Mesabi Miner, George A. Stinson, Stewart J. Cort, and for salties Ira, Orla, Fairlift and Lake Superior.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Saltie to Load at UM Canada

12/15:
Expected to arrive at the UM Canada dock in Hamilton today is the Stolt Asperation. The vessel will load tallow for an overseas port. It is expected to be in port for 24 hours.

Reported by: Wally Wallace

Twin Ports report

12/15:
The last five salties of the season are in the Twin Ports and could be gone by Sunday, the Duluth News-Tribune reported Dec. 14.

Heavy-lift vessel Fairlift was completing the unloading of a special project cargo bound for western Canada, The cargo, component for an oil refinery, is being placed aboard special railroad cars, several of which were spotted in the BNSF yard along Interstate 535.

Crewmembers aboard the Fairlift apparently were unprepared for the frigid weather that's gripped the Twin Ports in recent days. The newspaper reported that warmer footwear and coats had to be provided for the crewmembers, which must spend a lot of time on deck handling their massive cargo.

The other remaining salties are the Axion and Ira, both of which were loading Dec. 14 at the Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior. Crewmembers aboard Axion also were spending time on deck removing ice.

Lake Superior was loading grain at the AGP elevator in Duluth. Lake Champlain, anchored out on the lake on the morning of the 14th, also is scheduled to load at AGP. Both ships were expected to have sailed by Sunday.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

12/15:
Thursday the Philip R. Clarke was loading coal at the CSX Docks with the John J. Boland, and Algobay expected later in the day.

The tanker Gemini was at the B-P oil Dock. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard.

The Algocape is scheduled to arrive in the next day or two to load grain at one of the Anderson's grain elevators. The Agawa Canyon will also be visiting in several days.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the American Mariner and CSL Niagara due in Saturday afternoon. The Armco and Reserve are due in on Monday followed by the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Tuesday.

The next scheduled ore boat will be the Buckeye now scheduled for late Tuesday evening for the Torco Ore Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/15:
Seletar Hope entered the Seaway Wednesday. Her destination was changed to Hamilton. Transiting westbound at St. Lambert lock Thursday afternoon was the chemical tanker Havelstern bound for Clarkson, Ont. She has a load of hydro cracker bottoms.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Despite November Dip, Lake Erie Coal Still Up For Year

12/15:
Coal shipments from Lake Erie ports totaled 2.1 million tons in November, a decrease of nearly 12 percent compared to a year ago. However, on a season-to-date basis, the comparison remains positive - through November, the trade is up 7.9 percent (1.5 million tons).

Toledo will be the first Lake Erie coal dock to close this season. It should load its last boat of the year on December 19.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Car Falls Through Bridge Opening

12/15:
Local news in Green Bay reported that a driver past a police squad car and under barriers on the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge in downtown Green Bay. The bridge was stuck open due to an electrical problem. The car became stuck on the bridge and a tow truck was called to pull it off. The woman was taken to the squad car to stay warm. Before the tow truck arrived, the bridge tender raised the bridge having been told the woman was off the bridge, unaware that the car was still there. The car slid off the lip of the opening bridge deck, and landed in a concrete box near the span's counterbalance weights. The woman was ticketed for inattentive driving, as she had not completely removed the snow from the car windows. The car was not a hazard to navigation.

Reported by: Jeff DuMez

Today in Great Lakes History - December 15

The ROBERT KOCH went hard aground December 15, 1985 on Sheldon Point off Oswego, NY loaded with 2000 tons of cement when her towline parted from the tug R. & L. NO.1. Dragging her anchors in heavy weather, she fetched up on a rocky shelf in 16 feet of water 300 yards off shore.

The NORTHCLIFFE HALL (2) departed Kingston on December 15, 1974 headed for Colombia with a load of newsprint. She traded briefly in the Caribbean and then laid up at Houston, TX. later to return to the lakes.

On December 15, 1972 the GEORGIAN BAY was reported as the last ship to pass through the city of Welland as the new $8.3 million by-pass channel was to be ready for the beginning of the 1973 shipping season. (Actually two other ships, the TADOUSSAC and PIC RIVER, followed her through.)

The JOHN E.F. MISENER (2) was laid up for the last time on December 15, 1982 at Port McNicoll, Ont.

JOE S. MORROW was launched December 15, 1906.

The RED WING (2) was laid up for the last time at Toronto on December 15, 1984 due in part to the uneconomical operation of her steam turbine power plant.

The ROGERS CITY (2) cleared Lauzon on December 15, 1987 in tow of the Maltese tug PHOCEEN on the first leg of her tow to the cutters torch.

On December 15, 1988, Purvis Marine's ANGLIAN LADY departed Mackinaw City with the CHIEF WAWATAM under tow, arriving at the Canadian Soo the next day. During the winter of 1988-89, Purvis removed items tagged by the State (including the pilot house) and began converting her into a barge.

On 15 December 1888, GEORGE W. ROBY (wooden propeller, 281', 1843 gt,) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. She was built by F. W. Wheeler (hull #45).

Below is a winter lay-up list as published in the Port Huron Times on 15 December 1876.
At Port Huron -- Steam barges: ABERCORN, BIRKHEAD, BAY CITY, H. D. COFFINBURY, WILLIAM COWIE, N. K. FAIRBANK, GERMANIA, GEORGE KING, V.H. KETCHUM, MARY MILL, MARY PRINGLE, E. W. POWERS, D. F. ROSE, SALINA, TEMPEST. Propellers: CITY OF NEW BALTIMORE. Tug: CORA B. Schooners and Barges: T. Y. AVERY, BUCKEYE STATE, GEORGE W. BISSEL, KATIE BRAINARD, D. K. CLINT, DAYTON, S. GARDNER, A. GEBHART, C. G. KING, T. G. LESTER, MARINE CITY, H. R. NEWCOMB, J. H. RUTTER, REINDEER, C. SPADEMAN, SAGINAW, ST. JOSEPH, TAYLOR, TROY, C. L. YOUNG, YANKEE. At Marysville -- D. G. WILLIAMS, 7 tow barges, JUPITER, and LEADER.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Buffalo Grounds

12/14:
The 635-foot freighter Buffalo ran aground while backing into the Shiras Generating Plant in Marquette, Michigan Tuesday evening. The ship suffered holing and damage in the #5 starboard ballast tank. Soundings in all other ballast tanks and voids have not revealed damage.

Fleetmate Sam Laud arrived Wednesday evening to offload some of the Buffalo's limestone cargo to lighten the vessel. Shortly after 10:00 p.m. the Laud departed as the Buffalo proceed to the Shiras facility to discharge the remaining cargo and undergo a dive survey and inspection. The vessel is then expected to head for repairs at Fraser Ship Yard in Superior, WI.

Buffalo was loaded with 20,000 tons of limestone destined for the CCI iron ore processing plants on the Marquette Range.

The channel leading to the Shiras dock was dredged this summer. Low water levels are thought to have caused the grounding.

Pictures by William H. Rigby
Buffalo aground.
Flying from the masthead are three black balls, the day signal for "vessel aground".

Reported by: William H. Rigby, Lee Rowe, Art Pickering, Robert Oom, John and Jim Meyland, and Gary Gustafson

Mac Closes

12/14:
Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. the MacArthur Lock closed as scheduled. Shortly after the large steel stop logs were positioned above the upper gates. After the Lock is dammed and emptied of water, work will begin on the north wall masonry work, as well as repairs to the Lock gates.

The 2001 navigation season shall begin with the opening of the Poe Lock on 25 March 2001. The MacArthur Lock will re-open later in April.

Pictures from the Soo Locks Live Cams
Stop Logs are positioned by crane in the Mac Lock (left).
The Paul R. Tregurtha locks down in the Poe (note the ice).

Reported by: Dan Fletcher

Presque Isle to Lay-up

12/14:
Presque Isle is scheduled to unload at Gary today, then proceed to Sturgeon Bay for winter lay-up on Dec. 16. The tug portion of the barge was reported to by laying up in Milwaukee with the barge undergoing work at the ship yard.

Reported by: Al Miller

Sarah Spencer in Midland

12/14:
The tug and barge Jane Anne IV and Sarah Spencer departed Midland's ADM elevator late Wednesday afternoon. She had arrived the night before to unload a cargo of grain at the ADM Elevator.

She was outbound past the south end of Giant's Tomb Island by 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday. This will likely be the pair's last visit of the season. It also marks the first time the Jane Anne IV has visited Midland Harbor.

Reported by: Rudy Smith

Icebreaking in Green Bay

12/14:
The tugs Texas and Indiana transited nearly 20 miles through the ice of Green Bay to provide icebreaking assistance to the Cuyahoga. The Cuyahoga was bound for Green Bay, Wisconsin, when it encountered significant ice en route to that port. G-Tugs provide icebreaking assistance throughout the Great Lakes, but have been particularly busy with icebreaking work in Duluth and Green Bay this season.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Bridge Failure

12/14:
The Hoan Bridge that spans the entrance to Milwaukee's inner harbor buckled and sagged 3 to 4 feet Wednesday morning. The bridge was closed to traffic and the U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice to mariners forbidding ship traffic under the bridge. Wednesday there was no commercial vessels in the Port of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported it was unclear what the long-range effect on port operations would be.

Most of the laker traffic passes under the bridge. Vessel carrying cargo to Lafarge, Southdown, loading grain, most salt boats and salties that visit the heavy lift dock must pass beneath.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Busy week at UM Canada

12/14:
This week has been a busy one at UM's Hamilton terminal. Sunday at 4:00 a.m. the Tanker Jo Spirt unloaded in excess of 2,000,000 liters of Bacardi rum from Porta Rico. She was unloaded quickly and departed from Hamilton before the first major snow storm of the season hit.

Tuesday brought the Atlantic Swan into the slip to unload an unknown cargo. The shipping in and out of the Port of Hamilton was delayed as the lift bridge was frozen in the down position with ships anchored in the lake as well as the harbor.

One more ship is at anchor for UM but will not load until the Dec. 15.

Reported by: Wally Wallace

Hibbing May Cut Production

12/14:
Hibbing Taconite is circulating a memo to employees saying that the plant may cut production by 1 million tons next year, according to a report Dec. 13 by a Duluth TV station.

The taconite producer is considering a production cutback from 8 million tons this year to less than 7 million tons next year. However, the memo said no final decision will be made until late January.

Hibbing Taconite ships its pellets through Superior's BNSF ore dock, which is served primarily by the George A. Stinson, Stewart J. Cort and Burns Harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Shipyard Update

12/14:
The Great Lakes Towing Company has been awarded a contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to upgrade the propulsion system of the 65-foot NOAA Research Vessel Shenehon. The Company will remove the old engine from the former Army T-Boat, and the vessel will be repowered utilizing a new CAT 3406C diesel engine coupled to a Twin Disc MG5114 marine gear. In addition to repowering the vessel, the contract also includes routine drydocking, maintenance and other repairs. The Shenehon has arrived at the Company's Cleveland shipyard and work will commence the week of December 18th.

The Towing Company's Shipyard is currently completing the Drydock Availability of the U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Boat (CG-72015). In addition to the routine drydocking and underwater hull maintenance, the Coast Guard contract includes renewal of the ship's service generator and an overhaul of the vessel's entire electrical power distribution system.

The Great Lakes Towing Company recently received a letter of commendation and very high contractor performance ratings for the successful completion of the off-site Dockside Availability of the USCGC Bramble (WLB-392) performed at the vessel's home pier in Port Huron, MI.

Shenehon awaits dry docking.
The Buoy Boat in dry dock.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing

Twin Ports Report

12/14:
Algorail paid a rare call to Duluth late on Dec. 13 to unload salt at the Cutler dock. It takes the prize so far for the best-decorated boat to call here. It was decked out with Christmas lights fore, aft and amidships.

Reported by: Al Miller

Sturgeon Bay Update

12/14:
Early Wednesday morning the tug Dorothy Ann was placed into one of the floating drydocks. The tug had detached from the barge Pathfinder on Tuesday, the ice in the inner bay hampered the operation of uncoupling.

The Coast Guard tug Mobile Bay disconnected its buoy-tending barge and prepared for the winter. With a ship scheduled to deliver coal in Green Bay and the Presque Isle coming into Bay Ship Lt. Cdr. John Little , commander of the Mobile Bay, stated they need to be ready by Friday.

With the ice forming early, there is between 6 and 8 inches on the inner bays.

The Badger awaits the Michigan Street Bridge to go back into full operation before returning to Ludington. The vessel had her Christmas lights on and was a nice sight.

Dorothy Ann at dock.
The Badger with lights a glow.
Close up of the Badger's lights.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Toledo Update

12/14:
Wednesday the tanker Saturn had departed her lay-up berth and was out sailing. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs. The tanker Gemini is at the B-P oil Dock.

The John J. Boland finished loading coal at the CSX Dock and departed mid afternoon.

There have been several vessel changes for the coal and ore docks. The next scheduled coal boats will now be the John J. Boland, Philip R. Clarke, and Algobay due in today. The CSL Niagara and American Mariner on Saturday. They will be followed by the Armco and Reserve on Monday and the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Tuesday.

The next scheduled ore boat due in at the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

The Algocape is the next scheduled grain boat due in at one of the Anderson Elevator complexes during the next several days.

The trip by the Louis R. Desmarais was cancelled as she will be going into drydock at Port Weller Dry Docks this week for her new forebody replacement project. She will be renamed when she sails next spring.

The ice cover on Western Lake Erie and Maumee River has thickened the past few days as temperatures fall. The River is now completely ice covered with heavier ice noted by the grain Elevators.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Erie Report

12/14:
The Philip R. Clarke unloaded in Erie on Wednesday, delivering a salt cargo she loaded at Ojibwa Salt in Windsor Ontario. The Clarke was expected to depart Wednesday at 8:00 pm. She unloaded her cargo of salt at the Mounfort Terminal, starting a new pile of salt on the dock. She turned around and pulled so far up the dock that one could almost reach out at touch her.

Clarke at dock at dusk.
Unloading.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Seaway Traffic

12/14:
No salties entered the Seaway Tuesday. On Wednesday the Seletar Hope transited the St. Lambert lock bound for Toronto. Upbound for the Lakes at Les Escoumins pilot station early Wednesday morning was the chemical tanker Havelstern.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Commercial fishermen of Ontario Ports

12/14:
Below is a look at the commercial fishermen of Ontario Ports.

Fishing tug Teresa Maria owned by the Cabral family of Wheatley, Ontario coming into the Wheatley Harbor with their daily catch.
The crew of the Teresa Maria conveying Holiday Greetings to their families in Portugal.
The Elsie Mae Two owned by the Royka family of Kingsville. Freighters frequent the Kingsville port for the stone dock seen in the background of this photo.
Raymarbev owned by the Rankin family of Kingsville. Low water in Kingsville Harbour is evident in this photo.

Reported by: T. Parker

Today in Great Lakes History - December 14

On December 14, 1984, the William Clay Ford (1) laid up for the final time at the Rouge Steel plant in Dearborn.

The JIIMAAN was towed out of dry dock on December 14, 1992 by the tugs JAMES E. McGRATH and LAC VANCOUVER to the fitout dock for completion.

The CHICAGO TRIBUNE was sold for scrap in 1988 and was towed up the Welland Canal on December 14, 1988 by the tugs THUNDER CAPE and MICHAEL D. MISNER to Port Colborne, Ont.

On December 14, 1926, the W.E. FITZGERALD was caught in heavy seas and suffered damaged frames and hull plating. Repairs consisted of replacing nearly 25,000 rivets and numerous hull plates.

The package freighter George N. Orr, a recent war acquisition from the Canada Atlantic Transit Company is wrecked off Savage Point, Prince Edward Island on December 14, 1917. She was enroute to New York City with a load of hay.

On 14 December 1883, MARY ANN HULBERT (wooden schooner-barge, 62 gt, built in 1873 at Bayfield, WI) was carrying railroad workers and supplies in tow of the steamer KINCADINE in a storm on Lake Superior. She was sailing from Port Arthur for Michipicoten Island. The HULBERT was overwhelmed by the gale and foundered, The crew of five plus all 15 of the railroad workers were lost.

December 14, 1903 - The PERE MARQUETTE 20 left the shipyard in Cleveland on her maiden voyage.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, Jody Aho, Chris Dunn, 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

Mail Boat Enters Lay-up

12/13:
Captain Sam Buchanan piloted the U.S. Mail Boat J.W. Westcott away from the Westcott Company dock Tuesday morning and into the icy Detroit River. The Westcott made a stop to deliver papers to the tug Susan W. Hannah and barge Southdown Conquest unloading at Southdown Cement. The Westcott entered Gregory's Marina behind Belle Isle about 11:30 a.m. where it will spend the winter.

