Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Saginaw Ready for Lay-up

12/31
After unloading a salt cargo at the Osborne Dock in the Rouge River Sunday night, the Saginaw was expected to depart with the assistance of a Great Lakes Towing tug about 9:00 p.m. and proceed upbound for Sarnia and lay-up.

The Saginaw will join the Maumee as part of Sarnia’s lay-up fleet.

Saginaw inbound the Rouge at the Jefferson Street Bridge. She unloaded at the Osborne Dock just below the Conrail Bridge.
Close up.
Stern view.
Mapleglen at the ADM Dock just after she arrived for winter lay-up.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Barker on Dry Dock

12/31
The Kaye E. Barker entered into the 1000-foot Graving Dock at Bay Ship Building during the night.

The Graving Dock crew placed the Barge A-697 in the East end of the dock prior to the Kaye E. Barker's arrival. In this respect two smaller vessels maybe docked at the same time saving time and cost to the owners.

Tugs working on the job were the Selvick Marine tugs Jimmy L, William C. Selvick and the tug Bay Ship.

Kaye E. Barker pilot house with lights on.
Bow of Kaye E. in the dry dock dock.
Stern of Kaye E. and sections of New Barges being Built at Bay Ship .
Stacks of Kaye E. Barker (Lakes Shipping Company) and the James R. Barker and Mesabi Miner (Interlake Steamship Co.).

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Twin Ports Report

12/31
Monday could be the Twin Ports' last busy day of the season.

Indiana Harbor is scheduled to arrive for winter lay-up at Hallett dock while H. Lee White is expected to lay-up at the Duluth port terminal.

For cargoes, Algowood is scheduled to arrive at the Cutler Magner dock to unload salt, then shift to Midwest Energy Terminal to load coal for Nanticoke. Canadian Olympic and John B. Aird also are scheduled to arrive today to load coal for Nanticoke. Midwest Energy Terminal has no vessels scheduled to load after today.

The DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors remains active. Joe Block, Cason J. Callaway and Presque Isle are all scheduled to load there on Dec. 31. Edwin H. Gott is due there Jan. 2. Cason J. Callaway is en route but delayed by weather.

Foul weather prompted several vessels of USS Great Lakes Fleet to anchor on Saturday and Sunday. The fleet reported at midday Sunday that Cason J. Callaway was anchored in the Straits of Mackinac, waiting for the weather to moderate before proceeding to Two Harbors. Philip R. Clarke was at anchor on Lake Erie with no eta for Ashtabula and John G. Munson was anchored in the St. Marys River with no etc for Conneaut.

Reported by: Al Miller

St. Clair River Traffic

12/31
Below are recent images of traffic passing Port Huron.

Algosteel in the lake Huron cut from Port Huron on Saturday.
Close up passing under the Blue Water Bridges.
Gemini heading for the St. Clair River.

Reported by: Clayton Sharrard

Visitor To Oswego, NY

12/31
Saturday the English River entered Oswego Harbor about 4:45 p.m. from Bath, Ontario with a load of cement for the Lafarge elevator terminal. The crew reported a rough crossing on Lake Ontario, but after they were done unloading, they were going to be heading back across again to Bath. "It's Christmas time," a crew member said. "We all want to be home with our families."

Reported by: Mary and Jeff Swingle

Gemini in Cleveland

12/31
Saturday the Gemini was in Cleveland unloading at Fleet Supply on the Cuyahoga River. She departed at 3:00 p.m. with the assistance of the G tug Idaho.

Tow headed down the river.
Gemini passing.
Tug Idaho in the lead.
Stern view.
Heading for Lake Erie.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Pre Christmas Sale Extended

12/31:
The huge sale on shipping items has been extended until January 5. New items and prices will be posted on January 7. his is time to stock up on your items, price increases for the New Year will affect Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping items. Some items will increase and some will be discontinued.

Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

Today in Great Lakes History - December 31

Upon suggestion from the U.S. Maritime Commission, surplus World War II cargo vessels, many of which had laid up on the James River, were made available for sale under the Great Lakes Vessel Sales Act of 1950 (enacted September 28, 1950) to be converted for Great Lakes use. The Act allowed Great Lakes fleets to purchase up to 10 surplus ships by December 31, 1951 and receive a 90% cost subsidy to convert and refurbish them for Lakes use. The first such conversion occurred when the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. of Cleveland, OH bought the NOTRE DAME VICTORY on December 10, 1950.

The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY was laid up for the last time at the old Great Lakes Engineering Works slip at River Rouge, MI beginning December 31, 1983.

The QUEDOC (2) was laid up for the last time on December 31, 1984 at Toronto, Ont. along side the SENATOR OF CANADA.

On 31 December 1884, ADMIRAL (wooden propeller steam tug, 49 gt, built in 1883 at Chicago) had her boiler explode in Chicago harbor. All four of the crew were killed.

In 1884 the PERE MARQUETTE NO. 1 ran aground at Ludington.

December 31, 1919 - The entire Ann Arbor carferry fleet was tied up in Frankfort due to bad weather.

On 31 December 1889, H. M. Loud of Oscoda, Michigan sold the 551 ton wooden schooner ANGUS SMITH to Mitchell Brothers of Marine City, Michigan for $16,000. The vessel was built in 1871.

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

Barker Arrives for Lay-up

12/30
The Kaye E. Barker arrived for repairs and winter lay-up Saturday night. The vessel entered the dry dock at Bay Ship Building in Sturgeon Bay, WI assisted by the tug Jimmy L. and an unidentified tug. Wind and sheet ice were no challenge for Capt. Robert Thibodeaux as he guided the ship for Sturgeon Bay.

The Barker unloaded a cargo of coal in Milwaukee on Thursday.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Cresswell Waits

12/30
The Peter R. Cresswell came into Goderich Saturday at noon, between snow squalls. At one point she had to wait on the lake as a squall blew in and made the visibility so low that even the two tugs out by the break wall came back and tied up at their dock to wait out the storm.

After about a half an hour they were able to go out and assist her to the north side of the mine. This is where ships are tied up when another is expected to enter or leave the inner harbor, but there were no other ships in sight at that time.

That evening the tugs were turning the Saginaw near the grain terminals and then maneuvered into position at the salt mine dock.

The Peter R. Cresswell is expected to load after the Saginaw is finished, as she is supposed to be taking a load of salt to Milwaukee.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Trader Loads

12/30
The barge Great Lakes Trader and tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort were loading at Marquette's Presque Isle ore docks Saturday. One deckhand spent a lot of time shoveling snow off the deck.

Loading.
Another view.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Simcoe Working Aids

12/30
The Canadian Coast Guards Ship Simcoe was working Aids to Navigation near Kingston on Thursday and Friday. This part of the Seaway sees very little traffic after the sesonal closing.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Hamilton, Port Dover & Port Stanley

12/30
Below are images from Hamilton, Port Dover and Port Stanley taken on Thursday.