Millenium Harmony Passes Detroit

12/13:
One of the last salties to be serviced by the mail boat was the Millenium Harmony that passed upbound through Detroit early Tuesday morning.

The saltie had two pilots aboard and was awaiting the arrival of two relief pilots at the J.W. Westcott Co. building. The saltie is required to take two pilots because of the weather conditions experienced this time of year.

The relief pilots arrived at J. W. Westcott and assessed the weather situation and agreed to anchor the vessel at the Belle Isle anchorage once they boarded. The water level was forecast to be plus 14 inches, at 9:00 a.m. it was negative 22 inches.

Reported by: James Jackson

Laud Departs

12/13:
The Sam Laud was able to clear the Saginaw River Tuesday afternoon. The vessel came in Monday and unloaded at the Bay Aggregate Dock in Bay City. Because of the weather the Laud could depart. It was assisted by the tug Gregory J. Busch.

As the Laud passed the Consumers Power Plant at the mouth of the river it was traveling at a good speed. About quarter mile out from the mouth of the river it first slowed, then came to a standstill. It took about three hours for her to clear the buoys leading into Saginaw Bay.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Low Water in Erieau

12/13:
Monday night high winds on Lake Erie dropped water levels in Erieau, ONT. The water level dropped so low that some of the town's commercial fish tugs were sitting on bottom this Tuesday morning at day break.

Fishing tugs at dock.
Cindy Lou, owned and operated by the McCormick family on bottom and tied to the dock.
Close up.

Reported by: T. Parker

Twin Ports Report

12/13:
Ice in Duluth harbor -- the result of temperatures hovering near zero for several days -- is beginning to hamper vessel traffic.

Coast Guard Cutter Sundew was in operation Dec. 11 to break ice in the main harbor channel. Columbia Star, entering port early Dec. 12, used a tug from Great Lakes Towing to assist it in backing up St. Louis Bay to the Midwest Energy Terminal. Columbia Star's master later reported to the Sundew that the ice was "pretty hard stuff" and some of it seemed to be moving, making it difficult to maintain station while waiting for the Paul R. Tregurtha to pass.

The low temperatures also resulted in vessels throwing off large clouds of condensation from their stacks. Cenex Harvest States terminal was wreathed in clouds from the Kinsman Independent, finishing its load in berth #1, and the saltie Ira in berth #2.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

12/13:
Tuesday the tanker Gemini was at the B-P Oil Dock. The tanker Saturn was in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company dock. The barge Kellstone I was in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs. There were no grain or ore vessels in port at Tuesday afternoon.

The John J. Boland was expected at the CSX Dock on Tuesday evening. The next scheduled coal boats are due in on Thursday. They will be the Algobay, Philip R. Clarke, John J. Boland, and Louis R. Desmarais. The last scheduled ore boat of the season is expected to be the Columbia Star on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Kingston News

12/13:
Late Monday bad weather caused visibility to be reduced to one mile in the American Narrows and navigation proceeded with extreme caution. There was talk of possibly closing the Beauharnois Locks due to snow and wind. Full storm warnings were up for Lake Ontario and 50-knot winds were forecast.

Tuesday the weather had turned to extreme cold. The wind was producing heavy wind chills. The Lok Maheshwari decided to go to anchor at Prescott and proceed in the morning, due to extreme cold and the welfare of the crew. This allowed the Aegean Sea to catch and pass the Lok Maheshwari as a result.

The tug Progress departed Kingston Tuesday night for Hamilton, she has the barge Cargo Master which is carrying a small tug and another barge on deck.

Reported by: Ron Walsh and Brian Johnson

Seaway Traffic

12/13:
The Sidsel Knutsen was the only saltie that transited the Seaway Monday, it was bound for Sarnia with super-unleaded gasoline after leaving Montreal. The Seletar Hope had not yet departed Montreal Tuesday morning for Toronto. The first snow storm of the year will affect her departure or possibly cancel it.

Westbound at Les Escoumins Tuesday for the Lakes is Havelstern. This according to the pilot recording message.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Stone Trade Steady In November

12/13:
Stone shipments on the Great Lakes in November were virtually unchanged from a year ago. Loadings at U.S. and Canadian ports totaled 4,003,629 net tons, an increase of roughly 50,000 tons compared to last November. For the season, the stone trade stands at 35.9 million tons, an increase of 2.3 percent.

Present indications are for a normal close of the stone trade, with most quarries shipping their final cargo of the season by Christmas or so. The relatively higher moisture content of stone, plus that some stone must be "washed" prior to loading, generally preclude January shipments unless the weather is very mild.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Seaway Radio Message No. 8

12/13:
For the Montreal-Lake Ontario portion of the Seaway no Special agreements will be accepted for vessel transits after December 24.

For the Welland Canal, ships will be accepted for transit at the respective call-in points until 8:00 a.m. December 24. Vessels will not be accepted for transit after that time.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 12, was 32 degree. Last year's temperature was 40 degrees. The ten year average is 37 degrees.

The South Shore Canal is ice covered with a broken track in the navigation channel from St. Lambert Lock to Mercier Bridge. A light broken ice cover, up to 4 inches thick, is present in the intermediate pool between Eisenhower and Snell locks.

Mariners are asked to take measures in icy waters to keep cooling water intakes free from ice to avoid engine-cooling problems that could result in a loss of vessel power.

At midnight December 11, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 45 as compared to 54 in 1999. Above Port Weller the number was 29 as compared to 38 in 1999.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements, scheduled for December 7, is postponed until further notice.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which enters the Seaway upbound at CIP2 after 2400 hrs on December 9 shall be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 7 & 8 of 2000.

The thinning of navigation aids from Beauharnois canal to the U.S. locks will begin on December 13. Thinning of navigation aids above Eisenhower lock will begin on December 15.

Mariners are reminded that as of midnight on December 15, that, due to lower than normal water temperatures and the subsequent reduction in water levels, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Today in Great Lakes History - December 13

The CANADIAN ENTERPRISE entered service on December 13, 1979.

On December 13, 1989 the HENRY STEINBRENNER (4) was laid up at Toledo's Lakefront Dock.

The G.A. TOMLINSON (2) arrived under her own power at Triad Salvage Inc., Ashtabula, OH on December 13, 1979 to be scrapped.

The THOMAS WILSON ran aground in the St. Marys River on December 13, 1976. The accident required lightering before she would float free.

On 13 December 1872. the Port Huron Times added three vessels to those in winter lay-up at Port Huron: Steamer MARINE CITY, tug JOHN PRINDEVILLE, and wrecking tug RESCUE.

December 13, 1906 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 4 departed for Manitowoc with her first cargo.

In 1929 the McLouth Steamship Company filed a claim against the City of Port Huron for $687 because its sand sucker, the KALKASKA, was held up for 27-1/2 hours in the Black River because of an inability to open the north span of the Military Street Bridge.

On 13 December 1961, SWEDEN (formerly L. C. SMITH, steel propeller, 414', 4702 gt, built in 1902 at W. Bay City, MI) arrived in tow at Savona, Italy for scrapping.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, John R Decator Jr , 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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Independent on Last Run

12/12:
Sunday the Kinsman Independent was loading her final cargo of the season in Duluth. The last active U.S. straight decker carrying grain is on her way back to Buffalo. She will unload some of her cargo at General Mills and hold the rest of it for winter storage. Current plans are to fit out the old vessel out in the spring.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Cargo Shifts

12/12:
The BBC Brazil, a saltie that recently departed the lakes with a 1500 ton Demag crawler crane, ran into trouble in the Cabot Strait in Eastern Canada as it passed through a storm with 10 Meter waves. She arrived in Cape Breton Harbor on December 10th with a 6-foot crack in her hull. The vessel reported that she had listed severely after her cargo (the crane) shifted. She subsequently berthed in Sydney, Nova Scotia for inspection.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak and David Bowie

Rare Visit Brings Rare Cargo

12/12:
A rare appearance of a ship and cargo was recorded in Kewaunee Harbor as reported by the local paper. Two 230 ton steam generators were unloaded on Friday, bound for the Kewaunee Nuclear Plant, as replacements for the present generators. The generators were made in Milan Italy and shipped to Venice to be loaded on ship to Kewaunee along with a hauler to be used to transport on the highway to plant.

The generators were built for a cancelled nuclear plant in Europe and met the specifications that the Kewaunee plant was looking for. The first generator was unload on Friday and made the trip to the plant Saturday. The other was expected to be unloaded on Sunday and transported on Monday. The hauler weights 60 tons with 14 axles that each turn independently. It is computer controlled and moves down the highway at 4 miles per hour. The generators will be installed next fall when the plant is shut down.

Reported by: Charlie Geiger

Hogan Enters Lay-up

12/12:
The back up mail boat Joseph J. Hogan entered winter lay-up Monday morning at Gregory's Marina behind Belle Isle on the Detroit River. The Hogan serviced the barge Southdown Conquest and tug Susan W. Hannah with mail and flowers at the Koenig Dock in Detroit before headed to lay-up with Captain Donald Carns at the helm.

Heavy ice in the Detroit River is the reason for the back up mail boat's early lay-up. The mail boat J.W. Westcott II will now operate on a day to day basis watching the developing ice in the river. The Westcott is expected to lay-up on Wednesday.

The J.W. Westcott Company is both the marine post office and pilot station in Detroit.

Reported by: Sam Buchanan

Pathfinder Arrives

12/12:
Sunday evening the tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder entered Berth #8 at Bayship. The tug is expected to detach from the Pathfinder and then they will go into the 1000-foot drydock. An engine problem is believed to be the reason for the pair's visit. The Dorothy Ann and Pathfinder were scheduled to go to Toledo Shiprepair for winter lay-up. It is unknown if after drydocking they will remain at Bayship or move to Toledo for winter lay-up. If it remains here, it will be the first in for winter lay-up.

At Bay Ship.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Late Season Run for PM 41

12/12:
Sunday the barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted were back with another cargo of Pig Iron for Marinette Fuel dock. It looks as though the PM 41 will close the shipping season for the port, the tug and barge opened the season there. The pair encountered light ice in the river.

Reported by: Scott Best

Twin Ports Report

12/12:
Saginaw was due into the BNSF ore dock in Superior late Dec. 11. It may have to wait while the dock is re-charged because it's coming in right behind Burns Harbor.

Three salties were anchored on Lake Superior off Duluth on the 11th, and they were barely visible through the "sea smoke" caused by temperatures that weren't expected to rise above zero throughout the day. The trio consisted of Ira, Lake Champlain and Lake Superior.

Inside the harbor, the heavy-lift saltie Fairlift continued unloading project cargo at the port terminal, Kapitonas Serfinas was loading at AGP grain elevator and Kinsman Independent was loading at Cenex Harvest States. Salties Axion and Orla were expected to arrive sometime later in the day.

Paul R. Tregurtha was expected to arrive late in the day for Midwest Energy Terminal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw Update

12/12:
The Wolverine was turning at the Wirt dock in Bay City at 7:25 a.m. Monday, preparing to depart the river. At the same time, the Sam Laud was inbound at the front range, going to the Bay Aggregates dock.

This trip marks the fourth visit by the Sam Laud in the past eight days. It may be an extended visit, as blizzard conditions had developed by late afternoon. At last report, the vessel remained tied up at the dock.

Reported by: Stephen Hause

Toledo Update

12/12:
Monday the John J. Boland was loading coal at the CSX Dock with the Algomarine waiting at the #2 Dock to follow. There were no grain or ore vessels in port.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the John J. Boland expected today, followed by the Algobay, Philip R. Clarke, and John J. Boland on Wednesday.

The last scheduled ore boat of the season for the Torco Dock will be the Columbia Star due in on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Storm warnings have been issued for Lake Erie with northwest winds of 50 knots with higher wind gusts predicted for the next 24 to 36 hours before slowly diminishing late Tuesday. This will cause low water conditions for Western Lake Erie and surrounding river systems as well as delays for vessels scheduled to arrive at this port.

The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at Toledo Shipyard undergoing repairs.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Boarding of the Millennium Harmony

12/12:
Early Saturday morning, two boarding teams from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Fairport Harbor assisted DEA and Customs agents with a law enforcement boarding of the saltie Millennium Harmony. The Coast Guard was specifically requested to ride out with tug boats and assist with a search for contraband. Teams boarded the vessel with approximately 45 DEA, Customs and local police department officals and 11 Narcotics Dogs. Several areas of the vessel were identified as suspicious, but no contraband was located during the search.

Pictures by TZ
Bow view of Millennium Harmony in Ashtabula Monday.
Stern view.

Astabula Update

12/12:
Monday the tugs Rhode Island and Iowa assisted the Millennium Harmony out of the Pinney dock at 3:00 p.m. The Harmony was the last saltie for Ashtabula this season.

The Reserve was in port unloading.

In Cleveland the English River came into Lafarge with the tug Delaware at 1:00 p.m. The American Republic continues the shuttle run from Lorain to Cleveland. The Richard Reiss was expected to arrive but may be delayed by the weather.

Pictures by TZ
Reserve unloading.
Stern view Reserve.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Seaway Traffic

12/12:
On Monday the Sidsel Knutsen was departing Section 94 in Montreal. The tanker was bound for Sarnia loaded with gasoline. The Macado was unloading at Côte Ste. Catherine and may have departed from Côte Ste. Catherine Monday for Pointe-aux-Trembles Anchorage. The Seletar Hope was going to Toronto with sugar. Monday she was unloading sugar into trucks at Section 48 in Montreal. This is an unusual berth for a vessel with sugar as vessels normally unload at Section 46.

On Saturday, one saltie entered the Lakes, the Rays bound for Hamilton loaded with bauxite ore. On Sunday two vessels entered, the Necat-A bound for Oshawa with steel and Atlantic Swan bound for Hamilton with lubricating oil.

No other salties are expected to enter the Seaway for the rest of the season.

The third ex Christensen Canadian African Lines was reported to have been renamed, the Lykes Inspirer ex Thorslake is expected in Montreal on Dec. 15 and is not going up the Seaway. At least two vessels were scheduled to sail up the Seaway but the voyages were canceled because it is getting late in the season. The vessels are the Lok Rajeshwari and the Elm. With the heavy snow expected Monday night, the conditions in the Seaway locks and canals will be difficult until the end of the season.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 12

The push tug a) PRESQUE ISLE (2) was launched December 12, 1972 as Hull #322 by the Halter Marine Services, Inc., New Orleans, LA.

The SPINDLETOP (e BADGER STATE) was launched December 12, 1942 for the United States Maritime Commission.

The WHEAT KING returned to Port Weller Dry Docks on December 12, 1975 for lengthening to the maximum Seaway size of 730 feet overall for the iron ore and grain trade thus ending her salt water activities.

One unusual trip for the WOODLAND occurred when she arrived at Toronto, Ont. on December 12, 1987 to load a 155 foot, 135-ton self-unloading unit for delivery to the Verolme Shipyard in Brazil where the Govan-built Panamax bulk carrier CSL INNOVATOR was being converted to a self-unloader.

On Monday December 12, 1898, the AURORA was fast in the ice at Amherstburg, Ontario, when a watchman smelled smoke. The crew tried to put out the fire, but to no avail. They were taken off the burning vessel by the tug C.A. LORMAN. The ship burned to the water's edge.

On December 12, 1956, the once proud passenger vessels EASTERN STATES and GREATER DETROIT were taken out onto Lake St. Clair where they were set afire. All the superstructure was burned off and the hulls were taken to Hamilton, Ontario, where they were scrapped in 1957.

On 12 December 1872, the Port Huron Times listed the following vessels at winter lay-up at Sarnia, Ontario:
Schooners: MARY E. PEREW, KINGFISHER, UNADILLA, ONEONTA, AMERICAN, J.G. MASTEN, PELICAN, UNION, B. ALLEN, and CAMDEN;
Brigs: DAVID A. WELLS, WAGONER, and FRANK D. BARKER;
Barks: C.T. MAPLE, EMALINE BATES, and D.A. VanVALKENBURG;
Steamer: MANITOBA.

On 12 December 1877, U.S. Marshall Matthews sold the boiler and machinery of the CITY OF PORT HURON at auction in Detroit, Michigan. Darius Cole submitted the winning bid of $1,000.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Jody Aho, Gordon Shaw, 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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

New Hull Floated

12/11:
Port Weller Dry Dock's Hull 79, the new forebody for the Louis R. Desmarais was float launched before noon Sunday. The Canadian Century is expected to arrive at Port Weller Dry Docks today survey. The Tadoussac is expected on Thursday and Louis R. Desmarais is expected on Friday.

The present forebody of the Louis R. Desmarais must be cut and moved before the canal closes. The new forebody will be joined to the stern over the winter. The plan is for the old one to remain at Port Weller over the winter so that it can receive the scrapped sections from Tadoussac. Since the canal is to be drained between Locks 1 and 2 the old hull will sit on the mud all winter.

Reported by: David Bull, Skip Gillham and Jim Berg

Tug Patricia Hoey Reassigned

12/11:
The Gaelic Tugboat Company tug Patricia Hoey has been assigned to ship assistance work in Toledo during the fall. With the grain season coming to an end the company has reassigned the tug to Detroit. Sunday Morning Captain Mac McCarty and his crew departed Toledo about 6:00 a.m.

The tug encountered about 2 inches of ice all the way from Toledo Light to Detroit River Light, suggesting that the below freezing nights will be making ice, and slowing the balance of the shipping season on Lake Erie.

The 2,000 HP tug arrived in Gaelic's Rouge River yard without any problems. The Patricia Hoey will be towing barge loads of rock salt on the Detroit River all winter. The Susan Hoey and William Hoey will remain in Toledo until the closing of the Port.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co.

Back Up Mail Boat to Lay-up

12/11:
The back up mail boat Joseph J. Hogan is expected to enter lay-up this morning at Gregory's Marina behind Belle Isle on the Detroit River. Heavy ice in the Detroit River is the reason for the back up mail boat's early lay-up. If poor conditions persist, the mail boat J.W. Westcott II may enter lay-up sometime after Tuesday.

The J.W. Westcott Company is both the marine post office and pilot station in Detroit. The company hopes to operate into the last week of December, ice permitting.

Reported by: Sam Buchanan

Marquette Visitors

12/11:
The H. Lee White and Paul R. Tregurtha made a visit Sunday to Marquette, MI. Both vessels were loading at the ore dock. The H. Lee White showed signs of battling freezing spray with ice on her bow.

The H. Lee White loads.


Reported by: Eric and Sandy Chapman and Art Pickering

Federal Welland Recognition Ceremony

12/11:
On Sunday, December 3, at 3:30p.m., above Lock 8 on the Welland Canal, the Federal Welland was recognized as the first ship in the large Fednav Limited fleet to bear a name recognizing the historic Welland Canal. The Welland Canal is the oldest continuous use transportation artery in Canada. It opened in 1829. Montreal based Fednav is the largest operator of salt water vessels into the lakes and seaway system. The Welland Canals Foundation is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to public education of the past and present Welland Canals.

Gifts of flags, photographs and books were presented to Capt. B. C. Bopanna and Chief Engineer K. U. Kariappa by the mayors of the cities of Welland and Port Colborne, the Welland Chamber of Commerce and the Welland Canals Foundation. The Captain and Chief presented back framed photographs of the ship on her sea trials. Two members of the Foundation board accompanied by Capt. Anil Soni of the St. Lawrence Seaway were invited aboard for a quick tour of this modern high tech ship.

Photos are included below from the ceremony. In the photos Ed O'Connor, President of The Welland Canals Foundation, is scene accepting a photo of the ship on her sea trials from Capt. B. C. Bopanna and Chief Engineer K. U.

The Federal Welland above Lock 8.
On deck.
The bridge.
Chief Engineer Kariappa in the engine control room.
Ed O'connor and Capt. Bopanna with photo of ship on trials.
Chief signs back of photo of ship.


Reported by: David Bull

Earl W. Unloads

12/11:
Last week the Earl W. Oglebay entered Port Washington, WI to deliver a load of coal to the Wisconsin Electric power plant. Below are pictures of the vessel.

Arriving in port.
Docking.
Another view.
Close up of the ice covered bow.

Reported by: James Bartelt

Advent in Port

12/11:
The research vessel CCGS Advent tied up at the Prescott Warf last week. Over the past month the icebreaker Samuel Risley has been replacing navigation markers from CCGS Base Prescott.

Reported by: John Reynolds

Report from the Risley

12/11:
Thursday the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Samuel Risley was in Prescott, ONT.

Last week on the Seaway there were slow days because of weather delays, with not much traffic at all.

The vessel made a trip to Kingston to lift some of the buoys there. Crews also recovered one of the buoys off the mouth of the Niagara River recently. At this buoy there is a very strong and confusing current as you can imagine at the mouth of the Niagara River. The water is also relatively shallow. This probably contributes to the confusing current. We had to use all four engines and both thrusters for this operation.

About the 13th of December crews will start lifting buoys for the winter and will finish Seaway operations on the 24th by picking up the Welland Canal buoys during their upbound transit.

The Risley has not worked there since her original transit from Vancouver back in 1985 so she is a stranger to most of the people along the Seaway. The crew considers working in the sheltered waters is a treat.

The vessels recent passages through the Snell, Eisenhower and Iroquois locks have been "float throughs". We have our mooring lines ready but do not put them out. Our combination of engines and thrusters allow us to control the ship without lines. For the vessel it is important to stay off the walls, especially during the approach to the locks. We aim for the middle of the lock and generally are able to get there without a problem. The vessel's beam is only 45 feet. Commercial ships rub their way along the walls rather than trying to hit the hole with so little room to spare.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Twin Ports Report

12/11:
Despite frigid weather that's rapidly building ice in sheltered waters, the DMIR ore docks in Duluth and Two Harbors have vessels scheduled well into December.

At Two Harbors, the George A. Stinson has been removed from the schedule. Vessels are presently scheduled through the 16th, including Edgar B. Speer on the 10th; Cason J. Callaway and Presque Isle on the 11th; John G. Munson and Edwin H. Gott, due on the 12th; St. Clair on the 13th; Roger Blough on the 14th; Arthur M. Anderson on the 15th; and Edgar B. Speer on the 16th.

In Duluth, vessels are presently scheduled nearly until the end of the year. Ice in the ore dock slips this time of year can make it difficult for vessels to get close enough to the dock, and another bout of below-zero temperatures is expected over the next several days. Scheduled vessels are Mesabi Miner on the 12th; Indiana Harbor, the 13th; Columbia Star, scheduled for a rare call on the 17th; Edwin H. Gott and Indiana Harbor on the 19th; Mesabi Miner on the 23rd; Indiana Harbor on the 27th; and James R. Barker on the 29th.

Reported by: Al Miller

Soo News

12/11:
The saltie Lok Maheshwari departed Saturday, downbound after temporary repairs. The vessel is expected to stop in Montreal for permanent repairs. Thursday the vessel was found to have damaged its hull as she was downbound from Duluth with a load of grain.

Tug W. N. Twolan & barge McAllister were docked at the Carbide Dock Saturday awaiting weather. Sunday evening the pair moved to the Purvis Dock to make room for the Sarah Spencer who would also wait for the weather to improve.

The Canadian Coast Guard vessel GRIFFON was at the Soo Saturday working aids to navigation. The vessel then departed the harbor, downbound in the St Mary's River.

Lt. Alcock is the new Commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker KATMAIBAY based at Sault Ste Marie Michigan.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Lake Erie Update

12/11:
The Phillip R. Clarke was expected to arrive in Conneaut Saturday evening. She was then expected to head to Ashtabula to load coal for Wyandotte. The Fred White Jr. was also due Conneaut to load coal Saturday. In Ashtabula, the Canadian Century was unloading. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble finished buoy replacement and departed Erie Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

The last season schedule remains busy for Conneaut. Sunday the CSL Niagara and David Z. Norton were to load at the coal dock. Tuesday the Louis R. Desmarais was scheduled for the coal dock, Edgar B. Speer for the ore dock. Wednesday Louis R. Desmarais and H. Lee White were scheduled for the coal dock. Thursday the Adam E. Cornelius for the coal dock. Friday the Edwin H. Gott for the ore dock. Dec. 19 Edgar B. Speer and Dec. 21 Arthur M. Anderson.

The Canadian Century.
The bum boat Sonny 2.
The former fishing tug Martha B., high and dry on land.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Toledo Update

12/11:
The Cuyahoga departed Anderson's "E" Elevator Saturday evening. Sunday afternoon there were no grain boats in port.

The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs. The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock.

The saltie Marinus Green departed T.W.I. Docks Sunday morning. The Louis R. Desmarais finished loading coal at the CSX Dock and departed in the early afternoon. The Algosteel shifted over from the # 2 Dock to start loading coal. The John J. Boland arrived at the # 2 Dock and will follow the Algosteel sometime today.

The Armco was at the Torco Dock unloading ore.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the Algomarine due in today and John J. Boland to return back on Tuesday. The next scheduled ore boat will be the Columbia Star on Wednesday. She is expected to be the last scheduled ore boat of the season for the Torco Dock complex.

Coal loadings are expected to continue through Dec. 18 for the CSX Dock complex. This day may be extended longer because of weather delays.

With a large winter storm approaching the area for Monday and Tuesday, gale warnings are forecast for Lake Erie Monday evening through Tuesday with winds shifting from the Northeast to Northwest and increasing to 40 knots with higher wind gusts possible. This will cause low water conditions for Western Lake Erie and surrounding river systems.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report

12/11:
Saturday the American republic unloaded ore at LTV overnight and departed Cleveland at 9:00 a.m. Saturday Morning. She appeared to be heading to Lorain to continue the shuttle. The Fred White was unloading stone at the Ontario dock Saturday morning and departed for Conneaut about 11:00 a.m.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Seaway Traffic

12/11:
Petrolia Desgagnés, which lost her rudder two days ago while upbound in the Seaway for Sarnia with a cargo of diesel oil, departed the St. Zotique Anchorage on Lake St. Francois Saturday morning. The vessel is bound for Quebec City under tow of Ocean Intrepide and Carrol C. I after having been lightered by Diamond Star. In Montreal, the tug Ocean Echo II will be taking over from Carrol C.I.

The ferry Trois-Rivieres that was to be converted into a coastal passenger ship at Les Méchins, QC arrived at the shipyard at Lévis on Nov 18 where likely the job will be done. Her new name RICHELIEU has not been painted on yet. It is believed that Verreault shipyard has no more interest in the conversion project, explaining her departure from Les Méchins to Lévis.

Being broken up at Quebec City is the salvage barge P.S. Barge No.1, formerly a canaler named Edwin T. Douglass built in 1923 in Scotland. Up until 1999, this salvage barge had been stationed in Montreal.

The Montreal based bunkering tanker Horizon Montreal has new stack markings. It is all red with three narrow colored bands in the middle, yellow, black and gray.

Reported as sold for demolitions by "Marine News", November edition are 14 vessels which transited the St. Lawrence Seaway at least under one name. They are Chalothorn Naree, General R. Gumuspala and Olenegorsk sold to Indian breakers. Also sold to Indian breakers are Kentucky Home under the name Al Aliyu, Marigola under the name Doxa, Elpida which also visited the Great Lakes as Gerd, Torm Gerd and Aetolia, Anita I under the name Salina Bay, Rio Sulaco under the name Spartian and Lauro under the name Suthathip Naree. The others are Monte Ayala under the name Junior M sold to Turkish breakers, Song Lin sold to Chinese breakers, Lisbet Tholstrup under the name Tauro Gas sold to unidentified shipbreakers, Rogn sold to Brazilian breakers under the name El Moro and which transited the Seaway also under her second name of Alor Star and finally Skaga under the name Nico also sold to Brazilian shipbreakers.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Vets to Sail War Ship Home

12/11:
A group of former World War II veterans are sailing the former USS LST 325 from Gibraltar across the Atlantic to Alabama. The 29 members of the crew, whose average age is 72 years, are taking a lot of risk. One member is from Auburn Hills.

Click here to follow the progress

Reported by: John Meyland

Seaway Radio Message Number 6

12/11:
For the Welland Canal, ships will be accepted for transit at the respective call-in points until 8:00 a.m. Dec. 24. Vessels will not be accepted for transit after that time.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 8, is 33 degrees. Last year's temperature was 40 degrees. The ten year average is 37 degrees.

Mariners are advised that ice is continuing to form in the South Shore Canal with a thin ice cover now present above St. Lambert Lock. Ice is also beginning to form in the intermediate pool between Eisenhower and Snell locks.

At midnight December 7, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 55 as compared to 58 in 1999. Above Port Weller the number was 42 as compared to 44 in 1999.

The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 600m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements, scheduled for December 7, is postponed until further notice.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which enters the Seaway upbound at CIP2 after midnight on December 9th shall be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 7 & 8 of 2000.

Mariners are reminded that as of midnight on December 15, that, due to lower than normal water temperatures and the subsequent reduction in water levels, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Ice Forecast

12/11:
Ice hazard bulletin for the Great Lakes issued by Environment Canada from Canadian Ice Service in Ottawa at 1700 UTC Sunday 10 December 2000.

No ice warning in effect for the next 36 hours.
Lake Ontario...Ice free over the lake. 9 tenths new lake ice in the Bay of Quinte. 2 to 3 tenths new lake ice along portion of the northeastern shore of the lake.

Lake Erie...Ice free over the lake. open water along the shore of the western basin. 9 tenths new with some thin lake ice in long point bay. 5 to 7 tenths new lake ice in some shore portions of Lake St Clair.

Lake Huron and Georgian Bay...Open water in North Channel except 2 to 6 tenths new lake ice along parts of the northern shore. 7 to 9 tenths new and thin lake ice along the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay, in most of St Mary's River and over the southern half of Saginaw Bay. otherwise mostly ice free.

Lake Superior...Mainly ice free over the lake. 9 plus tenths thin with some medium lake ice in northern Black Bay and 4 to 6 tenths new and thin lake ice in the entrance. 7 to 9 tenths new and thin lake ice in western Nipigon bay. Open water in Thunder Bay with patches of new lake ice in sheltered bays.

Lake Michigan...not available.

Click here for the St. Lawrence River Forecast.

Note: this report is offered for entertainment and should not be relied on for navigation. Please consult Canadian Ice Service for current conditions (subscription necessary)

Area coverage is expressed in tenths
1-3/10's---very open drift ice
4-6/10's---open drift ice
7-8/10's---close pack ice
9-9+/10's--very close pack
10/10's---compact
10/10's---frozen together - consolidated

When ice reaches 6/10's or greater, ships can no longer traverse between floes.

Fast ice--ice fastened to the shore (frozen all the way across)

New Lake Ice----recently formed less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) thick.
Thin Lake Ice---2 - 6 inches (5 - 15 centimeters) thick.
Medium Lake Ice- 6 - 12 inches (15 - 30 centimeters) thick.
Thick Lake Ice--12 - 28 inches (30-70 centimeters) thick.
Very Thick Ice--greater than 28 inches (70 centimeters thick).

Holiday Sale

12/11:
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Images of the merchandise

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Denim Shirts	Blue	Large	1	26.00
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Caps	Khaki		2	$ 15.00

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Today in Great Lakes History - December 11

TEXACO CHIEF (2) was launched December 11, 1968.

The H. LEE WHITE (2) collided with the Greek salty GEORGIOS on December 11, 1974 near St. Clair, MI and had to return to Nicholson's dock at Detroit, MI for inspection.

On December 11, 1979 while about 11 miles off Manitou Island near the Keweenaw Peninsula, the ASHLAND's engine stalled due to a faulty relay switch. Caught in heavy weather and wallowing in the wave troughs, she put out a distress call. True to Great Lakes tradition four vessels immediately came to her assistance: two thousand footers, LEWIS WILSON FOY and EDWIN H. GOTT, along with WILLIS B. BOYER and U.S.C.G. cutter MESQUITE.

WILLIAM CLAY FORD (1) loaded her last cargo at Duluth, MN. December 11, 1984.

PERE MARQUETTE 21 passed down the Welland Canal ( loaded with remnants of Port Huron's Peerless Cement Dock) on December 11, 1974 towed by the tugs SALVAGE MONARCH and DANIEL McALLISTER on the way to Sorel, Que. where she was laid up.

The fishing boat Linda E. vanished on Lake Michigan along with its three crewmen on Dec. 11, 1998.

WHEAT KING was laid up for the last time December 11, 1981.