Gordon C Leitch in Hamilton.
Windoc behind the Leitch.
Tug Pacific Standard.
Algogulf.
Stern view.
Lower Lakes Slip. Calumet, Mc Kee Sons and Mississagi they are in the same slip as the Algogulf.
Another view.
Close up.
Calumet.
Stern view.
Tug Alice A on the small dry dock at Heddle Marine. The Le Vent was on the large dry-dock.
Provmar Terminal II.
Canadian Provider in Hamilton.
Another view.
Workboat Provider.
James Norris.
Close up at dock.
Capt Henry Jackman, Algolake and Canadian Prospector.
Canadian Miner, Montrealais and Canadian Navigator.
Canadian Prospector.
Montrealais & Canadian Navigator at Dofasco.
Canadian Miner at Dofasco.
Algolake.
Capt Henry Jackman.
Provmar Terminal in Hamilton.
C.C.G.S. Cape Mercy in a very snowy Port Dover.
Harbor Princess I. ex Garden City, ex tug Johnny B. in Port Dover.
fishtug G W Jackson inbound Port Stanley.
Another view.
drillrig Timesaver II in Port Stanley.
Sarah No 1 in Port Stanley.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Today in Great Lakes History - December 30

On December 30, 1987 the THOMAS WILSON under tow in the North Atlantic heading to be scrapped, parted her towline and sunk near position 34_08'N by 61_35'12"W (approximately in line with Cape Hatteras, NC) early the next day.

GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (1) was launched December 30, 1926.

The first steel carferry PERE MARQUETTE was launched in nearly completed form on December 30, 1896. The ship was built for the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad (predecessor to the Pere Marquette) and entered service just a few weeks later.

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

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

Block Stops in Sturgeon Bay

12/29
The Joseph L. Block made an unscheduled stop Friday afternoon to go to Bay Ship for a minor repair. She entered into the Bay from Lake Michigan and went to the Steel Face Dock at the ship yard. The Block was expected to depart at first light this morning, but will be returning later in the season for winter lay-up.

In the bay between the bridges.
Bow of Block passing the stern of Edward L. Ryerson .
Cool job for the look out with the temperature at 12 degrees.
Stern of Block passing stern of Ryerson .
Boat watchers taking Pictures as Block passes thru Michigan Street Bridge.
Stern of Block passing through Michigan Street bridge.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Oglebay Closes Port Inland

12/29
On December 19 the Earl Oglebay arrived at Port Inland shortly after noon to load the last cargo of the year from Port Inland, the Oglebay loaded that stone for Cleveland Osborne dock and then entered winter lay-up. Along with the Wolverine and Wilfred Sykes the Earl Oglebay was a frequent visitor to Port Inland this season. The first load of stone from Port Inland will likely be loaded in late March or early April. Meanwhile, the Pathfinder is loading tonight at Stoneport and is the last ship of the year at Stoneport. Cedarville stone dock has been closed since early December and Calcite closed the middle of December along with Port Inland.

Reported by: Scott Best

Seaway Results

12/29
The St. Lawrence Seaway suffered a dismal shipping season in 2001. Analysts are predicting a continued slump in cargo volumes next year as well. Cargo volume was down 11.4 per cent in 2001.

Seaway president Guy Veronneau blamed the poor season on a slump in the steel industry, a poor grain harvest on the prairies, and low water levels on the Great Lakes.

Coal was the only transport commodity to grow in volume over the previous year. The seaway closed its locks on Monday after the final ship passed through the system at St-Lambert, Quebec. The system is scheduled to reopen on March 26.

Reported by: Bill Bird

Beeghly in Rouge

12/29
Friday the Charles M. Beeghly was headed up the Rouge River to Rouge Steel.

Charles M Beeghly inbound the Rouge River at the Shortcut Bridge.
Charles M Beeghly at the Jefferson Street Bridge.
Stern view.
Fireboat Curtis Randolph at the Jefferson Street Bridge.
Stern view.
Faust barge Comanche and tug Cormorant at the Jefferson Street Bridge. Comanche was one of the barges that was recently returned from Massena, NY.
Tug Cormorant.


Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Lay-up List Update

12/29
Click here for the latest lay-up information

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

Everlast Moves Back into Notch

12/28
Thursday afternoon the tug Everlast was preparing to depart its temporary lay-up berth and make her way back to the barge Norman McLeod. The tug moved to make way for the CSL Tadoussac that was expected to arrive shortly for lay-up.

Also expected to arrive yesterday the tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer with another load destined for the Robin Hood mill. The Seahound was tied up in the harbor, while work has begun on the Canadian Transport for more engine repairs. She reportedly has been running on one engine since suffering an engine room fire this summer. The tug Petite Forte was also in winter lay-up at the Wharf 10 stone dock.

Everlast prepares to depart.
Close up.
Stern of the Norman McLeod (right) bow of the former Tarantau.
Everlast on the move.
Passing.
Approaching the barge.
In the notch.
Canadian Transport at dock.
Close up.
Petite Forte at Warf 10.
Looking north.
Snow covered towing winch.
Close up of pilot house.
Seahound under a blanket of snow.
Snow covered street in Port Colborne.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Fred R. White Jr. in Port Washington

12/28
The Fred R. White Jr. slipped into Port Washington about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night. This is the White's first trip into the Lake Michigan port this season. The vessel was delivering coal for Wisconsin Electric.

Reported by: Chris Wesendorf

Twin Ports Report

12/28
Vessel traffic is expected to remain steady in Two Harbors into the New Year but it may soon be coming to an end in Duluth and Superior.

The DMIR dock in Duluth currently has only the John G. Munson scheduled to take a partial load on the night of Dec. 27. Midwest Energy Terminal has the Algosoo scheduled for Dec. 28 and the Algowood, Canadian Olympic and John B. Aird scheduled for Dec. 30. After that, no vessels are scheduled, although last year the dock handled several boats after the first of the year.

After an unusually dry and mild December, temperatures are now remaining below freezing and falling close to zero degrees at night, resulting in ice formation throughout the harbor.

Traffic is scheduled to be steadier in Two Harbors, however. The DMIR dock there currently has the following lineup John G. Munson (completing a partial load) and St. Clair on Dec. 28, Edgar B. Speer and Cason J. Callaway on Dec. 30, Presque Isle and Philip R. Clarke on Dec. 31, and Columbia Star and Edwin H. Gott on Jan. 1.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

12/28
The Herbert C. Jackson and the Algomarine were at the ore docks in Marquette Thursday loading. The Jackson arrived Wednesday night, but was just taking off her hatches and preparing to load at 2:00 p.m. Thursday.

Jackson loading.
Close up.
Algomarine loading.
Close up.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

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

Hibbing Taconite schedules more shutdowns

12/27
Hibbing Taconite Co. announced Wednesday that it expects to produce about 6.8 million tons of iron ore pellets in 2002 -- a reduced output that will require the plant to make two four-week shutdowns in the coming year, according to Duluth media reports.

The plant, located in Hibbing, Minn., can produce 8 million tons of pellets a year at maximum capacity. To accommodate the anticipated reduced production, the plant will close for four weeks starting Feb. 3 and again on July 21.

Bethlehem Steel owns 70.3 percent of Hibbing Taconite while Stelco owns 14.7 percent and Cleveland Cliffs Inc. owns 15 percent and manages the operation. The plant ships pellets through the BNSF ore dock in Superior, Wis.

Reported by: Al Miller

Frontenac Departs

12/27
The Frontenac was finally able to depart early Wednesday morning, after spending Christmas the Essroc Dock. High winds delayed her departure. She departed stern first for Light 14 to make her turn, departing around 8:15 a.m.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Marquette Loading

12/27
The Lee A. Tregurtha and the Charles M. Beeghly were both loading at Marquette's ore dock Wednesday while the Herbert C. Jackson waited. The Algomarine was also expected to load Wednesday, making this a busy day at the dock.

Lee A. Tregurtha loading.
Bow view.
Beeghly loading.
Jackson waits.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Busy Holiday at Goderich

12/27
Goderich harbor was busy over Christmas. The Oakglen docked at the grain terminals on the morning of December 24 and remained there Wednesday. The Algorail also came into port in the morning and began loading salt from the mine.

The mine was closed for the Christmas holidays after the day shift and the Algorail was left to tie up over Christmas. The remaining salt was loaded Wednesday morning (Boxing Day) and then departed, looking very festive with many strings of Christmas lights and a cheery Santa perched on the end of the unloading boom.

The Peter R. Cresswell docked at the salt mine late Wednesday morning and looked to be almost full that evening. According to mine workers, this is a busy time as they try to get as much salt out on the ships before the end of the shipping season.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Toledo Update

12/27
The Adam E. Cornelius arrived for winter lay-up at the CSX Ore Dock. The David Z. Norton arrived for winter lay-up at the Torco Dock she is astern of the Reserve. The Wolverine was due in for winter lay-up at the Torco Dock Weds. afternoon, she will head into the docksite first and tie up directly across from the David Z. Norton.

When she is secured the Middletown will then arrive at the Torco Dock late Wednesday afternoon and tie up directly across from the Reserve.

The Oglebay Norton is due in for winter lay-up at the T.W.I. Dock on Thursday. There are several tug/barges in dry dock at the Shipyard. Gaelic Tugboat Company still has their tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey stationed at Toledo yet, while Great Lakes Towing Company has there tugs Illinois, Louisiana, and Montana stationed here.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Duluth Lay-up

12/27
Paul R. Tregurtha at lay-up.
Close up of bow.
George A. Stinson.
Armco.
Arthur M. Anderson and Roger Blough at Fraser Ship yard.
Another view.
Close up Arthur M. Anderson.
Close up of pilot house.
Bow thruster tube.
Elton Hoyt 2nd and John Sherwin at lay-up.
Presque Isle departing port.
Close up of tug.

For more lay-up information visit the 8th Annual Lay-up List

Reported by: Steve Haverty

Coal Cargo

12/27
It was a busy season for coal. Below are shots of vessels loading at Sandusky and unloading at other ports.

John B. Aird loading in December at Sandusky.
On deck.
Another view.
Loading the H. Lee White at Sandusky.
Coal is dumped from rail car.
American Republic unloading at Morton Salt North Dock, Manistee, MI in November.
View down the boom.
Another view.
Looking forward.

Reported by: Mike Moore

ASC-Soundings Newsletter

12/27
Available online is the latest edition of the American Steamship Company newsletter. Click here to view

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

Sturgeon Bay Update

12/26
The John J. Boland entered into Bay Ship Berth #3 for winter lay-up on Christmas Eve.

The ship yard is expecting the Herbert C. Jackson to arrive for lay-up today. Later in the week her fleet mate Kaye E. Barker is due in the yard for a shaft bearing repair and winter lay-up. The Barker will unload in Milwaukee before heading to the ship yard.

When the work on the Barker is completed, the Edgar Speer will come straight into the Graving Dock for her 5-Year Survey.

Picture by Vic DeLarwelle
Boland at lay-up dock.
Close up.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Oglebay Norton On Final Trip of Season

12/26
The 1000-foot Oglebay Norton was unloading at the St. Clair Edison Coal dock on the St. Clair River Tuesday night. This will be the last trip of the season for the vessel. Once finished unloading, the Oglebay Norton will head up in to Lake Huron to clean the holds, then sail downbound for Toledo where it will lay-up at Toledo World Industries.

St. Clair River Traffic

12/26
The Halifax was unloading at the Blue Circle Cement Dock in the Rouge River in the snow at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

Unloading in the snow.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Wintering Vessels

12/26
Another update on wintering vessels. CSL Niagara is expected to arrive today in Montreal for winter lay-up at Shed 3. This dock is used during the summer and fall months by cruise ships calling on the port.

Still operating on the St. Lawrence River is the Algocen. Tuesday morning it departed Sorel-Tracy for Quebec City.

The Seaway closed late Monday night. All the remaining ships stopped in Montreal except the CCGS Tracy that went to Sorel-Tracy and the Petrolia Desgagnés that spent the night at the lower wall of the St. Lambert Lock. She cleared the entrance of the Seaway at Calling In Point No.2 at about 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. She was downbound for the Hydro-Quebec plant at Sorel-Tracy.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Seaway Radio Message

12/26
The Seaway issued its final notice for the 2001 closing on Monday. After 8:00 a.m. on Monday vessels will be accepted in the system by written agreement only.

On Dec. 24 the water temperature at St. Lambert was 1.9 C as compared to 0.0 C in 2000 and 0.5 C for a ten-year average. At midnight Dec.23 there were 6 vessels above St. Lambert as compared to 4 in 2000. They have all cleared the Seaway by 2400 Dec. 24. The thinning of aids in the Montreal to Lake Ontario section is continuing.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

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

Last Passage for St. Lambert

12/25
The last vessel of the season downbound at St. Lambert Lock was the Petrolia Desgagnes. This is the same vessel that opened the Seaway upbound last spring. It cleared the lock about mid night and tied up at the lower wall, a pilot will board at 8:00 a.m.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Low Water in Saginaw

12/25
Monday the Frontenac was at anchor in Saginaw Bay. Early that afternoon the vessel started calling for water level readings. The first level was reported to be at minus 1 inch, by late Monday night the level had dropped to minus 11 inches. A southwest wind blowing all day had pushed the water out into the bay.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Twin Ports Report

12/25
With the end of the season three weeks away, only one or two vessels a day are now calling in the Twin Ports.

Sunday's only callers were Presque Isle and Indiana Harbor, both loading coal at Midwest Energy Terminal. On Monday, the Burns Harbor was loading at BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Vessels expected to spend at least part of Christmas Day in port include American Mariner, making a rare call to the DMIR ore dock in Duluth, Algobay, loading at Midwest Energy Terminal, and Stewart J. Cort, loading at BNSF ore dock. Two Harbors expects a busy Christmas with Edwin H. Gott and Columbia Star both calling at the shiploader.

The Twin Ports lay-up fleet grew over the weekend when the George A. Stinson arrived to lay up at Hallett 5.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway East Update

12/25
Monday there were no vessels listed as westbound in the Seaway. The eastbound parade included the Spar Garnet, Millennium Raptor, Grigory Aleksandrov, Lykes Energizer, Solta, Petrolia Desgagnes. The Algolake and tug Invincible were eastbound in the Welland canal. The Halifax, Peter R. Cresswell and John B. Aird were westbound on Lake Erie. The CSL Laurentian was eastbound and expected at CIP 16 about 11:50 p.m.