On 11 December 1872, the Port Huron Times listed the following vessels in winter lay-up in Port Huron:
Sailing Craft:
A.H.MOSS, FOREST HUNTER. MARY E. PEREW, SEA BIRD, REINDEER, T.S.SKINNER, L.W.PERRY, ADAIN, LITTLE NELLIE, MAGGIE, PRINCE ALFRED, CAPE HORM, KITTIE, JOHNSON (wrecker), CHRISTIANA, HOWE, C.G.MEISEL, AUNT RUTH, W.R.HANNA, IRONSIDES, GOLDEN FLEECE, JOHN L. GROSS, WARRINGTON, ANGLO SAXON, MOORE, LADY ESSEX, ANNIE, FORWARDER (sunk), GROTON, NORTHWEST, FRED H. MORSE, GEM OF THE LAKES, D.J.AUSTIN, CZAR, JAMAICA, ANNIE (scow), AND HATTIE.
Sidewheel Steamers: 8th OHIO, WYOMING (lighter).
Propeller Steam Barges: W.E.WETMORE, SANILAC, CITY OF DETROIT.
Tugs: KATE MOFFAT, TAWAS, HITTIE HOYT, FRANK MOFFAT, J.H. MARTIN, JOHN PRIDGEON, BROCKWAY, GLADIATOR, CORAL, GRACE DORNER (small passenger vessel), AND C.M. FARRAR.

On 11 December 1895, GEORGE W. ADAMS (wooden schooner-barge, 231', 1444 gt, built in 1875 at Toledo, Ohio) was in tow of the steamer CALEDONIA with a load of coal, bound from Cleveland for Chicago. Her hull was crushed by ice and she sank near Colchester Shoals on Lake Erie. A salvage operation on her the following summer was a failure.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Jody Aho, 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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Heavy Lift in Duluth

12/10:
The arrival Wednesday in Duluth of the heavy-lift saltie Fairlift marked the second load of special Japanese-built equipment being transshipped to the Athabasca Oil Sands Project in northern Alberta.

Stellanova, an apparent sister to the Fairlift, brought the first load in mid-October. That cargo consisted of 36 pieces, including four that weighed more than 500 tons each.

Fairlift's cargo consisted of 56 pieces of equipment, including seven pieces weighing more than 500 tons. The cargo is expected to be moved out of Duluth aboard 16 special 12-axle railcars. Only 28 of these heavy-load cars are available in North America.

"These shipments will represent the largest multiple loads ever carried over U.S. and Canadian railways," Ed Clarke, materials management representative for Fluor Daniel Canada, stated in the Duluth Seaway Port Authority's quarterly magazine. Fluor Daniel Canada is transportation contractor for the project.

Duluth's port terminal, operated by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, was chosen to handle the cargoes because of its excellent facilities for heavy-lift cargoes and because of the rail clearances between the port and the job site, Clarke said.

When finished in 2002, the Athabasca Oil Sands Project will remove oil-impregnated sand, separate the oil and then use new technology to upgrade the oil to a useable product.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Reported by: Al Miller

Utviken Drops Three

12/10:
Late Friday night the saltie Utviken was entering the Welland Canal at the Lake Erie entrance in Port Colborne. The vessel was sailing downbound planning to stop at the Shell Oil dock when the vessel appeared to lose power. The Utviken was moving at about 4 knots with a strong westerly wind and a tug on her starboard side when the vessel dropped all three anchors. This action quickly stopped the vessel. Bow and stern lines were then brought ashore to the fuel dock by the tug and the ship eventually winched itself to the dock.

It is unknown why the vessel appeared to lose power. Seaway officials boarded the ship for inspection and the vessel was underway by 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning on her downbound transit.

Reported by: W. Moroziuk

Tug Superior Update

12/10:
The tug Superior arrived back in her homeport of Milwaukee Saturday night in tow of the tug Arkansas. It is unknown what type of repair were necessary.

The Superior grounded on the Ludington Harbor breakwall last week.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Algontario Moved

12/10:
In Thunder Bay Friday the tugs Peninsula, George N. Carleton and Donald Mac moved Algontario from Pascol Engineer's Shearleg Dock and placed her at Shed No.1, Keefer Terminal for winter lay-up. The Algontario had been in lay-up since an early season grounding in the St. Marys River on April 5, 1999.

Reported by: Ron Knokol

Toledo Update

12/10:
Saturday the Paterson departed Andersons "E" Elevator at approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning under tow of the Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey. As soon as the tow cleared the river the Cuyahoga proceeded upbound to Anderson's "E" Elevator to load grain. She was expected to depart later on this evening.

The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs. The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. There was an Andrie tug/barge unloading cargo at the Seneca Oil Company Dock.

The saltie Marinus Green was at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. The Jean Parisien was loading coal at the CSX Dock with the Louis R. Desmarais at the #2 Dock waiting to load. The cold weather has caused long delays in the loading process as the coal cars have to be thawed out in the heat shed first before they can dump there coal into the loading machine.

The Oglebay Norton was unloading ore at the Torco Dock with the Middletown across the slip waiting to unload. The next scheduled coal boats will be the John J. Boland, and Algosteel due in on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boat will be the Armco on Sunday morning.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/10:
Entering the Seaway with a coating of ice Friday was Jo Spirit bound for Hamilton to deliver a cargo of rum. Saturday morning she was at Snell lock. Necat-A was still unloading at Sorel Saturday morning. She was expected to depart Saturday night, heading upbound for the Lakes.

Upbound Saturday morning at St. Nicholas near Quebec City was Rays for Hamilton.

Two vessels bound for Montreal and the Lakes were expected at the Les Escoumins pilot station Saturday morning. The Sidsel Knutsen and the Atlantic Swan were due. The Swan is on her first trip under that name. The chemical tanker was in the Seaway previously under the name Argentum when she went to Sarnia in Nov. 1991.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 10

CEDARGLEN loaded her last cargo at Thunder Bay, Ont. on December 10, 1984 carrying grain for Goderich, Ont.

Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. of Cleveland, OH bought the NOTRE DAME VICTORY on December 10, 1950. She would later become the CLIFFS VICTORY.

The IRVIN L. CLYMER was laid up at Superior, WI on December 10, 1985 for two seasons before returning to service April 30, 1988.

An explosion occurred in the IMPERIAL LEDUC's (b NIPIGON BAY ) forward tanks on December 10, 1951. This happened while her crew was cleaning and butterworthing the tanks. Five crew members were injured with one eventually dying in the hospital. Multiple explosions caused extensive damage in excess of $500,000.

On December 10, 1905 the WILLIAM E.CORY finally was pulled free and refloated after grounding in late November.

FRANK A. SHERMAN laid up for the last time at Toronto on December 10, 1981.

Donated by Cleveland-Cliffs to the Great Lakes Historical Society on December 10, 1987, the WILLIAM G. MATHER was to become a museum ship at Cleveland's waterfront.

PAUL H. CARNAHAN and her former fleetmate, GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (2), arrived safely under tow at Kaosiung, Taiwan on December 10, 1986 for scrapping.

ATLANTIC (formerly MANITOULIN, wooden propeller passenger/package freight, 147', 683 gt, built in 1880 at Owen Sound, Ont.) was bound for Byng Inlet with lumber camp supplies when she was caught in a storm and grounded in the lee of Pancake Island in Georgian Bay. Her cargo and aft cabin were thrown overboard to lighten her, but she caught fire and was destroyed. Her passengers and crew took to her boats and survived.

On 10 December 1891, a fire started on MARY (2-mast wooden schooner, 84', 87 gt, built in 1877 at Merriton, Ontario) when an oil stove in the kitchen exploded. The vessel was at anchor at Sarnia, Ontario and damages were estimated at $10,000. The CORISANE (2-mast wooden schooner-barge, 137', 292 gc, built in 1873 at Marine City, MI) was tied up alongside MARY and she also caught fire but the flames were quickly extinguished. She was towed away from MARY by the ferry J. C. CLARK.

The PERE MARQUETTE 3 ran aground in 1893 north of Milwaukee.

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 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

Lost Rudder

12/09:
While upbound in the Seaway for Sarnia loaded with diesel oil, the Petrolia Desgagnés lost a rudder. The tanker will be towed down the Seaway today by Ocean Intrepide and Ocean Echo II. The vessel will be towed to section 97, in the Port of Quebec.

Reported by: René Beauchamp and Dave Beach

Saltie Damaged

12/09:
Thursday the Lok Maheshwari, a 605-foot freighter registered in India, docked in the Soo Harbor. The vessel was found to have damaged its hull as she was downbound from Duluth with a load of grain. The source of the damage was unknown and crews were attempting to repair the vessel at the Union Carbide dock. Unable to weld the hull, crews were looking for alternative patching. U.S. Coast Guard personal are investigating.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Tug Superior Update

12/09:
The tug Superior was pulled off the Ludington Harbor breakwall and under going repairs on Friday. The tug Arkansas from Milwaukee pulled the stranded Superior off. The Superior was under going repairs to patch the hull sufficiently to return to Milwaukee. It is unknown where permanent repairs will be made.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Stahl Prepares For Ice Breaking Duty

12/09:
As poor weather conditions persist, the Roger Stahl's last trip to Messena, NY. will be postponed until the Spring. The Roger Stahl will undergo her winter refit for icebreaking duties at Gaelic's yard in Detroit.

Gaelic Tugboat Company's 3,000 hp twin screw icebreaking tugboat Roger Stahl is the former USCG tug Kaw. The tug is powered with a pair of General Motors EMD engines driving a pair of 4 blade stainless steel propellers. The vessel uses a keel cooling system that allows operation of the tug in all types of ice without concern for ice entering the cooling system.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co., William Hoey, Jr.

Bay Ship Prepares for Lay-up - Ryerson Moved

12/09:
Thursday evening Bay Ship took the Badger out of dry dock and placed the carferry on the face of the steel dock. The Badger will be towed back to Ludington when the weather improves where she will spend her winter lay-up.

With the pending arrival of the winter lay-up fleet, Bay Ship moved the Edward L. Ryerson out of the ship yard to the old PBI\City dock, south of the Michigan street bridge for the winter. This move will allow the use of Berth #5 with crane service.

Badger on face of steel dock, awaiting tow .
Selvick tugs moving the Ryerson to City dock .
Passing through the bridge.
Close up.
Stern from city dock.
Side view.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Freezing Spray

12/09:
The Great Lakes fleet has many vessels featuring a cylindrical bow. This rounded bow differs from a pointed bow found on many salt water vessels. The cylindrical bow maximizes cargo capacity while allow the vessel to move efficiently through seas on the Great Lakes.

In the winter these vessel are more susceptible to spray freezing on the forward sections as the waves slap against the round bow and the spray shoots over the top of the bow, freezing on deck. Crews on the boats use hot water and sledge hammers to break the ice off the vessel to open hatch covers.

Below are images of an ice encrusted Columbia Star passing through the Soo Locks Friday afternoon.
The Star's red bow is hidden by a coating of heavy ice.
Another view.

Closing of the Soo Locks

12/09:
The navigation season will end at 12:59 p.m. on January 14, 2001. The following are the scheduled closures for each lock:

MacArthur Lock - - - - - 8:00 a.m. December 13, 2000
Poe Lock - - - - - - - - 23:59 p.m. January 14, 2001
Davis Lock - - - - - - - day-to-day until season's end
The popular web cameras will remain active to allow viewing of the winter maintenance effort on the Poe and MacArthur Locks.

The 2001 navigation season is scheduled to begin with the opening of the Poe Lock on March 25, 2001. The MacArthur Lock will re-open later in April.
Soo Locks Live Camera.

Reported by: Mike Farris

Twin Ports Report

12/09:
The heavy-lift vessel Fairlift was at the Duluth port terminal on Dec. 6 to unload what appears to be a deck cargo of several large steel cylinders that were being loaded onto railroad cars. This may be part of the heavy-lift cargo the port handled this fall for an oil refinery project in western Canada. Fairlift has two unusually large derricks offset on the port side of its deck.

Other salties in the Twin Ports include Vaasaborg loading at Cargill B1 and Federal Hudson at AGP, both in Duluth. Great Laker and Ira are both anchored on Lake Superior. Also loading grain were Elton Hoyt 2nd at Peavey and Algoville at Cenex Harvest States, both in Superior.

Also early on the 6th, Paul R. Tregurtha was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal. Hon. Paul Martin was due at the coal terminal later in the day.

After three unusually mild winters, this winter seems to mark a return to normal conditions. Temperatures have largely been in the single digits above zero all week, and ice has covered the entire harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Busy Saginaw

12/09:
Late season shipping traffic continued on the Saginaw River Friday morning with visits by two vessels.

The Sam Laud passed the front range at 8:20 a.m., going up to the Saginaw Rock Products dock. The Laud reported her progress slowed somewhat by newly formed ice all the way up the river. The vessel had departed the river on her last visit less than 48 hours earlier.

The Wolverine passed the front range only about 10 minutes behind the Laud. She was forced to make a quick stop just short of the Liberty Bridge in Bay City when a traffic accident on the bridge delayed its opening. Once able to continue, the vessel was able to make good time up to Saginaw, following the path broken through the ice by the Sam Laud.

Although the Wolverine's security calls indicated that she was going to the Saginaw Asphalt dock in Carrollton, the vessel actually tied up about 1:00 p.m. at the old General Motors dock across the river in Saginaw. This dock is apparently being used to receive and store materials for Saginaw Asphalt/International Materials. It is very unusual to see an Oglebay Norton vessel call at this particular dock.

Reported by: Stephen Hause

Toledo Update

12/09:
Friday the Paterson was loading grain at Anderson's "E" Elevator. The saltie Marinus Green was at the T.W.I. dock unloading cargo.

The tanker Saturn was at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock in lay-up. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs.

The Saginaw was loading coal at the CSX dock with the Jean Parisien at the #2 Dock waiting to follow. The Courtney Burton was at the Torco Dock unloading ore pellets.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the Louis R. Desmarais, and John J. Boland expected in today followed by the Algomarine and John J. Boland on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats will be the Oglebay Norton, and Middletown this morning, followed by the Armco on Sunday morning.

A small U.S. Coast Guard buoy vessel was starting to remove some of the buoys from the Maumee River in preparation for the winter season.

The recent cold spell has created quite a bit of ice cover in Maumee Bay with some small open water areas visible. The river is still mostly open water with some ice patches from Maumee Bay up to the grain elevator complexes.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/09:
Entering the Seaway Thursday was one saltie only, the Kopalnia Halemba bound for Toronto with sugar. Expected to enter the Seaway Friday were at least two vessels, the chemical tanker Jo Spirit for Hamilton and the bulker Necat-A from section 19 on the Richelieu River, Port of Sorel.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 09

JUPITER (2) was christened December 9, 1975.

The JEAN PARISIEN left Quebec City on her maiden voyage December 9, 1977.

CLIFFS VICTORY ran aground December 9, 1976 near Johnson Point in the ice­-laden Munuscong Channel of the St. Marys River.

The FRANK C. BALL ( b) J.R. SENSIBAR, c) CONALLISON) was launched on December 9, 1905.

The ARTHUR B. HOMER was towed by the tugs THUNDER CAPE, ELMORE M. MISNER and ATOMIC to Port Colborne, Ont., December 9, 1986, and was scrapped there the following year.

HILDA MARJANNE was launched December 9, 1943 as a) GRANDE RONDE.

The keel for the SHIERCLIFFE HALL was laid on December 9, 1949.

On 9 December 1871, CHALLENGE (wooden schooner, 96', 99 t, built in 1853 at Rochester, NY) missed the piers at Sheboygan, WI in heavy weather, stove in some of her planking and sank. She was a particularly sleek craft, actually designed as a yacht and once owned by the Light House Service as a supply vessel.

On 9 December 1874, the Port Huron Times reported that "the old railroad ferry steamer UNION at Detroit is having machinery taken out and preparing to go into permanent retirement, or perhaps to serve as a floating dining room for railroad passengers."

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

More Work at the Soo

12/08:
Repairs to the Poe Lock caused a short delay Thursday morning. "Divers in the water" was the call heard on channel 16 as the Poe Lock was closed again for some type of repairs. Waiting for the Poe was the Charles M. Beeghly downbound at the approach to the Poe Lock. At 11:00 a.m. the Poe was reopened and the two vessels departed downbound.

Sea smoke, a condition caused by cold temperatures over the warmer water, was noted at the Soo Thursday morning as temperatures hovered near zero degrees. By noon the air temperature had inched up to a few degrees above zero.

Although there is little or no ice in the river system the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay was downbound in the St. Marys River.

Sea smoke at the Soo Locks.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Unual Trip for the Clarke

12/08:
Philip R. Clarke is scheduled for an usual port call when it arrives at Ojibwa, Ontario, on Dec. 10 to load for Erie, Pennsylvania.