All lighted Aids to Navigation have been removed down to the Iroquois Lock, the eastern sector of the Seaway is quiet for the Winter. The planned reopening date is March 26, 2002, weather and ice permitting. There may be the occasional cement cargoes out of Bath and Picton.

The weather is returning to normal and the area has experienced temperatures below 0 C and a snow squall warning was in effect for Monday night. The only activity for a few months will be the local ferries which keep traveling with the help of bubble systems.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Ice Free

12/25
As the lakes remain mostly ice free from Duluth to the lower lakes it was a very different story this time last year. In December 2000 the lakes had suffered through three weeks of freezing temperatures that allowed heavy ice to form on the lakes and rivers. By late December 2000 the ice brought shipping traffic on the lower lakes to a stand still and required the Coast Guard and private tug companies to keep traffic moving.

Click here for images from last year's ice breaking efforts

Pre Christmas Sale Extended

12/25:
The huge sale on shipping items has been extended until January 5. New items and prices will be posted on January 7. his is time to stock up on your items, price increases for the New Year will affect Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping items. Some items will increase and some will be discontinued.

Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

E. M. Ford

12/25:
It was 22 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 were 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

Cartierdoc Enters Lay-up

12/24
Friday the laid up Manitoulin was moved to Section 19 from Section 18 across the Richelieu in the port of Sorel-Tracy to make room for the Cartierdoc expected the following day.

Cartierdoc arrived Saturday for winter lay-up but had difficulties in tying up. She collided with the Turcotte Bridge Saturday morning and caused so much damage that the bridge will be closed to road traffic for several weeks. The only damage to Cartierdoc was her bowsprit that was folded backwards. There were no details available on the accident. In August the Cartierdoc's sister ship, Windoc was severely damaged by a bridge in the Welland Canal.

Vehicles have to use the bridge located upriver which is part of Highway 30. Pedestrians are still allowed to use the sidewalks on the Turcotte Bridge.

Sunday the Manitoulin tied up alongside of Cartierdoc and forward of the Alcor, her demolition having been not completed yet following an injunction from the town of Sorel-Tracy to stop the work on account of noise and dust pollution in a residential zone.

Reported by: René Beauchamp and André Guévremont

Rare Trip for Wolverine

12/24
The Wolverine docked in Marquette, MI at 8:00 a.m. Sunday to load taconite for Ashtabula, Oh. This is the Wolverine's first trip to Marquette in two years.

Reported by: Scott Best

Sauniere Arrives at Port Weller

12/24
Sunday afternoon the Sauniere arrived and secured above Lock 1 before sliding across to the Port Weller Dry Docks fitout berth. She was assisted by the tug Vac and was secured there by 3:00 p.m. Work consisting of bottom plate replacement, plus repairs to her boom and hydraulics are to be completed at the dry docks.

Sauniere docked above Lock 1.
Bow view
Tug Vac starts the Sauniere across the canal.
Mid channel.
Approaching the Fit Out Dock.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Last Vessel at Port Authority Piers in Oswego, NY for 2001

12/24
The Upper Lakes Group vessel Canadian Navigator brought the last load of the year with 24,000 Metric Tons of rock salt to the Port Authority Pier at Oswego, NY Saturday night. Originally scheduled for early morning Saturday, she was delayed in the upper lakes when the salty Millenium Raptor lost power and blocked the shipping channel. This resulted in the Navigator having to drop anchor below the Edison Plant, while crews got the Millenium Raptor back under way and set back the arrival time in Oswego into the early evening hours.

While this was the last bulk carrier to visit for the 2001 season; the port remains open for the occasional shuttle run on Lake Ontario to Lafarge, Essroc, and Sprague Oil terminals through out the winter.

Reported by: Tom Moriarty

St. Lawrence Seaway & River News

12/24
Arriving for lay up in Montreal Sunday was the Canadian Voyager. She arrived from Port Cartier and unloaded a cargo of soybeans. According to reports, she is not to go back in service her career coming to an end.

Expected to be the last vessel to exit the Seaway will be PETROLIA DESGAGNÉS late today. Preceding her will be the SOLTA, the last foreign-flag vessel of the season. PÉTROLIA DESGAGNÉES was also the last vessel for the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

For the 2001 navigation season in the Seaway, there were a total of 256 salties that transited the locks. Actually, a few of those ships were the same vessels under two different names such as Federal Fraser that also transited as Fraser. There were only 69 new ones amongst them, one of the lowest on record since the opening of the Seaway in 1959. The lowest figure was 65 in 1995.

New ones include vessels which transited for the first time (51) and vessels that also transited for the first time but under a new name such as FRASER mentioned above. From the total of 69, the small ship AQUILA transited for the first time under that name and then was renamed CYGNUS in the Great Lakes, so is counted as two different ships in this report.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Run Away Train

12/24
A runaway CSX train loaded with coal and acetone, came crashing into parts of the Port of Rochester, on Sunday afternoon. The 24 rail cars derailed and caught fire. The fire took houses, buildings, and an undetermined number of pleasure craft that had been put in storage for the winter.

The U.S. Coast Guard put their new patrol boat to work, helping the land based firefighters with controlling the fire from the Genesee River near the old NYC swing bridge. The only injury that happened, was the conductor of the train who jumped off the train when he knew that it wasn't going to make the curve in the tracks. If this had happened in the summer the results could have been disastrous.

A dike has been built to catch the run off from the foam and water used to put the fire out, as it would run into the river and cause more problems. It will take several days to clean up the area, the ruptured tank cars and smashed coal cars are scattered in the area as well as the burned out buildings and homes.

Reported by: Ron LaDue

Toledo News

12/24
The CSL Laurentien was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator and was expected to depart later Sunday afternoon or evening. The Algomarine finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Sunday morning. She was the last coal boat of the season and the CSX Docks are now closed down until next Spring.

The David Z. Norton is expected in Toledo for winter lay-up late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Hennepin loading coal at the C&O #3 Coal Dock, with the Ben W. Calvin at the #2 Dock waiting to load.
Calumet outbound Maumee Bay, she just finished unloading a salt cargo at the A.R.M.S. Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Seaway East Update

12/24
The last eastbound saltie, the Solta has passed Kingston. There were five salties in the Seaway, all eastbound on Sunday. In Order they were, the Piyi D 1:50 p.m. at Lower Beauharnois, Spar Garnet 1:22 p.m. Iroquois lower wall, Millenium Raptor 1:38 p.m., Lykes Energizer 2:30 p.m. exchanged pilot at Cape Vincent and Solta 5:38 p.m. Cape Vincent. She was expected at Crossover at 10:30 and that should clear our sector as there are no vessels listed as upbound last night.

The Welland Canal shows no vessels and Lake Erie only showed the St. Clair in Long Point Bay at 12:52 p.m. while the Algolake is heading their for 9:45 p.m.

The cement trade is still going on in the Kingston area. The Stephen B. Roman was in Picton Sunday and expected to arrive in Toronto today. The English River was in Bath and also headed for Toronto.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Boating Television Series Begins its Third Season

12/24
This January marks the third season of Great Lakes Ports O’ Call, a boating and travel television show available to public broadcasting stations nationwide. The series features ports of interest for recreational boaters and travelers around the Great Lakes area. Segments on navigation and port tours are included, as well as people of special interest, safety features, history of the featured port and stories relating to events, entertainment and the overall splendor of the Great Lakes.

Detroit Public Television (WTVS Channel 56) will air the new season weekly on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. beginning January 5. This is the same time slot the series aired last year. The series will also be seen in the area on WFUM Flint and WGTE Toledo at different times. Additional markets can be found at www.greatlakesportsocall.com.

Featured ports in order of broadcast this year are
#301 Port Clinton, OH #306 Caseville, MI #310 Erie, PA
#302 Kewaunee, WI #307 Port Washington, WI #311Frankfort, MI
#303 Ashtabula, OH #308 Detroit, MI #312 Beaver
Island, MI #304 Munising, MI #309Holland, MI #313 Goderich, ON
#305 Presque Isle, MI

The 13 episode series will be uplinked via satellite to PBS stations throughout the United States and Canada. Great Lakes Ports O’ Call is created and produced by Video Images, Inc., of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Over 45 markets nationwide chose to broadcast the series during the winter/spring season of 2001 to more than 21 million households.

Executive Producer Thomas Durant comments “We have been overwhelmed by the positive comments from viewers. We are looking forward to our third season.”

Dan Gaitens, Senior Programming Associate at WTVS-TV/Detroit comments “Great Lakes Ports O’ Call obtained well above average audience numbers for a PBS program. We believe this series to be both unique and worthwhile. This because the program provides segments for the recreational boater’s knowledge and interest, and it does so without excluding the general viewer. We know of no program on TV now that balances these various aspects so well.”

The program is hosted by veteran radio personality Foster Braun of WJR Detroit. A web site at www.greatlakesportsocall.com is available with links to ports visited, underwriting sponsors, and to other nautical sites of interest. It also includes a list of PBS stations airing the series. The new season is underwritten by the Michigan Boating Industries Association, Lakeside Marine/Tiara Yachts, Four Winns Boats and Lakeland Boating.

Pre Christmas Sale Extended

12/24:
The huge sale on shipping items has been extended until January 5. New items and prices will be posted on January 7. his is time to stock up on your items, price increases for the new year will affect Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping items. Some items will increase and some will be discontinued.

Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

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

Last Salties Clear Welland Canal

12/23
Saturday the last of the ocean going vessels still in the upper lakes were downbound in the Welland Canal with the Millenium Raptor and the Grigoriy Aleksandrov at Lock 7. The Grigoriy Aleksandrov was the last vessel to clear the Welland and was the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the season.

Millenium Raptor approaching Lock 7.
Stern view entering the lock.
Grigoriy Aleksandrov downbound.
Another view.
Stern view.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Tonnage Down for Season

12/23
The Seaway was officially closed Friday but there were still 23 ships in the system to be cleared. Tonnage for the season was down from the previous seasons due to the North American recession and the Windoc accident. At the end of November 3 689 vessel passages had transported 37.5 million tonnes of cargo through the seaway. (1 tonne = 1 000kg or 2206 lb.) This was down from last year's tonnage when 42.6 million tonnes had passed through the Seaway at the end of November 2000.

The warm December may have helped the total tonnage carried. A slow down was noted in September but was worse than the Seaway authorities expected. In October, they awarded the contract to repair the Allenburg bridge and the cost was $ 780, 000.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Strike Continues

12/23
Striking engineers represented by the Canadian Marine Officers Union may be in for a long strike as negotiations broke down in Montreal Wednesday night.

The dispute was originally centered on wages and the length of a new contract when members went on strike November 30. At that time the union wanted three years with three per cent wage increases each year, while the companies wanted a five-year deal with a three per cent raise in year one, plus cost of living increases in the following years.

The St. Catharines Standard Newspaper reported that negotiations broke down last week over the issue hiring practices. Currently an engineer seeking employment has to submit his name to the union and pay dues to become a member of the hiring hall. When a company is looking to hire a crew member the union submits a list of workers from the hiring hall that the company can choose from.

A spokesman from Algoma told the paper that the hiring hall doesn't have the "right people" and the company wants the flexibility to find workers elsewhere.

Effected by the strike are engineers working for Canada Steamship Lines, Algoma Central Corp., and N.M Patterson & Sons. Other engineers have replaced the striking engineers, with the ships still running it may be a long strike.

Reported by: John Stark

Beeghly at Anchor

12/23
Saturday the Charles M. Beeghly was at anchor in Lake Huron.

Beeghly at anchor with engine running.
Another view.

Reported by: Don Coles

Last Saltie for Goderich

12/23
Things are winding down in Goderich, with the departure of the last saltie of the year on Wednesday. The Andromeda departed fro the Lake Huron port after taking on a load of soybeans for Belgium. The Canadian Enterprise was at the salt mine Friday afternoon loading salt, and is currently headed north on Lake Huron. No ice has been noted yet anywhere in the harbor.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

St. Clair River Traffic

12/23
Below are images of traffic on the St. Clair River Saturday.

Downbound Samuel Risley, Fred R White Jr. and David Z Norton. Upbound Bramble going to remove buoy's 3 & 4 in the Huron Cut.
Fort Gratiot Light.
Samuel Risley downbound in the Huron Cut.
Passing the light.
Stern view.
Fred R White Jr. downbound in the Huron Cut with Bramble, David Z Norton & St. Clair in the background.
Fred R White Jr. downbound in the Huron Cut.
Stern view.
Unidentified Purdy Fishery tugs upbound into Lake Huron.
David Z Norton downbound in the Huron Cut.
Passing the lighthouse.
Maumee laid up in Sarnia's North Slip.
Bow view.
Macassa Bay in the North Slip.
Tugs Le Taureau, Sandra Mary and Menasha in Sarnia's Government Slip.
Bow view.
Duc D'Orleans in Sarnia.
Samuel Risley fueling at the Shell Dock in Corunna.
Carferry Daldean.
Carferry Ontamich.
Tug Tammy Lynn at Courtright.
Tug Nancy A Lee and Hammond Bay at Port Lambton.
Close up of the tour boat Hammond Bay.
Walpole Islander on Walpole Island.
City Of Algonac on Walpole Island.
Sign#44 Season's Greetings.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo News

12/23
The CSL Laurentien was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator. The Algomarine was unloading a cargo of oats at Andersons "K" Elevator. The American Mariner finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed this morning. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algobay at 8:00 p.m. followed by the Algomarine at 10:00 p.m. Saturday.

When the Algomarine is finished unloading her cargo of oats she will proceed to the CSX Coal Docks and will follow the Algobay loading coal, this should be sometime Sunday morning. The Algomarine will be the last scheduled coal boat of the season for the CSX Coal Docks.

The David Z. Norton is expected to lay-up in Toledo on Sunday. Most likely she may go astern of the Reserve and lay-up at the Torco Dock complex.

Hennepin upbound the Maumee River from the Cherry Street Bridge and will be heading for the salt dock to unload her cargo of road salt.
Quebecois tied up at the City Dock waiting to load grain at one of the Elevators upriver. Canadian Leader is seen in the background she is also waiting for a loading dock at one of the Elevators.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Buffalo Report

12/23
On Wednesday the H. Lee White made a rare appearance in Buffalo carrying a load of Pet Coke. The cargo was unloaded at the Gateway Terminal for NYSEG Sommerset Power Plant.