Reported by: Al Miller

Canadian Century to Port Weller

12/08:
The Canadian Century is expected to arrive at Port Weller Dry Docks over the weekend for an underwater survey. The vessel is report to have some type of minor water leak in the hull.

Reported by: M. Hall

Ice Developing

12/08:
Thursday morning the first signs of consistent ice made their appearance on a chilly St. Lawrence River. It appears that this is the true beginning of the winter in Quebec City area, which will last until the beginning of April.

At the pilot station, winter orders are now in effect. This means that two pilots must be on every downbound ship and that the pilot boat has been replaced for the winter by the Groupe Océan's tug Océan Charlie. At Lévis anchorage, Federal Rhine was waiting for a dock at Bunge in order to finish loading grain. A few lakers are expected to come back to the harbor to load bulk cargo before the closing of the seaway. Year round navigation is open to vessels until Montreal harbor.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

More Ice

12/08:
The recent wave of cold temperatures has ice forming in the lower lakes. Flows of ice were noted on Thursday in the Detroit River. The past few winters have been relatively mild with no great amounts of ice forming.

Toledo Update

12/08:
Thursday the Paterson was loading grain at the Andersons "E" Elevator and is scheduled to depart sometime on today depending on how the loading process goes. The saltie Marinus Green is at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo.

The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The barge Kellstone I remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs.

The Wolverine was at the CSX Dock loading coal with the Saginaw due in at 10:00 p.m. last night to follow. The Buckeye was also due in at 10:00 p.m. last night for the Torco Dock.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the Jean Parisien, and Louis R. Desmarais due in today followed by the John J. Boland on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Courtney Burton early this morning. The Oglebay Norton and Middletown are due in on Saturday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Update

12/07:
The English River arrived in port Wednesday about 5:00 p.m. with the tug Idaho and departed Thursday about 2:00 p.m. The tug Karen Andrie came in for Amoco on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and departed Thursday at 3:00 p.m. The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible were assisted into Ontario 4 Thursday morning. She followed the American Republic in who also unloaded at Ontario 4. The Republic usually doesn't visit the Old River Bed. The McKee Sons was expected to depart at 8:00 p.m. The Cuyahoga was expected Thursday evening for Ontario 4. at mid night the Cuyahoga was planning to anchor in Lake Erie to wait for space at the dock. It is unknown if the McKee Sons was delayed or another vessel was unloading.

Pictures by TZ
American Republic arrives in heavy snow.
American Republic unloading.
English River unloading.
English River departs.
Stern view.
Mckee Sons arrives.
Close up of stern.
Tug in notch.
Bow approaches the lighthouse.
Docked and unloading.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Seaway Traffic

12/08:
On Thursday three foreign flag salties entered the Seaway, Macado going to Côte Ste. Catherine with fertilizer, Millenium Harmony to Ashtabula with steel bars and Lady Hamilton for Detroit also loaded with steel bars.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Seaway Radio Message Number 5

12/08:
The water temperature at St. Lambert on December 7 was 33 degrees, last year's temperature was 41 degrees. The ten year average is 37 degrees.

Mariners are advised that ice is forming in the South Shore Canal.

At midnight December 6, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 54 as compared to 54 in 1999. Above Port Weller the number was 42 as compared to 40 in 1999.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 08

The CANADIAN ENTERPRISE was christened December 8, 1979.

JAMES DAVIDSON was laid up for the last time on December 8, 1969 at Toledo, OH.

The MERLE M. McCURDY collided with U.S. Steel’s PHILIP R. CLARKE opposite Grosse Pointe Farms, MI on Lake St. Clair, December 8, 1974.

On 8 December 1886, BELLE (2-mast wooden schooner, 61', 40 gc, built in 1866 at Port Dalhousie, Ontario) burned while frozen in at anchor.

On 8 December 1854, WESTMORELAND (wooden propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 200', 665 t, built in 1853 at Cleveland) was carrying supplies for Mackinac Island, including liquor and supposedly $100,000 in gold. She capsized in a storm due to the heavy seas and the weight of the thick ice on her superstructure. She sank in the Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan and dragged one of the loaded lifeboats down with her. 17 lives were lost. There were many attempts to find her and recover her valuable cargo, but her wreck wasn't found until 1874, twenty years after she sank.

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 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

LTV to Cease Mining and Pellet Production in February

12/07:
LTV Steel Mining Co., which was scheduled to close next summer, will instead permanently shut down Feb. 24, 2001 the company announced Wednesday.

LTV Steel announced several months ago that it would shutter the aging taconite plant in midsummer 2001. The announcement prompted hundreds of workers to leave to take other jobs, and those remaining have said the attrition was so severe that the plant might not be able to operate to the shutdown date.

A union official told a Duluth television station Wednesday that enough employees would be kept on to ship stockpiled pellets in the spring and for the orderly shutdown of equipment.

LTV Steel, saddled with heavy debt and battered by low stock prices, said it would close the taconite plant in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., rather than spend $500 million to modernize its furnace to improve pellet quality. The shutdown also means the end to pellet shipments through Taconite Harbor on Lake Superior's North Shore.

The company said that the flood of unfairly traded foreign steel, lower prices and lower demand for its products have reduced its need for taconite pellets and demanded additional cost reductions.

"We had expected to operate the mine until the middle of 2001," said Richard J. Hipple, president of LTV Steel Company, "but the extremely difficult business conditions now facing LTV and the domestic steel industry have made this action unavoidable." Hipple said that business conditions also have caused LTV Steel to reduce production and layoff about 500 people at its steelmaking facilities. One of LTV's three blast furnaces at the Cleveland Works has been idled.

Reported by: Al Miller

Poe Lock Closes

12/07:
The Poe Lock, the only lock capable of allowing the 1000-footers to pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, closed to traffic on Wednesday to allow repairs to the lower gates. This scheduled closure had the Lock out of service from about 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Damage from an unknown source was noticed to one of the gates in late August and thought to have been repaired in September. It is unknown if Wednesday's closure, delaying six vessels, was related.

The little used Davis Lock was put into service allowing shallow draft vessels to pass through with out delay waiting for the MacArthur Lock.

Images from the Soo Live Cams
Paul R. Tregurtha waits below the Poe.
Traffic using the MacArthur Lock continues.
Close up through the driving snow.

Reported by: Jerry Masson and Dave Wobser

Millenium Eagle Blocks Traffic

12/07:
On Wednesday morning the Millenium Eagle was preparing to enter Lock 2, when for unknown reasons, it swung across the canal and the stern ended up on the far side of the canal. The vessel was said to be resting against the east bank of the canal with the starboard anchor down leading aft.

The Port Weller Pilot boat was brought on scene so that mooring lines could be run across to the tie up wall. These lines were then used to pull the ship back across the canal. The Eagle did not ground in the incident and the canal reopened to traffic about 1:00 p.m. Ships waiting below Lock #1 for the canal to open were the Cuyahoga and Jean Parisien.

Reported by: Roger Tottman and John Stark

Barge Will Spend Winter on Bottom

12/07:
Salvage crews will wait until next spring to raise the 200-foot work barge that sank in the Duluth harbor basin. Coast Guard officials said the ice that now covers the harbor presents too much danger to divers for work to continue.

The barge sank in early November while serving as a platform an excavator that was being used to perform maintenance dredging. The 60-ton excavator has been recovered.

Reported by: Al Miller

Iglehart in for Temporary lay-up

12/07:
The J.A.W. Iglehart arrived in Alpena, MI. early Wednesday morning. She will lay-up at the Old Dock until January 4 when she is scheduled to depart for Detroit with a winter storage load.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Seasonal Aids To Navigation Decommissioning

12/07:
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ACACIA (WLB-406) departed its homeport of Charlevoix, MI. at 1:00 p.m. under brisk conditions sailing for Milwaukee, WI. The ACACIA intends to decommission seasonal aids in Lake Michigan from Chicago to Milwaukee before the lake ices over. The ACACIA is responsible for 135 floating aids to navigation from the Chicago area to Alpena.

Reported by: Micheal Randall

Pere Marquette 41 Departs

12/07:
The barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted took the short cut to Lake Michigan Wednesday. The pair was sailing from Marinette and passed into the Bay of Sturgeon Bay and out through the ship canal into Lake Michigan. It was a cool day with temperatures at 7 degrees and a west wind at 10 mph gusting to 25 mph with light snow.

Into the outer bay.
In the Canal.
Bow lookout braves the elements.
Another view of the bow.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Twin Ports Report

12/07:
George A. Stinson, a longtime fixture at the BNSF ore dock in Superior, is scheduled to make a rare call at the DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors on Dec. 12. The DMIR ore dock in Duluth has Indiana Harbor scheduled for Dec. 7 and Mesabi Miner set for the 12th. No word on whether that will be the end of the dock's season or whether it may operate longer. That dock often stops loading vessels in mid-December.

St. Clair was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal on the morning of Dec. 6. Expected to follow were Columbia Star, Algobay and Canadian Transport.

Grain traffic remains brisk in the Twin Ports as cold temperatures bring a growing cover of ice to the harbor. Loading on the morning of Dec. 6 were Stefania 1 at Cargill, Federal Hudson at AGP and Toro at Cenex Harvest States. Anchored out waiting to load were Ira, Algoville and Great Laker, all scheduled for Cenex Harvest States. Elton Hoyt II was due later in the day at Peavey and Vaasaborg was due later in the day for either General Mills or Cargill.

Reported by: Al Miller

Busy Day in Saginaw

12/07:
The Saginaw River remained active despite a developing ice cover, blustery winds and snow showers on Wednesday morning.

The Sam Laud was turning and preparing to depart at 8:30 a.m. after delivering a load to a Saginaw area dock. At the same time, the Herbert C. Jackson was ready to depart the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City and the Agawa Canyon was arriving at the Buena Vista Dock near the I-75 bridge at Zilwaukee.

The Jackson delayed her departure for about two hours until the Sam Laud passed her, then proceeded several miles up river to the airport turning basin near Bay City to turn and start outbound. The Agawa Canyon completed her work at about noon, then proceeded up to the turning basin at Saginaw. She was outbound during the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a Coast Guard maintenance craft, No. 49422, was working in the icy river conditions, setting winter channel markers.

Much of the river has become covered with a thin ice cover, although the brisk southwest winds and the passage of the vessels generally break it up. Water levels on the river were running at about minus-12 inches on Wednesday morning.

Sam Laud passing the Jackson at Bay Aggregates.
Jackson heading for the airport turning with Christmas garland decorations.
Coast Guard boat No. 49442 working the Aids to Navigation.

Reported by: Stephen Hause

Toledo Update

12/07:
Wednesday the Algomarine was loading coal at the CSX Dock with the Lee A. Tregurtha waiting at the #2 Dock to follow. The Wolverine was expected in later that evening to follow the Tregurtha.

The new saltie Marinus Green arrived at the T.W.I. Dock to unload calcium nitrate, she will be at the dock until Saturday. The Paterson was upbound the Maumee River with the tug William Hoey assisting her. She was headed for Anderson's "E" Elevator to load grain.

The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The barge Kellstone I is in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the Saginaw expected at 4:00 a.m. Thursday to follow the Wolverine. The Jean Parisien is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday. The Canadian Enterprise is due in late Friday afternoon followed by the John J. Boland on Saturday evening.

The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye and Courtney Burton late evening on Thursday. The Oglebay Norton and Reserve on Saturday followed by the Armco on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/07:
On Tuesday only one saltie entered the Seaway, the Baltimar Notos bound for Hamilton in ballast. Also leaving one of the Seaway ports was Axion. She left Côte Ste.Catherine for Duluth in ballast. Expected to leave PAT anchorage Wednesday was the Macado bound for Côte Ste.Catherine. From there, she is to go to Goderich. That morning she was reported windbound and taking bunkers from Imperial Lachine tied up alongside her. She departed as expected, loaded with aluminum nitrate. Expected to enter the Seaway Wednesday afternoon was the Millenium Harmony bound for Ashtabula.

Also windbound Wednesday morning was Petrolia Desgagnés anchored at Vickers anchorage also known as Longueuil anchorage. She was expected to depart for Sarnia with diesel fuel.

Other vessels bound for Lakes ports Wednesday morning ere Kopalnia Halemba that reported at Cap Brûlé at 0637 bound for Toronto, Lady Hamilton at Ste. Croix at 0739 bound for Detroit and Jo Spirit passing Cabot Strait at 2050 yesterday for Hamilton.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Trade From Great Lakes Ports Up In October

12/07:
Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 16.6 million tons in October, an increase of 7.6 percent. For the season, loadings of the Lakes "Big 3" commodities stand at 119.8 million tons, an increase of 3.4 percent.

The October iron ore trade increased 12.6 percent to 7.3 million tons and for the season stands at 54.7 million tons, an increase of 5 percent.

October coal loadings were essentially unchanged. Through October, the coal trade totals 33.2 million tons, an increase of 1.7 percent.

The Lakes limestone and gypsum trade performed well in October, increasing 4.8 percent to 4.8 million tons. Since stone loadings resumed in late March, the trade stands at 31.9 million tons, a slight increase over 1999.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

SMET Narrows Gap With Last Year

12/07:
Thanks to a 16.2 percent increase in November loadings (1,741,888 net tons versus 1,499,514 n.t.) Superior Midwest Energy Terminal has pulled closer to its level of shipments at this point of the 1999 navigation season. Since resuming loading operations on March 16, SMET has shipped 14,549,711 n.t. of low-sulfur coal, a decrease of 320,000 tons compared to the same point last year. SMET needs to ship roughly 1.7 million tons yet this season if it is to extend its 4-year string of record seasons.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Today in Great Lakes History - December 07

On December 7, 1969 the TEXACO CHIEF (2) collided with the Canadian bulker PETITE HERMINE near Prescott, Ont. and suffered light damage.

In 1990 the ENERCHEM LAKER was sold to Environment Protection Services, Inc., Panama and departed Montreal on December 7, 1990 for off Lakes service with the new name d) RECOVERY VIII.

The LEADALE (2) sank in the Welland Canal on December 7, 1982 and was declared a constructive total loss.

The GEORGE R. FINK (2), under tow, arrived at Gandia, Spain prior to December 7, 1973 for scrapping.

W.W. HOLLOWAY was laid up December 7, 1981 for the last time at Toledo’s frog pond.

On December 7, 1932, the MARQUIS ROEN caught fire at Meacher's dock at Bay City, and before the fire was brought under control, the cabins and after end were destroyed.

Captain John Roen of the Roen Steamship Co. died on December 7, 1970.

On December 7, 1906 the R.L. IRELAND stranded on Gull Island in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior.

PERCIVAL ROBERTS, JR. was launched December 7, 1912 for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co.

The steel side-wheel passenger steamer EASTERN STATES was launched on December 7, 1901, by the Detroit Shipbuilding Company for the Detroit and Buffalo Steamship Company.

The railcar ferry ANN ARBOR No. 2 was launched on December 7, 1892.

In 1906 the ANN ARBOR NO. 4 arrived Frankfort on her maiden voyage.

December 7, 1909 - Marquette & Bessemer No. 2 (1) foundered in Lake Erie with a loss of all hands.

On 7 December 1894, KEWEENAW (steel steamer, 291', 2511 gt, built in 1891 at W. Bay City) was seen groping toward the coast of the State of Washington in a severe gale. With distress signals flying, she put back to sea and foundered. She was built by F.W. Wheeler (hull #73) for salt water service. Built in two pieces, she was towed down the St. Lawrence and reassembled at Montreal.

On 7 December 1866, M. BALLARD (2-mast wooden schooner, 116', 288 t, built in 1855 at Cleveland) was lost with all hands in a storm on Lake Ontario.

The wooden propeller bulk freighter MORLEY was launched at Marine City on 7 December 1878. She was on the stocks for two years and was built for the Morley Brothers and Hill. She was a double decker with side arches between decks with iron straps. She also had iron trusses running through the center. Her boiler was on the main deck and she had the engine from the tug WM. PRINGLE. She had three spars, a centerboard, and could carry 45,000 bushels of grain.

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 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

Water Levels Drop, Saltie Grounds

12/06:
On Tuesday the water levels in the lower Detroit River continued dropping reaching minus 14 inches with the forecast calling for water levels at plus 14 inches. Vessels crowded into the Belle Isle Anchorage, Ojibway Anchorage and open docks along the river.