H, Lee White entering the Buffalo Harbor South Breakwater Gap.
Starting her turn into the Outer Harbor South End Basin near the Stoney Point Lighthouse.
White as she comes to a stop just off St. Lawrence Cement and starts backing into the Lackawanna Slip (Bethlehem Ship Canal).
Recently closed Coke Ovens to the left in this image.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Seaway Update

12/23
Saturday afternoon there were 17 ships listed as between Port Colborne and Montreal. The Sauniere was westbound below Snell lock and headed for repairs in Port Weller. The Progress was eastbound at CIP 6/7 followed by the Lake Erie at Maitland, Millenium Eagle just past Sodus, Andromeda west of Sodus, Canadian Navigator west of Newcastle, Spar Garnet west of midlake and Piyi D east of CIP # 15. The Mapleglen was westbound near Midlake.

The Welland Canal showed the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin westbound at Lock 6, the Frontenac westbound above Lock 7 and the Saginaw westbound at the Guard Gate. The Millenium Raptor was eastbound above Lock 7 as were the Sea Eagle II and Grigoriy Aleksandrov. The English River and Halifax were eastbound in the Port Colborne area.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Pre Christmas Sale Extended

12/23:
The huge sale on shipping items has been extended until January 5. New items and prices will be posted on January 7. his is time to stock up on your items, price increases for the new year will affect Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping items. Some items will increase and some will be discontinued.

Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

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

Le Vent Departs Port Weller

12/22
Friday afternoon the jet fuel barge Le Vent departed the Port Weller Dry Dock fitout wall with the assistance of tugs Vac and Carrol C1 on its way to Hamilton for completion.

The departure of the Le Vent made way for the expected arrival of the Sauniere, which is due in for bottom plate replacement before the closure of the Welland Canal. 49 plates plus repairs to her boom and hydraulics are to be done at the dry docks.

Preparing to depart.
Le Vent is pulled from the fit out dock at Port Weller.
Tug Vac leads the tow.
Just off the wall.
Close up of notch.
Stern view entering Lock 1.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Maumee Enters Lay-up

12/22
Friday the Maumee docked in the North Slip in Sarnia for the winter. The Maumee is the first vessel to enter lay-up in Sarnia.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Twin Ports Report

12/22
With grain traffic down to a trickle and several boats already laid up, the focus in Twin Ports shipping now turns mainly to Midwest Energy Terminal

Scheduled to load coal Saturday are Indiana Harbor, bound for Silver Bay, Minn., and Oglebay Norton, bound for St. Clair, Mich. After that, all cargoes now scheduled for the rest of the season are destined for Nanticoke. They are: Presque Isle and Indiana Harbor, Dec. 23; Algobay, Dec. 25; Algosoo, Dec. 26; Algowood, Dec. 27; John B. Aird, Dec. 28; and Canadian Olympic, Dec. 30.

DMIR ore dock in Duluth currently has only two vessels scheduled - American Mariner is due for a rare visit on Dec. 24 and St. Clair is due for a rare visit Dec. 26. This dock often is troublesome for shipmasters in December when heavy ice can build up in the slip. This year’s mild weather, however, has meant trouble-free access, with ice forming in the harbor only in the past couple days.

The DMIR dock in Two Harbors is much busier. The lineup there includes Cason J. Callaway, Dec. 23, Philip R. Clarke and Edgar B. Speer, Dec. 24, and Columbia Star and Edwin H. Gott, Dec. 25.

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw River News

12/22
The barge Integrity and tug Jacklyn M arrived about 6:00 a.m. Friday morning with cement for the Lafarge Cement Dock in Saginaw.

Following closely behind was the barge Great Lakes Trader and tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort. They lightered at the Burrough's dock near the I-75 Bridge, then continued up the river to finish unloading at Saginaw Rock Products.

Adam E. Cornelius was inbound at the pump out station at 4:48 p.m. She was enroute to the Bay Aggregate Dock in Bangor Township with stone.

The Gemini was seen unloading petroleum products at the Ashland/Marathon Dock in Bay City that afternoon.

The Sam Laud arrived at approximately 5:45 p.m. The Laud tied up at the Essroc Dock in Essexville to wait for the outbound Great Lakes Trader to pass before continuing on to Saginaw. The Sam Laud later passed under the I-75 Bridge at 11:05 p.m. heading to unload at Saginaw Rock.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Joyce L. Van Enkevort/Great Lakes Trader upbound passing the Gemini at Ashland-Marathon Dock.
Joyce L./Great Lakes Trader close up.
Stern View clear of Independence Bridge.
Adam E. Cornelius unloading at Bay Aggregates - Bangor Township.
Sam Laud waiting at Essroc.
Adam E. Cornelius another view.
Cornelius (left) and Sam Laud.
Gemini unloading at Ashland-Marathon.
Joyce L./Great Lakes Trader downbound.
Passing the Gemini.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Welland Canal Update

12/22
The Welland Canal was busy with self-unloaders Friday. The Algosoo and Atlantic Huron were upbound while the Algorail, Mississagi and Canadian Transport had the right of way downbound. The East side of the twin Flight Locks is closed with construction underway. This allows for one-way traffic through locks 4, 5 and 6. CMOU members, who seem to be settling in for a long winter, were picketing the Algorail at Lock 7.

Algorail, Mississagi and Canadian Transport.
Algorail passing.
Christmas decorations.
Stern view.
In Lock 7.
Striking engineer picketing.
Algosoo upbound.
Passing Algorail.
Mississagi.
Stern view heading for Lock 7.
Close up.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Clarkson News

12/22
Traffic in the Lake Ontario port of Clarkson has been very slow since the beginning of December. Action picked up a little this week, on Monday morning the James Norris was in with stone for St. Lawrence Cement. A big surprise Friday was the arrival of the Saginaw at 2:00 p.m. with another load of stone. Upper Lakes Group boats, primarily the Norris, usually handle this run.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Seaway Update

12/22
The water temperature at St. Lambert actually rose 0.1 C to 3.0 C. Last year the temperature was 0.0C and the ten-year average is 0.9 C. There were 18 salties above St. Lambert and 8 above Port Weller. This compares to 14 and 2 respectively , in 2000. The east side of the flight locks is now closed for the season.

The number of vessels in the Seaway system remains about the same. At approximately 2026, The Atlantic Erie is eastbound at Cote Ste. Cathrine and the Alessia is eastbound at Beauharnois. The Catharin C is east of Summerstown and the Progress is eastbound at Prescott. The Mapleglen is westbound past Massena.

Lake Ontario shows the Lake Erie eastbound and going to anchor 2.8 miles SW of Tibbetts Point, at 1937. She will get underway at 0650/22 for 0715 pilot exchange. The Frontenac is westbound past Midlake.

The Welland Canal shows Canadian Transport Eastbound at Lock 1, Atlantic Huron westbound at the Flight Locks, Millennium Eagle Eastbound above lock 7, Andromeda eastbound above Port Robinson, Canadian Navigator eastbound through Lock 8, Spar Garnet in lock 8, eastbound, Sea Eagle II eastbound at Bridge 21 and the Piyi D eastbound at Port Colborne.

The Algosoo is westbound at Long Point while the Grigory Aleksandrov, the last saltie through the Sault, is eastbound at South East Shoal at 1937.

The next Seaway radio message will be Monday, Dec. 24. Weather is expected to be good for several days. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are ice free.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

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.

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

Saltie Blocks Channel

12/21
On Thursday morning, the Millenuim Raptor lost power near Buoy 19 in Lake St. Clair. The strong northwest wind swung the ship crossways in the channel. Power was restored shortly after, and the vessel worked her way around using her anchor and proceeded upbound. She anchored mid-afternoon below the St. Clair Edison power plant to evaluate the incident.

While the ship was having difficulty in the lake, the downbound Canadian Navigator turned around below Fawn Island (the last area wide enough to turn until the Detroit River) and went to anchor below the Edison plant. Soon after, she turned again, and continued downbound.

Reported by: George Lee

Last Saltie Through the Soo

12/21
As saltwater vessels continue to head off the lakes before the closing of the Seaway, the Gregoria Alexander marked the last saltie to clear the Soo Locks for the season. It was downbound Thursday after loading grain in Thunder Bay.

Reported by: Jerry Masson and Mike Cleary

McKee Sons Loads

12/21
The tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons were in Milwaukee Thursday loading a winter storage cargo of soy beans. The cargo is bound for Hamilton, Ont. The McKee Sons should just reach the Welland Canal check in point before the canal closes on Monday. Being home for Christmas can be very motivating for a boat's crew.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Last Load at Calcite

12/21
The last load of stone was loaded at Calcite in Rogers City, MI Thursday. The Adam E. Cornelius was expected to depart Calcite about 1:00 p.m. headed for Essexville to unload.

Reported by: Mark Keaser

Algonova Uses Mac Lock

12/21
Algonova was passing above the Soo locks on Thursday. It was dispatched to the MacArthur Lock which is unusual after the events of September 11. The Soo Locks Canal Park is now closed for the season allowing the tanker to use the nearest lock to the park .

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Busy Finish For Port of Oswego, NY

12/21
Bulk carriers with loads of salt are completing final deliveries to Oswego, NY this week. A very busy end of the week sees a rare rush to the salt docks at the Port Authority Terminal, with both the Saginaw and an Upper Lakes Group vessel calling.

The Saginaw arrived about 7:00 p.m. Thursday and discharged 16,000 MT of rock salt onto the cold docks.

Scheduled for Saturday with an approximate arrival time of 7:00 a.m. is an Upper Lakes Group boat, who finished loading last night and departed. It will also be bringing in a load of salt - 24,000 MT. This will most likely be the last of the Inter-system vessels to utilize the port this season; however shuttle runs across Lake Ontario to Lafarge, Essroc, and Sprague Oil will continue during the winter once again on an as needed basis.

Reported by: Tom Moriarty

Bad Year For Taconite

12/21
The troubled steel industry is reflected in Iron Range taconite pellet production which took a nosedive last year, as shipments dropped by 30 percent, or 13 million tons.

Officials project 31.5 million tons of taconite pellets will be produced by the end of this year, compared to about 45 million tons that were produced last year.

The Iron Range has struggled since the shutdown of the LTV Plant in Hoyt Lakes. Layoffs and idling by National Steel, Hibbing Taconite, EVTAC, and Northshore Mining also had an impact.

Reported by: Glen Kingsford

Toledo Update

12/21
The Algosteel was unloading stone at the CSX Stone Dock Thursday, when finished she was expected to shift over to the coal dock to load coal. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the American Mariner today, followed by the Algobay and Algomarine on Saturday. The Algomarine is the last scheduled coal boat of the season for the CSX Docks. There are several tug/barges in drydock at the Shipyard. There are no new lay-ups to report at this time.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Traffic

12/21
Below are images of recent traffic in Cleveland.

Southdown Challenger unloading.
Close up of bow.
Christmas Tree on the unloading boom.
G Tug dock at the Carter Road Bridge. Triton, Ohio, Idaho and two more G Tugs, plus the Barge Milwaukee in the background.
Santa shows off on a jet ski.
Stops to wave.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Artist Pat Norton

12/21
Well-known Great Lakes artist Pat Norton, whose watercolors of Great Lakes freighters and lighthouses are a familiar sight in homes all around the region, died December 19 in Florida. She had been battling cancer for almost a year. Pat often painted the passing vessels right from the deck of her home at Barbeau, Mich., ideally situated just to the left of the Neebish Island ferry dock on the St. Marys River. After selling their property at Barbeau two years ago, she and her husband Roger moved to Sutton's Bay, Mich., but returned last year to a new home at DeTour, Mich., so they could again be on the river.

Visitation is at the Reamer Funeral Home, Pickford, Mich., Sunday 4-8 p.m. The funeral is at 11:00 a.m. Monday Dec. 24.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

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

Mailboats Enter Lay-up

12/20
Wednesday morning the J. W. Westcott mail boats entered winter lay-up at Gregory's Marina behind Belle Isle on the Detroit River. That morning the back up mail boat Joseph J. Hogan departed the Westcott dock with the mail boat J. W. Westcott II in tow.

The engine that was damaged in a sinking this fall has been removed from the Westcott II and it will receive a new engine this winter. The interior of the vessel has been cleared of all equipment and wiring which will also be replaced.

The pilot boat Huron Maid will continue to service vessels and take pilots to salt water vessels from the Westcott dock. The Huron Maid is expected to head for lay-up in Port Huron today or Friday.

Pictures by John Belliveau
Joseph J. Hogan & J.W. Westcott II.
Huron Maid returning to dock.

Reported by: Capt. Sam Buchanan

HMCS Haida Moves to Hamilton

12/20
Canada's most decorated warship will get a new permanent home and a much-needed refit as well.

Sheila Copps, Canada's federal Heritage Minister and Hamilton MP announced Tuesday a five million dollar commitment from Parks Canada to move the ship to Hamilton harbor and restore the 58 year old vessel.

Haida will be moored next to HMCS Star and the two will be part of the Canadian Discovery Center on Marine Conservation being constructed by Parks Canada at Pier 8 in Hamilton.

At the moment Haida is tied up at Ontario Place in Toronto where she's been for the past 30 years. To get her out of a 5 foot deep moat a channel will have to be cut through Ontario Place's main access road and parking lot.

Because corrosion has weakened the ship, Haida might have to be placed in a floating dry dock for the trip to Hamilton.

Haida was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943, one of 27 Tribal class destroyers built in England. Her World War two campaign in the English Channel, at Normandy, in the Bay of Biscay and the Arctic resulted in the sinking of nine enemy vessels on her own and she was instrumental in helping sink five others.

Decommissioned and ready to be sold for scrap in 1963, Haida was sold for $20,000 to a group of naval enthusiasts and moved to Toronto. Eventually it was sold to Ontario for $1 and became part of Ontario Place. The warship was declared a National Historic site in 1984.

John Byrne, president of the 400 member Friends of HMCS Haida, says his group will try to raise 2 million dollars for the project. It's expected Haida will be at her new home by the summer of 2003.