About 3:00 p.m. the 645-foot saltie Makeevka grounded in the Belle Isle Anchorage about 100-feet off the Cement dock where the Alpena was unloading. The Ukrainian registered bulker had its portside stuck in the mud. Unable to free it self, the tugs Wyoming and Vermont assisted in pulling the vessel from the soft bottom. Inspectors from the Marine Safety office in Detroit cleared the vessel to sail by Tuesday evening.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

White Out at the Soo

12/06:
Late Tuesday afternoon, Traffic in the St Mary's River was on the increase while visibility dropped showing ghostly images in the Soo Harbor as heavy snow reduced visibility. At 5:00 p.m. the tops of the huge stacks of the Stewart J. Cort were visible in the harbor, slowly steering for the Poe Lock. Other vessels in the harbor were the Indiana Harbor, Canadian Prospector, Columbia Star, Canadian Transport, Sara Spencer and the USCG Biscayne Bay enroute to the Group Soo Base.

The ice boom at Mission Point in the St. Marys River is now in place and transit is restricted to one way traffic.

Images from the Soo Live Cams
The Columbia Star heads upbound in the Poe Lock.
The Cort arrives.

Reported by: Jerry Masson and Mark A. Hansen

Bad Weather Closes Seaway

12/06:
Gales of 40 knots were experienced on eastern Lake Ontario Tuesday. Gale warnings were up for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence from Kingston to Cornwall. At 11:25 a.m. blowing snow reduced visibility in the American Narrows to less than one half mile and navigation was suspended at that time. At 4:00 p.m. a weather buoy off Prince Edward County recorded winds from the west-southwest at 39 knots and seas of 10 feet or more.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Roger Stahl Returns Home

12/06:
The tug Roger Stahl returned home to the Gaelic Tugboat Co. Yard in Detroit at 2:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Weather conditions may delay the tug's departure with the next set of barges for Massena, NY. The water Temperature will be watched closely at Massena, on Monday it was 42.6 degrees.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co., William Hoey, Jr.

GTS Kate Sold

12/06:
The GTS KATE was sold at auction on Monday after nine sealed bids were received. The winning bid of $2,080,000 Canadian won from the firm of Dauzac Shipping. The next highest bid was $2,060,000 from a Richard Smith of NY. The lowest bid was 325,000 by a Quebec transportation company.

Dauzac intends to put the ship back into service and are not trying to resell the vessel for scrap.

Reported by: David Bowie

Seaway Radio Message Number 3

12/06:
At midnight December 4, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 53 as compared to 62 in 1999. Above Port Weller the number was 44 as compared to 43 in 1999.

The water temperature at St. Lambert on December 5, is 34.9 degrees. Last year's temperature was 39.2 degrees. The ten year average is 37.2 degrees Celsius.

The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 600m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements, scheduled for December 7, is postponed until further notice.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Toledo Update

12/06:
Tuesday the Algosteel was loading coal at the CSX Dock, the Algomarine and Wolverine were scheduled to arrive Tuesday evening to load coal. At 6:00 p.m. the water level at Toledo was -14 inches below low water datum. As the winds shift to the Northwest the water levels are predicted to slowly rise during the next 24 to 36 hours.

The Alpena was at the Lafarge cement dock unloading cement. The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock, while the barge Kellstone I remains in drydock undergoing repairs.

There were no grain or ore vessels in port on Tuesday morning. The next scheduled coal boats will be the Lee A. Tregurtha due in this morning. The Saginaw will follow the Tregurtha on Thursday evening. The next scheduled ore vessels for the Torco Dock will be the Buckeye and Courtney Burton on Thursday. The Oglebay Norton is expected on Friday evening with the Armco and Reserve on Saturday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/06:
No salties entered the Seaway on Monday, December 4. Expected to depart the Pointe-aux-Trembles anchorage Tuesday was the Baltimar Notos bound for Hamilton in ballast. In addition to the list of salties expected to go up later this week listed yesterday, there will be the Macado for Goderich, the Lady Hamilton, Millenium Harmony and Necat-A. Expected in Montreal later this week is Seletar Hope to unload sugar before proceeding up the Seaway. According to the Port of Montreal report, her correct name is spelled Selatar Hope.

The official closing date for the Seaway is Dec. 20.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Michigan DNR drops Plan to Charge Photographers

12/06:
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has dropped their plan to begin enforcing a 1921 state law that would require photographers to pay hundreds for taking pictures. The law requires photographers to pay $325 a day to get a permit to shoot in Holland State Park with the Holland Harbor Lighthouse and the channel in the background.

The suspension comes just three days after a letter advised Holland area photographers that the DNR, who manages the State Park, would begin enforcing the law. The Holland Sentinel Newspaper quotes state Rep. Wayne Kuipers of Holland as saying "I think they (DNR) recognize they made a mistake" when commenting on the issue.

As of late Friday the department has decided to suspend the policy entirely for review, because of some questions that have surfaced regarding the broad application of the policy," John Winters, Park & Recreation Supervisor for the Grand Rapids District told the paper.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

December Water Level Bulletin

12/06:
Precipitation for November was above average on the lakes Michigan and Huron basin, but the remaining Great Lakes basins received below average precipitation. For the last 12 months, precipitation over the Lake Superior basin was below average, with the remaining lakes and the entire Great Lakes basin above average. During November the net supply of water to all of the Great Lakes basins was below average.

Comparison of November monthly mean water levels to long-term (1918-1999)average
Superior 14 inches below average
Michigan 22 inches below average
Huron 22 inches below average
St. Clair 11 inches below average
Erie 4 inches below average
Ontario 3 inches below average

Today in Great Lakes History - December 06

In 1988 the HON. PAUL MARTIN was renamed b) ATLANTIC ERIE.

The H. LEE WHITE (2) was launched December 6, 1973.

The CONSUMERS POWER (3) was laid up for the last time at Erie, PA on December 6, 1985.

On December 6, 1988 an arsonist set fire to the after end of the FORT CHAMBLY while she was laid up.

The GOLDEN HIND was launched December 6, 1951 as a) IMPERIAL WOODBEND.

LAWRENDOC (2) was Launched December 6, 1961 at the Collingwood Shipyards.

On December 6, 1909 while upbound at "Mud" Lake on the St. Marys River in a blinding snow storm, the HARRY A. BERWIND collided with the loaded HENRY STEINBRENNER (1) which received a 70 foot wide hole on her starboard side and sank up to her cabins.

On 6 December 1874, the Port Huron Times reported that the Port Huron Dry Dock Co. had been declared bankrupt and Mr. John Johnston had been appointed assignee of the company by the U.S. District Court.

The OCONTO grounded near Charity Island in Saginaw Bay on 6 December 1885. The passengers and crew were saved. She was built at Manitowoc in 1872 by Rand & Co. and owned by Capt. Gregory W. McGregor and Rensselaer VanSycle. She was later recovered but only lasted until July 1886 when she went down in the St. Lawrence River with a valuable cargo of merchandise. Although several attempts were made to recover her, she remains on the bottom and is a frequent charter dive target to this day.

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

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

Reserve on First Trip With Coal

12/05:
Monday afternoon Oglebay Norton's Reserve was at anchor in Whitefish Bay awaiting weather. The 767-foot vessel is carrying a load of a coal from Toledo to Thunder Bay. This is the first time that the Reserve has taken coal to Thunder Bay.

The load of coal was to be carried by the John G. Munson but problems with her unloading system kept the vessel from making the delivery. The Munson may make a stop in Superior for repairs.

The overnight forecast for Lake Superior called for northwest gales 40 to 45 knots with snow showers and freezing spray, with waves building to 12 to 16 feet. The weather is expected to calm today and the Reserve should arrive in Thunder Bay late on Tuesday.

Canadian Leader Grounds

12/05:
On Friday or Saturday the Canadian Leader grounded approximately 125 yards from Duluth Harbor Basin LB 2. The vessel was partially loaded (19'4" forward, 19'6" aft) and was moving from Harbor States to General Mills to finish loading. The vessel grounded on shoal inside the slip as they were making the turn into the dock. The vessel was freed by a tug and proceeded to the pier. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety office personnel inspected the Leader and no apparent damage was found. The Coast Guard reports that the incident was not the result of low water conditions.

Crewman Evacuated

12/05:
Early Saturday evening the crew on the Southdown Challenger contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and requested medical transport for a 56-year-old crewmember who was suffering severe back and abdomen pain.

Station Two Rivers, WI., located about 30 miles south of Green Bay, used a 41-foot rescue boat, with EMS personnel on board to take the man off. He was transported to a waiting ambulance in Manitowoc, Wisc. There were no updates on the man's condition at press time.

Big Tug Sailing for Home

12/05:
Gaelic's tug Roger Stahl cleared the Welland Canal about 3:45 a.m. Monday morning. The tug is expected to arrive at the Gaelic yard in Detroit about 5:00 a.m. this morning.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co., William Hoey, Jr.

Everlast Moves

12/05:
The tug Everlast left the berth below Lock 1 on Sunday under tow of the Alice A. destin for Hamilton. The tug had been docked below Lock 1 since June 8 and will spend the winter in Hamilton as crews prepare the tug for the 2001 season. The Everlast arrived from the Caribbean where Upper Lakes Shipping and McAsphalt Industries will use it to push a 10,500 metric tonne double hulled barge. Delivery of the 400-foot barge is expected next September. McAsphalt Marine Transportation Ltd. will operate the new combo. The tug and barge will trade on the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence, and the East Coast.

The tug was built in 1977 at the Hashimoto Zosen Shipyard in Japan as hull number 396 and entered service under the name Bilibino for the Far Eastern Shipping Corporation out of Russia. She sailed as such until a sale in December of 1996 saw her ownership change to Portolos Salvage and Towage of Greece. They applied the name Everlast that was retained after she was again sold to McAsphalt Marine Transportation in November of 1999.

Its dimensions are 143.42 feet in length, 44.36 feet in width, 21.35 feet in depth. It is registered at 1,361 Gross tons, 408 Net with a deadweight tonnage of 336. Her two Daihatsu engines produce a combined 6,000 horsepower and drive 2 propellers which push the tug along at around 13.5 knots.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Signs of winter at the Soo

12/05:
According to word from Sault Ste. Marie, the MacArthur Lock will shut down for the season Dec. 15 so crews can get a start on winter repair work. All four operating gates on the MacArthur will receive new pintle bearings - the huge, cup-shaped castings custom poured to bear the weight of the swinging gates, according to Jack Story's Marine Beat column in the Soo Evening News Sunday. Two years ago, the original MacArthur Lock pintles were found to be cracked. Also on the agenda is the re-grouting of the entire north wall of the MacArthur Lock. The Davis, or third Lock, may be pressed into service if needed to handle shallow draft traffic.

The U.S. Coast Guard at Sault Ste. Marie has also been advised that Algoma Tankers will be running one vessel - either Algonova or Algoeast - to Sault, Ont. into January.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Busy Day for Quebec Harbor

12/05:
Four lakers in Quebec made for a busy day Monday. The Cartierdoc was unloading wheat carried from Thunder Bay. Fleetmate Windoc was tied up ahead of the Cartierdoc waiting to unload her cargo of wheat also from Thunder Bay. In the St-Charles River, the CSL self-unloader Tadoussac was discharging corn loaded in Toledo and was then to sail to Pointe-Noire QC. Across from the Tadoussac, at the Beauport piers, the Canadian Progress was loading ore pellets for Detroit.

Also in the harbor were two tankers loading. The Emerald Star was loading gasoline at St. Charles River - Beauport Piers and the Petrolia Desgagnes at the Ultramar terminal St. Romuald loading heating oil.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Pere Marquette 41 Unloads

12/05:
The tug Undaunted and Pere Marquette 41 was at Marinette Fuel & Dock unloading pig iron Monday. This is her first trip to the port since her accident on Lake Michigan Oct. 8 in heavy weather.

During the storm the 5,000 tons of pig iron and the barge's four pieces of heavy loading equipment were washed into Lake Michigan.

The barge appears different with out the heavy loading equipment on deck, she only had one small crane on board.

The tug and barge unloading Monday.
Image taken before the accident.

Reported by: Dick Lund

Toledo Update

12/05:
Monday the Jean Parisien finished loading coal at the CSX Dock and departed. The Algoway arrived and began loading coal. The Catherine Desgagnes was at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. There were no grain or ore vessels in port early afternoon Monday.

The tanker Saturn is at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The barge Kellstone I is in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing repairs.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the Algosteel, Algomarine and Wolverine expected on Tuesday. The Lee A. Tregurtha and Saginaw are scheduled for Wednesday followed by the John J. Boland, Jean Parisien and Canadian Enterprise expected on Thursday.

The next scheduled ore boats for the Torco Dock will be the Courtney Burton and Buckeye on Thursday morning. They are scheduled to be followed by the Oglebay Norton, making a rare trip to Toledo, Armco, and Reserve on Friday. With gale force winds and low water levels predicted for Western Lake Erie during the next several days there may be delays for some of the vessels scheduled to arrive.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway Traffic

12/05:
More details for some of the vessels that transited the Seaway upbound over the weekend. On Dec. 1 the Millenium Eagle was carrying steel for Hamilton. The Stolt Aspiration was loaded with chemical products for Valleyfield and Hamilton. The Darya Ma was loaded with steel for Oshawa according to a Seaway report but baryate powder according to other reports. Storm had generators and Axion went to Côte Ste. Catherine to deliver a cargo of urea. On Dec. 3 the Baltic Confidence was loaded with steel for Windsor. She had entered the Seaway late on Dec. 2 when passing Check Point No. 2 and cleared the St. Lambert Lock after midnight.

Some of the salties expected to go up the Seaway later this week are Baltimar Notos in ballast for Hamilton to load conveyors, the Kopalnia Halemba for Toronto with sugar. The Rays, Jo Spirit and Seletar Hope, a bulker built this year, are expected. She is a sister-ship to Changi Hope that went to Burns Harbor in August to deliver steel beams.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Audubon Sues to Block Museum Plan

12/05:
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society at Whitefish Point is being sued in federal court by the Michigan Audubon Society. Whitefish Point is on a key migration route and attracts more than 300 species of birds during migration seasons. The Audubon Society contends that the Shipwreck Society's plans for building expansion will endanger migratory patterns.

The site of the former Coast Guard station has been divided between the Shipwreck Society, the Audubon Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reported by: Heidi Viar

$325 for a Picture of a Lighthouse?

12/05:
Monday's Holland Sentinel Newspaper reports that pictures taken at a Michigan state park could cost photographers as they begin enforcing a 1921 state law that requires photographers to pay hundreds for taking pictures. The law requires photographers to pay $325 a day to get a permit to shoot in Holland State Park with the Holland Harbor Lighthouse and the channel in the background.

The $325 fee allows someone to work for up to eight hours, with $55 for each additional hour of use. Guidelines also state a minimum of 48 hours notice must be given before photography takes place. The paper reports that it's not only professional photographers who may be affected. According to Park Supervisor Joyce D. Rhodes, if the average tourist snaps a photo at the park and later sells the image, he or she is in violation of the law.

Have a comment for the Michigan DNR on this matter? Click here to e-mail

Today in Great Lakes History - December 05

Tanker SATURN was launched in 1973 as a) SATURN (4) for Cleveland Tankers.

SIR JAMES DUNN was launched in 1951.

The keel was laid for the E.G. GRACE on December 5, 1942. This was the last of the six ships built by AmShip in the L6-S-A1 class for the United States Maritime Commission and was traded to the Interlake Steamship Company in exchange for older tonnage. She would later become the first of the "Maritime Class" vessels to go for scrap in 1984.

On 5 December 1874, the steam barge MILAN was scheduled to be hauled ashore at Port Huron to replace her "Mississippi wheel" with a propeller.

The wooden 100' schooner BRILLIANT was close to Sheboygan, Wisconsin on 5 December 1857 where she was scheduled to pick up a load of lumber when she went on a reef close to shore and sank. No lives were lost.

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

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

Roger Stahl Update

12/04:
Captain Wellington aboard the tug Roger Stahl reported the two Derrick barges were secured in Massena, NY. at 6:00 p.m. Saturday. The tug departed for their home dock in Detroit upbound about a half hour later. The tug is estimating Port Weller at 5:30 a.m. today. The tug should arrive in Detroit about 10:00 p.m. Tuesday in Detroit.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co. William Hoey, Jr.

Federal Welland Recognition Ceremony

12/04:
On Sunday, December 3, at 3:30p.m., above Lock 8 on the Welland Canal, the Federal Welland was recognized as the first ship in the large Fednav Limited fleet to bear a name recognizing the historic Welland Canal. The Welland Canal is the oldest continuous use transportation artery in Canada. It opened in 1829. Montreal based Fednav is the largest operator of salt water vessels into the lakes and seaway system. The Welland Canals Foundation is a voluntary non profit organization dedicated to public education of the past and present Welland Canals.

About a year ago a motion was passed by the directors to ask Fednav if one of their new ships could be named after the historic waterway. Many other waterways have been recognized in Fedcom ships such as Federal St. Lawrence, Federal St. Clair, Federal Calumet etc. To the pleasant surprise of the Foundation, Mr. Lawrence Pathe, president of Federal Commerce, wrote back that he thought naming a ship Federal Welland was an excellent idea. Accordingly a brief ceremony to mark the occasion of the ship's maiden voyage into the lakes was planned. It was originally scheduled for her upbound passage through the canal but as often happens with ships she passed up in the early dark hours of November 24.

Sunday the vessel was downbound en route for Rotterdam with grain loaded in Thunder Bay. Gifts of flags, photographs and books were presented to Capt. B. C. Bopanna and Chief Engineer K. U. Kariappa by the mayors of the cities of Welland and Port Colborne, the Welland Chamber of Commerce and the Welland Canals Foundation. The Captain and Chief presented back framed photographs of the ship on her sea trials. Two members of the Foundation board accompanied by Capt. Anil Soni of the St. Lawrence Seaway were invited aboard for a quick tour of this modern high tech ship. Photos will be posted later in the week.

Reported by: David Bull

Middletown Sighting

12/04:
The Middletown was outbound past Bayfield, Wis. at 3:00 p.m. CST, Sunday. The vessel was headed north for Duluth. Lake Michigan was blowing a gale from south-southwest, with gusts to 30 knots at Devils Island. She may have anchored while awaiting dock space or a decrease in the wind.

Reported by: Harvey Hadland

Western Lake Ontario News

12/04:
Toronto Harbor was quite Sunday morning with no visiting vessels. The Seaway Queen, Canadian Trader, and Stephen B. Roman remain in lay-up. The Roman has been in port since Nov 22 and should sail again before wintering here.

Further west at the Clarkson piers and Bronte pier there were no ships present.

In Hamilton Harbor six ships were in port in addition to the Algogulf in lay-up and the Provmar fleet( Hamilton Energy, Provmar Terminal, and Provmar terminal II). Lakers included the Canadian Mariner and Algoriver. The salties consisted of Marilis T, Okoltchitza, Millennium Eagle, and Antalina.

At the Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and lock 7 the Orla was at Wharf 6 in Thorold. Downbound was the Orsula at lock 7 and the Millennium Amethyst at lock 3. No ships upbound until the Storm (heavy lift ro/ro) followed closely by the tug Alice A. entered the Port Weller piers at 11 am.

In Oshawa the Darya Ma was unloading on the East Wharf.

Reported by: Tyler Hoar and Philip Nash

Twin Ports Report

12/04:
Boatwatchers in the Twin Ports got an eyeful Sunday with seven vessels -- four salties and three lakers -- riding at anchor off Duluth. The lakers included St. Clair, which was waiting for the James R. Barker to clear the Midwest Energy Terminal dock. The salties included Federal Hudson, Ira and Great Laker, all waiting for elevator berths.

Inside the harbor, the looming end of the season kept some elevators busy on Sunday. Algoisle was loading at General Mills and Lok Maheshwari was loading at AGP. Toro was at Cenex

Reported by: Al Miller

Busy Day in the Rouge

12/04:
Sunday was a busy day on the Rouge River in Detroit. The Charles M. Beeghly was departing the Rouge into the Detroit River sailing upbound. The John J. Boland was unloading at Detroit Lime. The Halifax was unloading at Peerless Cement.

Charles M. Beeghly heads upbound.
John J. Boland unloads.
Another view.
Halifax unloading.
Close up.

Reported by: John Belliveau

Cleveland and Lake Erie

12/04:
Saturday in Cleveland saw the Salties Iryda and Lake Superior arrive. The St. Marys II and Sea Eagle spent the weekend at the Blue Circle dock on the river. The Earl Oglebay was upbound at 8:30am to unload ore at LTV upper dock. On Sunday morning the Pathfinder made a trip to unload at the Osborne dock. The Algoway arrived about 10:00 a.m. to unload stone near West 3rd. She was assisted by the G tugs Idaho and Delaware. At 3:00 p.m. the J.A.W. Iglehart entered the river for the Lafarge terminal. She was assisted by the G tug Idaho in very close quarters and was expected to depart at midnight.

The barge St. Marys II cement and tug Sea Eagle were out bound at 5:30 p.m. The Cuyahoga waited at Dock 20 then went to Ontario 4 and was expected to depart before midnight. The Algoway then departed West Third with the tugs Idaho and Delaware at 6:00 p.m. with the Richard Reiss waiting at Dock 20 for the Algoway to clear then proceeded up to West Third and will be departing at 3:00 a.m.

The McKee Sons is due sometime on Tuesday. Lake Michigan has brought back their dredging equipment and may be doing some winter dredging.

In Ashtabula Sunday morning the Earl W. Oglebay was at the coal dock and the saltie Atlantic Queen was assisted in to the Pinney dock by the tugs Iowa and Rhode Island. The Queen is expected to be in port for a few days.

Pictures by TZ
Algoway is assisted up river in Cleveland.
Close up of stern.
Another view.
Tug Rhode Island in Ashtabula Harbor.
Rhode Island heads out to meet the Atlantic Queen.
Atlantic Queen arrives in Ashtabula.
Close up of the Queen's bow and tug Rhode Island.
Making up the tow.
Ashtabula lighthouse.
Another view of the light.
Earl W. Oglebay loading coal.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Seaway Traffic

12/04:
Late Saturday night, Baltic Confidence departed Montreal for the Lakes. Earlier in the afternoon, Marinus Green entered the Seaway bound for Toledo with a cargo of calcium nitrate. The heavy-lift Italian-flag Storm transited the Iroquois lock Saturday night bound for Milwaukee. This is her first trip under that name. She had transited the Seaway for the first time under the name Starman Africa in 1982 and was flying the German flag.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Merchandise Sale

12/04:
You love the web site, show it with merchandise featuring the popular Edward L. Ryerson logo embroidered on high quality clothing.

It is down to the last few items on sale and just weeks before Christmas. Make sure visit the page for great gifts and prices. All orders placed by Dec. 11 will be guaranteed for delivery by Dec. 22.

Click here to view the merchandise.

News Reporters Wanted

12/04:
We would like to invite anyone interested in reporting from their area to send in reports for this news page whenever they see anything interesting. Reports can be sent by e-mail or by using a form if the sender does not want credit.

If you would like credit your name (or company name) will be listed on the news page and we can also add links to any web sites you like. This is also a good way to link more traffic to a web site.

If you become a regular contributor we can create an About the Author web page about you.

News Reporters are given full credit (if desired) for any information submitted. The credit line can also include any links to outside web sites and we can create an "About the Author Page."

For more information please e-mail.
Click here to send news using the form. If you would not like to have your name used remember click the "no" button

Today in Great Lakes History - December 04

ALGOSOO (2) was the last ship built on the Lakes with the traditional fore and aft cabins, her maiden voyage took place today in 1974.

The IMPERIAL QUEBEC entered service on December 4, 1957.

LIGHTSHIP 103 completed her sea trials December 4, 1920.

At 0210 hours on December 4, 1989 the MESQUITE ran aground in 12 feet of water at a point one-quarter nautical mile off Keweenau Point. After a struggle to save the ship, the 53 persons aboard abandoned ship at 0830 hours and boarded the Indian salty M/V MANGAL DESAI which was standing by.

On 4 December 1873, a gale struck Saginaw bay while the CITY OF DETROIT of the G. T. Line was carrying 8,000 bushels of wheat, package freight and 26 crew and passengers. She was also towing the barge GUIDING STAR. The barge was cut loose in the heavy seas at 3:30 am and about 7:00 am the CITY OF DETROIT sank. Captain Morris Barrett of the GUIDING STAR saw three of the CITY OF DETROIT's crew in one lifeboat and only one in another lifeboat. The CITY OF DETROIT went down stern first and the passengers and crew were seen grouped together on and about the pilothouse. Capt. Barrett and his crew of seven then abandoned GUIDING STAR. They arrived at Port Elgin, Ontario on 6 December in their yawl with their feet fully frozen. The barge was later found and towed in by the tug PRINDEVILLE.

On 4 December 1838, THAMES (wooden passenger/package-freight side-wheeler, 80', 160 t, built in 1833 at Chatham, Ontario) was burned at her dock in Windsor, Ontario by Canadian "patriots" during a raid on Windsor involving more than 500 armed men.

The M/V Emerald Isle completed her maiden voyage from Beaver Island to Charlevoix on December 4, 1997. Her first cargo included a few cars and 400 passengers. Emerald Isle replaced Beaver Islander as the main ferry on the 32 mile run.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, S. Whelan, 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

Roger Stahl Update

12/03:
Capt. John Wellington aboard the tug Roger Stahl reported the tow got underway from Cape Vincent at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning downbound in the Seaway. The weather was clear with from the north at 10-15 mph, with sea smoke beginning. The e.t.a. for Massena was about 5:00 p.m. Saturday. The tug has orders to return to Detroit and pick up two more barges and a workboat for another return trip to Messena. The tug Roger Stahl should be back in Detroit Tuesday around noon.

The flat deck barge Comanche had a small tug on deck named Linnhurst. This tug is the former Grosse Ile. The tug was originally the GLEW, named for the Great Lakes Engineering Works who owned and built her. She was the Ashtabula shipyard workboat until the yard closed. It was found to be at the American Shipbuilding Company yard sunk in Toledo when they closed the yard. One of the last acts of the yard was to pick it up and put it on the dock. William Hoey, Jr. bought the tug and renamed it Grosse Ile. William was about 15 at the time and is now president of the Gaelic Tugboat Co. He repowered the tug with a 6-71 Detroit Diesel at the Gaelic Yard in Detroit and earned spending money while attending Maine Maritime Academy by chartering it out on marine construction jobs. He later sold it to Faust corporation who is the owner today.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co. William Hoey, Jr., William Hoey Sr. and Dave Beach

Santa Visits

12/03:
The commercial fishermen and the local fire department of Erieau, Ont. joined efforts Saturday to do a special event for children. Santa arrived in a totally unique fashion, on a commercial fish tug. Coming into the harbor from Lake Erie with festive decorations blowing her horn the DL Simmons owned and operated by the Pilon family of Erieau and carrying a precious cargo to the anxiously waiting crowd, Santa himself.

Once he arrived at the dockside the children that were full of hot chocolate and apple cider were bursting at the seams to greet the old fella himself, truthfully the adults were just as excited. It was a much bigger turnout than originally anticipated. Once off the tug, Santa proceeded to go into the crowd of people where he collected the letters that the children had written and in return for the letter he handed each one a candy cane. Hugs and photos. The Erieau fire department was there to help maintain the excited crowd on the waters edge. They are the city's experienced marine emergency response team as well. From there Santa went to the Anchor Inn where they were read the story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

DL Simmons arrives.
Santa waves from the tug.
Another view.
Erieau fire department at work.
Santa greets the crowd.

Reported by: T. Parker

Seaway Traffic

12/03:
Entering the Seaway Friday were the following salties in addition to Darya Ma going to Oshawa. Axion for Côte Ste. Catherine and the Stolt Aspiration for Valleyfield. From there she was scheduled to depart for Hamilton.

Also in the Seaway was the Italian flag roll-on/roll-off heavy-lift vessel bound for an unidentified Lake Michigan port. Saturday she was tied up at the wall at Eisenhower lock with no time of departure. ORLA, which entered the Seaway on Nov. 30 is heading for Thorold, her original destination according to the CCG Marine Bulletin.

Entering the Seaway so far Saturday is Daviken bound for Thunder Bay and Fairlift bound for Duluth. Expected to leave Montreal for the Great Lakes are Baltic Confidence and Marinus Green, the latter unloading a part cargo of steel at section B3. She was to unload that cargo at section 50 but was diverted to section B3 in the Old Port.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Twin Ports Report

12/03:
The impending end of the season is bringing some unusual visitors to the Twin Ports. Oglebay Norton is scheduled to arrive Dec. 5 not for its usual run of coal but to load at the DMIR ore dock for Toledo. St. Clair, once a regular at Midwest Energy Terminal but now a rare caller, is due there Dec. 3 to load coal for Taconite Harbor and again Dec. 5 to load coal for Nanticoke. Other unusual callers scheduled for Midwest Energy include Hon. Paul J. Martin on Dec. 7, Nanticoke, Dec. 9, Manitoulin, Dec. 12, and Atlantic Erie, Dec. 14. The BNSF ore dock in Superior was busy Dec. 2 loading George A. Stinson, Frontenac and Canadian Transfer.

Lake Superior is entering December at its lowest water level since 1925.

The International Lake Superior Board of Control reported Thursday that Lake Superior is about 14 inches below its long-term average level for this time of year.

Lakes Michigan and Huron are 22 inches below average. That's the lowest seasonal level they've reached since 1964.

The International Lake Superior Board of Control said water levels are expected to fall farther in December.

Reported by: Al Miller

Detroit Update

12/03:
Saturday's Marine Mart held at the Harbor Hill Marina was a complete success. Vendors selling everything from antiques to new books were on hand to greet the steady crowds that passed through.

Dave Wobser makes a purchase.
The crowds enjoy the show.
After the Marine Mart there was just enough sunlight left to ride along on the J.W. Westcott II for a pilot change.
The McKee Sons was unloading in Detroit.
Close up of the tug Invincible.
We approach the Mina Cedia in the Belle Isle Anchorage.
We move closer to deliver a pilot who will guide the saltie upbound.
As the sun sets the J.W. Westcott II returns to station as a busy night begins.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Today in Great Lakes History - December 03

The CANADIAN AMBASSADOR was launched December 3, 1982.

ROBERT W. STEWART (b. AMOCO MICHIGAN) was launched in 1927.

In 1909 the LeGRAND S. DEGRAFF collided with the steamer HARVARD while downbound in the Detroit River in fog.

The IRVING S. OLDS was laid up for the final time on December 3, 1981 at the Hallett Dock #5, Duluth, MN due to market conditions and her inability to compete with the 60,000 ton carrying capacity of the self-unloading thousand foot bulk freighters.

On 3 December 1872, the officers and crew of the schooner E. KANTER arrived home in Detroit, MI. They reported that their vessel was driven ashore near Leland, MI in Lake Michigan on 26 November and was broken up by the waves.1898, PACIFIC (wooden propeller passenger/package freighter, 179'. 918 gt, built in 1883 at Owen Sound, Ontario) caught fire at the Grand Trunk dock at Collingwood, Ontario. She burned to a shell despite a concerted effort to save her. She was later towed out into Georgian Bay and scuttled.

On 3 December 1850, HENRY CLAY (2-mast wooden brig, 87', 163 t, built in 1842 at Huron, Ohio) was driven ashore at Point Nipigon in the Straits of Mackinac. She suffered little damage, but she was high and dry and unsalvageable. Her crew and passengers were picked up by the passing steamer TROY.

Back during the rough days of November on the lakes, the crews of the Imperial Oil Tankers, would wet the tablecloths in the mess rooms, to keep their plates, glasses and silverware from sliding off the tables.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ron LaDue, 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

Roger Stahl Update

12/02:
Capt. John Wellington aboard the tug Roger Stahl reported Friday morning the tow was making good time sailing along the north shore of Lake Ontario. The weather was clear with north, northwest winds at 15-20 with 1-3 foot seas. The tows expected to arrive at Cape Vincent about 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. The crew will put the tow back in push mode and wait until Saturday morning to transit the St. Lawrence. The tow's e.t.a. for Massena is about 6:00 p.m. tonight.

The Stahl is towing the spud barge Derrick No. 4 and the flat deck barge Comanche, which has a small tug on deck named Linnhurst, the former Grosse Ile.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co. William Hoey, Jr., Jim Sprunt and Gerry O.

Saginaw visits South Chicago

12/02:
The Saginaw arrived in South Chicago Friday, her third time this season. They unloaded limestone at the Marblehead dock, then were scheduled to shift to the KCBX dock to load coal.

Reported by: Gary Clark

DM&IR Fined For Air Quality Violations

12/02:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined the DM&IR Railway Company $19,300 for releasing taconite pellet dust into the air at it's Duluth Dock.

The Duluth News Tribune reported that officials from the MPCA observed red dust clouds over the dock three times this year. The dust comes from stockpiling and unloading of pellets. There is no health hazard results to humans, but it is believed that the dust lowers the air quality in the area.

The fine is part of a Stipulation Agreement. DM&IR officials have agreed to do more employee training and they will work with their producers to prevent the amount of dust produced. Some measures suggested include wetting down the pellets and adding chemicals that prevent the dust from being released.

They will also pay for installation of two air quality monitoring stations near the dock, adding to the one that is already in use.

Reported by: David French

Ship Auction

12/02:
The Ottawa Citizen reports that the GTS KATE in Montreal will be sold at auction Monday morning. Anyone wishing to bid on the vessel will have to pay off the ship's creditors. It is a sealed bid auction and bids must reach appraised value. There are 4 mortgages on the ship: one to a Norwegian bank, a German shipping company, a Swiss Shipping company and the Ukraine Government. The vessel is expected to be sold for scrap to an Indian company.

Reported by: David Bowie

Shipping Most Efficient

12/02:
On behalf of the Brown County Port and Solid Waste Department, the Bay Lake-Regional Planning Commission has conducted a Modal Shift Study which analyzed environmental impacts of a modal shift in the Green Bay Harbor for 1999. The study evaluates shifts in commodity movements from the current water mode to either rail or truck modes. The study utilizes the 1999 Annual Port of Green Bay Tonnage Report to identify commodities currently being transported by water mode through the Green Bay Port including salt, coal, cement, limestone, and other commodities. A metric ton equals 1,000 kilograms or 2,204 pounds.

The report is the fifth update of the original 1993 Port of Green Bay Environmental Impacts of a Modal Shift Study. Mileage from origin of shipment through the port is calculated for each mode and each commodity movement. Elements determined in the study include metric tons, miles, mode, ton miles, gallons of fuel used, exhaust emission, and tire use.

The study identifies impacts upon the environment that could be anticipated if the Port of Green Bay did not exist and additional rail and truck activities were utilized in place of the movement of the commodities by ship.

This study is patterned after a study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Impact factors derived for the MN study, as well as from the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other sources have been utilized in the study.

Study Summary
In 1999, the total number of vessels necessary to move 1,347,833 mt of cement, coal, limestone, liquid asphalt, calcium chloride and tallow through the port was 127 ships; if a modal shift were made, it would require 13,511 rail cars (approximately 135 additional 100-car trains) or 60,853 additional trucks on major rail lines, highways and streets of Brown County and adjacent counties and states.

Gallons of fuel consumed for transport of the quantity of commodities transported in 1999 would equal 1,103,033 gallons for ships; 3 times more for rail (3,212,879 gallons); and 10 times more for trucks (10,923,792 gallons).

Exhaust emissions in tons produced by transporting the quantity of commodities transported in 1999 would equal 186 tons for ships; 5 times more for rail (994 tons); and 8 times more for trucks (1,489 tons).

The Port of Green Bay is an environmentally safe and cost effective means of transporting commodities.

Reported by: Jeff DuMez and the Port of Green Bay

Toledo Update

12/02:
Friday the Canadian Ranger was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator loading grain. The barge Kellstone I was in drydock at Toledo Shipyard undergoing repairs. The tanker Saturn remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The tanker Gemini was at the B-P Oil Dock. The Reserve was at the Torco Dock unloading ore pellets, when finished unloading ore she will proceed over to the CSX Docks to load coal later on this evening. The next scheduled coal boats will be the Jean Parisien, and Algoway due in on Sunday. Kaye E. Barker on Monday followed by the Wolverine, Algosteel, and Algomarine on Tuesday. The next scheduled ore boats will be the Armco on Saturday afternoon, the Middletown on Sunday morning followed by the Buckeye on Tuesday evening.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Erie Update

12/02:
Erie continues to be a busy port before winter. The USCG Bramble continues to replace buoys with winter markers. The Swallow departed early Friday after unloading her cargo of power cable for Mackinac Island. The tug Champion had to stop the loading of the cable for to allow the H. Lee White to unload at the Mounfort Terminal. The Sea Chief dropped off a barge at the Parade St. Dock and departed for Tonawanda, NY. She is expected back on December 6 or 7 to load another cargo for Duluth.

The J.S. St John continues to make two trips a day 9 miles out into the lake to dredge sand and is expected to lay up between the 15-20 of December. The Richard Reiss is expected to arrive with cargo within the next day or two.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Seaway Traffic

12/02:
Salties which entered the Seaway on Nov. 30 were Okoltchitza with fertilizers bound for Hamilton, Federal Rhine in ballast for Thunder Bay, Atlantic Queen with steel for Ashtabula and Orla with bauxite ore for Hamilton. Orla was originally scheduled to go to Thorold, however it is Hamilton according to a Seaway report. Atlantic Queen is the second ship of that name to visit Great Lakes ports and owned by Marmaras Navigation of Piraeus. She is on charter to Armada Shipping. The first Atlantic Queen transited the Seaway for the first time in 1988. The following year, she was sold to an Egyptian company and renamed Pyramids. On July 19, 1995, she sank during a voyage from Alexandria to the Far East.

Friday morning at least one saltie left Montreal for the Lakes. Darya Ma is bound for Oshawa and is loaded with bariate powder in bulk according to the Montreal harbour pilot. Waiting their turn to leave Montreal for the Seaway is the heavy lift vessel Storm, destination unknown at this time and the recently built Marinus Green bound for Toledo. However Marinus Green is to shift from the Pointe-aux-Trembles Anchorage to section 50 in Montreal before proceeding up the Seaway.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Marine Mart Today

12/02:
Great Lakes Maritime Institute (Dossin Museum) Marine Mart, December 2 at Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI.

The Harbor Hill Marina will again be hosting the annual Marine Mart from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Marine Mart features dealers selling books, photographs, postcards, artwork and artifacts. For more information call 313-852-4051

Click here for a map to the Marina.

Look for me at the Know Your Ships table.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 02

OTTERCLIFFE HALL was launched December 2, 1968 .

The GEORGE R. FINK (2) (b - ERNEST T. WEIR 1). under tow passed Gibraltar on December 2, 1973 and arrived at Gandia, Spain prior to December 7, 1973 for scrapping.

GOVERNOR MILLER was launched in1937.

The NIPIGON BAY last ran in 1982 and was laid up at Montreal on December 2nd.

Twenty-five years ago today, the brand new carferry Wolfe Islander III sailed into Kingston from Thunder Bay Ontario. The new 55 car ferry would replace the older ferries Wolfe Islander and Upper Canada.

On 2 December 1874, the steam barge GERMANIA was launched at King's yard in Marine City, MI. The Port Huron Times of 4 December 1874 reported that she "is probably the cheapest boat ever built in Marine City, wages and material, iron, etc. being very low." This was due to the nation just recovering from the "Panic of 1873". The vessel's dimensions were 144' overall x 56'2" x 11'9.

On 2 December 1832, the wooden schooner CAROLINE was carrying dry goods worth more than $30,000 from Oswego to Ogdensburg, NY in a violent storm. She capsized and sank off Ducks Island on Lake Ontario with the loss of one life. Five survived in the yawl and made it to the island in 6 hours. After much suffering from the cold and snow, they were rescued by the schooner HURON.

Duluth - December 2, 1950 - In the early part of this week there were as many as 41 Great Lakes vessels lined up in the Duluth-Superior harbor awaiting their turn to take on their cargoes of iron ore. Freezing temperatures prevailed at the Head of the Lakes and ore steaming operations permitted loading only of about ten boats per day.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Dave Wobser, Brian Johnson, 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

Barge Remains on Bottom

12/01:
Divers Thursday were unable to raise the 200-foot work barge from the bottom of Duluth harbor. The salvage crew told local news media that they may attempt a different procedure.

Reported by: Al Miller

Roger Stahl Update

12/01:
The Tug Roger Stahl and tow arrived at Port Colborne at 6:00 a.m. Thursday. The barges were secured rigidly and put into push gear to transit the canal. They cleared the inspection dock at 9:30a.m. downbound the Welland Canal.

Capt. Wellington estimated Port Weller at 8:00 p.m. Thursday night. If the weather holds the tow will travel the north shore of Lake Ontario and arrive at Cape Vincent around 8:00 p.m. tonight. They expect to arrive at Massena, NY about 6:00 p.m. Saturday.

Reported by: Gaelic Tugboat Co. William Hoey, Jr.

Tug and Barge Depart

12/01:
The tug undaunted and barge Pere Marquette 41 left berth #5 after repairs were completed at Bay Shipbuilding heading up bound on the Bay of Green Bay. Their destination was unknown.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Fleet Renewal

12/01:
Canada Steamship Lines hull replacement program appears to be expanding. This winter the Tadoussac will enter to Port Weller Dry Docks for a winter-long widening and modernization project. The vessel's width will be increased to 78-feet. The cargo holds will be rebuilt to a single belt system, dust control will be rebuilt for the handling of cement clinker and iron ore. Her gates will also be automated.

The Louis R. Desmarais will enter the dry dock next to Tadoussac for conversion to a SeawayMax vessel. She will have her forward section removed and fitted with a new hull forward of the engine room and rear accommodations. The new forward hull is being built at the yard as Hull 79. The vessel will be renamed joining the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin and CSL Niagara as part of CSL's new SeawayMax fleet. Each hull replacement is expected to add at least 25 years of service life to the respective vessel. Her dimensions will increase to 740 feet in length, 78 feet in width and 48 feet in depth.

Rumors say that CSL will have a new center body built for the Atlantic Huron during the winter of 2001/2002. This work will bring the vessel up to the SeawayMax size.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Algoway Unloads

12/01:
Wednesday the Algoway delivered a partial load of salt to Marinette Fuel dock in Marinette, Wisconsin. The salt was loaded in Goderich, Ontario with part of the cargo unloaded in Escanaba, MI. This partial load was the third load of salt delivered to Marinette this season. The Algomarine and Agawa Canyon delivered loads this spring.

Reported by: Scott Best and Philip Nash

Twin Ports Report

12/01:
It was a sight that's become unusual in the Twin Ports: Superior's Cenex Harvest States grain elevator was hosting a pair of straight-deckers on Nov. 30. Canadian Leader was loading in berth 1 and Canadian Voyager was loading in berth 2. A couple hundred yards away, Canadian Prospector was unloading at the St. Lawrence Cement terminal in Duluth.

Reported by: Al Miller

Milwaukee Report

12/01:
The Port of Milwaukee's heavy lift crane is seeing some activity this week. The port's biggest crane was used Wednesday to unload two large transformers from the Inviken. After they departed the BBC Brazil, a 350' long German ship tied up to load a large crane. Not just any crane, this is the German built Demag TC1200, one of the largest crawler cranes in the world. The Demag had been in Milwaukee for the past year to help construct the Milwaukee Brewers new stadium, Miller Park. It was used to lift large roof sections into place. The Demag replaced another crane that tragically collapsed in July of 1999.

Also in the Port Thursday were the Agean Sea and Federal Asahi unloading steel. The Scan Atlantic, a ro-ro vessel, was loading pallets of bagged food products.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Toledo Update

12/01:
Thursday the Algocape was loading grain at Anderson's "E" Elevator and was expected to depart later that evening. The Tadoussac was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator and was also expected to depart that evening.

The grain trade in Toledo is expected to stay busy until the end of December with vessels from the Algoma, Lower Lakes, Paterson, and Upper Lakes Fleets scheduled in during the next several weeks to load grain.

The tanker Saturn was at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The barge Kellstone I with her tug was in drydock at the Shipyard.

The John J. Boland was loading coal at the CSX Dock with the Algomarine waiting to follow and the American Republic scheduled to arrive Thursday evening. The Buckeye was at the Torco Dock unloading ore pellets.

The next scheduled coal boats will be the John G. Munson and Jean Parisien expected to arrive today. They will be followed by the Algoway expected in on Sunday afternoon. The next scheduled ore boats for the Torco dock will be the Reserve today and Armco on Saturday morning. The Middletown will follow them on Sunday morning.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Erie Update

12/01:
The saltie Swallow was one of three vessels in Erie Thursday. She was carrying a load of underground cable from Holland. It is being unloaded in Erie and then will be welded onto a barge pushed by the Durocher tug Champion for a trip to Mackinac City, which is in the process of replacing their underground power cables to Mackinac Island after a power failure this summer.

The tug Champion was built in 1974 for Durocher and is 75-feet long, 24-feet wide with a 9-feet 6-inch draft. The captain of the Champion reports that he has spent 10 years with Durocher, and tells people 5 years were spent in Erie, as Durocher built the breakwalls off the Peninsula, and the new slip for the brig Niagara.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble was in port replacing buoys.

Swallow arrives.
Moving in the channel.
Stern view.
Tug Champion and barge at dock.
Close up of the tug.
Work boat on the barge.
The tug takes on fuel.
A new Coast Guard boat in port.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Seaway Traffic

12/01:
On Nov. 29, four salties entered the Seaway. Loaded with steel were Iryda and Lake Superior bound for Cleveland. Also loaded with steel was Capricorn heading for Chicago. Loaded with manganese ore was Kapitonas Serafinas bound for Hamilton. At least two salties entered the Seaway so far today, Nov.30, Orla for Thorold and Atlantic Queen for Ashtabula. Expected to enter the Seaway late tonight will be Marinus Green bound for Toledo.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

U.S.-Flag Carriage Continues To Rebound In October

12/01:
U.S-Flag cargo carriage on the Great Lakes continued to rebound in October. Shipments totaled 12.7 million net tons, an increase of 6.2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Iron ore cargoes totaled 6.2 million tons, an increase of 17 percent compared to last October. For the season, the U.S.-Flag iron ore float stands at 47.2 million tons, an increase of 7.1 percent.

Coal loadings into U.S. bottoms in October totaled 2.3 million tons, a decrease of 8.5 percent. For the season, U.S.-Flag coal cargoes stand at 16.2 million tons, a decrease of 7.5 percent or 1.3 million tons.

The U.S.-Flag stone trade for both October and for the season remained essentially on pace with 1999.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Marine Mart Tomorrow

12/01:
Great Lakes Maritime Institute (Dossin Museum) Marine Mart, December 2 at Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI.

The Harbor Hill Marina will again be hosting the annual Marine Mart from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Marine Mart features dealers selling books, photographs, postcards, artwork and artifacts. For more information call 313-852-4051

Click here for a map to the Marina.

Look for me at the Know Your Ships table.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 01

On December 1, 1974 the Canadian motor vessel JENNIFER foundered on Lake Michigan in a storm. Her steel cargo apparently shifted and she foundered 24 miles southwest of Charlevoix, MI. The JENNIFER went to the bottom in water too deep for any salvage attempt.

The FRED G. HARTWELL, the last boat built for Franklin S.S., was delivered to her owners on December 1, 1922 but her maiden voyage didn't occur until early 1923 because of unfavorable weather conditions.

The SASKATOON’s ownership was transferred to the Canada Steamship Lines Ltd., Montreal on December 1, 1913 when the company was formed and all six vessels of the Merchants Mutual Line were absorbed by CSL in 1914.

The HUDSON TRANSPORT was put up for sale by Marine Salvage in December 1982.

On December 1, 1934, the United States Coast Guard cutter ESCANABA was involved in the rescue of the crew of the whaleback HENRY CORT off the piers at Muskegon, Michigan.

On 1 December 1875, BRIDGEWATER (3-mast wooden schooner, 706 t, built in 1866 at Buffalo as a bark) grounded on Waugoschanee Point in the Straits of Mackinac. She was released fairly quickly and then was towed to Buffalo, NY for repairs. In Buffalo, she was gutted by fire. In 1880-82, the propeller KEYSTONE was built on her hull.

In 1909 the Marquette & Bessemer No. 2 (1st) sank on Lake Erie, 31 lives were lost.

December 1, 1985 - The SPARTAN broke loose from her moorings at Ludington in a storm and ended up near Buttersville Island. She was pulled off on December 5 by the Canonie tugs SOUTH HAVEN and MUSKEGON with the help of the CITY OF MIDLAND 41. It took about 10 hours.

On 1 December 1875, the Port Huron Times reported: "The schooner MARY E. PEREW went ashore in the Straits of Mackinac and by the brave efforts of the people on shore, her crew was rescued from perishing in the cold. Her decks were completely covered with ice and the seas were breaking over her. The vessel has a large hole in her bottom made by a rock which came through her. She will prove a total loss." On 7 December 1875, that newspaper reported that MARY E. PEREW had been raised by a wrecker and would be repaired.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history