Reported by: Bill Bird and Wally Wallace

Beaver Delays Boland

12/20
Wednesday the John J. Boland arrived in Marquette to load taconite pellets. As the Boland was pulling in to the ore dock the power on the dock went out about 9:30 p.m.

A beaver had been at work gnawing on trees alongside a pond near the ore dock. One of the trees fell across the power lines, cutting out power for the dock and surrounding area. Last night crews were working to restore power.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Tug and Barge Wait

12/20
Early Wednesday morning the tug W. N. Twolan and barge McAllister 132 arrived at the Bondar Marina in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. downbound from Thunder Bay. Visibility slowly decreased during the day and by afternoon the rain mixed with wet snow moved in across the harbor delaying their departure time.

At the dock.
Close up of lumber loaded on the barge.
Another view.
Low visibility.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Destroyer For Dive Attraction

12/20
A meeting of the Waterfront Access Kingston gave plans for the decommissioned Restigouche Class Canadian destroyer, HMCS Gatineau to be towed to Kingston in April of 2002. It is planned that the ship could be a tourist attraction in Kingston for that summer and work will be done prepare the vessel for sinking the following Spring.

It is planned that the dynamite charges will be set off and the vessel scuttled on June 1, 2003. The place of sinking was to be off Nine Mile Point but a better location has been charted of the South Shore of Howe Island. This is in 106-feet of water and a much more sheltered dive site.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Twin Ports Report

12/20
Although the last salties of the season are long gone, a small amount of grain continues to move through the Twin Ports as the Herbert C. Jackson loaded Wednesday at the Cenex Harvest States elevator. The vessel was scheduled to depart by late afternoon or early evening. Vessels using the ports' elevator and ore dock berths have been blessed with mild temperatures and a lack of ice that usually clogs berths this time of year. However, temperatures were expected to drop to about 5 degrees Wednesday night, which may herald the formation of thicker ice across the harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Muskegon Update

12/20
The Fred R. White Jr. enter the channel shortly after noon Wednesday and headed to the paper mill to unload coal. The McKee Sons was unloading stone at the Verplank dock. Shortly after 4:00 p.m. it was on the way out the channel into a snow squall and stormy Lake Michigan.

Reported by: Don Geske

Saginaw River News

12/20
The David Z. Norton was outbound Wednesday morning, passing through Independence Bridge around 7:30 a.m. She had unloaded overnight at the Bay City and Saginaw Wirt Docks. After passing through Independence, the Captain thanked all of the bridge operators for their professionalism through the season and said goodbye until next season.

The Adam E. Cornelius passed through Independence Bridge upbound, just before the downbound Norton, and pulled up to the Bay City Wirt Dock to allow the Norton to pass. Once clear, she headed up to the Bay Aggregates Dock in Bay City to unload. The Cornelius finished by early afternoon, turned at the Airport Turning Basin and was outbound for the lake around 2:00 p.m.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
David Z. Norton passes the Adam E. Cornelius at Bay City Wirt.
Stern View of the Cornelius.
Norton stern view at Ashland-Marathon.
Adam E. Cornelius unloading at Bay Aggregates.
Another View.
Cornelius downbound in the afternoon snow.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Report

12/20
The Mississagi was loading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator and was scheduled to depart early Wednesday evening. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was loading coal at the CSX Coal Docks and was expected to depart in the early afternoon.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the American Mariner and Algosteel on Thursday. The Algobay on Friday. The Algomarine on Saturday, as of now she will be the last coal boat of the season.

There are no new lay-ups to report at this time. Several vessels are due in port next week for winter lay-up. The Saturn has departed the Lakefront Docks. There are several tugs/barges at the Shipyard.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Welland Canal Traffic

12/20
Below are photos of traffic on the Welland Canal Wednesday.

Peter R. Cresswell above Lock 1.
Stern View.
Saginaw passing the Cresswell below Lock 2.
Close Up.
Stern View.
CSL Laurentien above Lock 7. While in the Lock she was picketed by the CMOU.
Stern View.
Algocatalyst above Lock 3.
Stern View.
Gunay A above Lock 7.
Lake Michigan downbound at Bridge 11.
Jade Star upbound at Port Colborne.
Stern View.
Kapitonas A. Lucka downbound above Lock 8.
Stern View.
Calumet inbound Port Colborne.
Passing the Griffon.
Stern View.
Griffon docked in Port Colborne.
Everlast.
Norman McLeod.
The Pilot Boat Office in Port Colborne is ready for Christmas.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Seaway Update

12/20
Wednesday was a typical day as the Seaway nears closing. No less than 27 ships were under way between Lake Erie and Montreal.

The water temperature at St. Lambert only fell 0.1 C to 3.2 C. Last year it was 0.0 C and the ten year average is 0.8 C At 2400 Dec. 18, there were 24 salties above St. Lambert and 13 above Port Weller as compared to 29 and 10 respectively last year.

About 100 p.m. the Solta was upbound at the St. Lambert Lock. The Algosoo was westbound at Cote Ste. Catherine while Canadian Provider and Jean Parisien were westbound at Bridge 7 and Beauharnois respectively. Sealink was eastbound above St. Louis Bridge and the tug Salvor was westbound. The Arizona Dream was eastbound at Iroquois lock, followed by the Antalina at the Prescott Bridge, the Orsula west of brockville and the Federal Maas due at Crossover at 140 p.m.

The English River was westbound on Lake Ontario with a load of cement, while the CSL Niagara was eastbound 5m west of Main Duck Islands at 1510 and giving 2030 for Crossover. The Transitorius and Saginaw were eastbound while the Petite Forte was westbound near Port Weller piers. The Stephen B. Roman departed Picton with cement for Oswego. She only drew 18' 10" forward and 19' 8" aft as she was bound for Oswego. She was due at Psyche shoal at 630 p.m. and Oswego at 845 p.m.

The Welland Canal had the CSL Laurentian eastbound at Bridge 5, the John B. Aird westbound below the Flight locks, the Gunay A was below the flight locks, peter R. Cresswell was westbound in the flight locks, Halifax was westbound above lock 7, while the Lake Michigan and Kapitonas A Lucka were eastbound.

Lake Erie showed the Calumet eastbound while the Cuyahoga and Algobay were westbound.

The tugs Robinson Bay and Performance continued to remove lighted aids in the U.S. Seaway. They removed Buoy 234 and then tied up at the Clayton Town dock Wednesday afternoon.

Rain and snow were forecast but the temperature is forecast to remain above freezing for the next two days at least.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Pre Christmas Sale

12/20:
Just in time for the holidays. All items in stock including Interlake Steamship and other companies Dec. 16th-25th 50%
Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

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

Reiss Enters Lay-up

12/19
The Richard Reiss arrived at the Mounfort Terminal in Erie, PA early Tuesday Morning, ending a season that included 35 trips into Erie with gravel. Her December 18 lay-up is later than 1999 and 2000, when she laid up on Dec. 9 and 14, respectively. Her fleetmate, the J. S. St. John is expected to lay-up sometime this week.

For more lay-up information visit the 8th Annual Lay-up List

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Middletown Visits Marquette

12/19
The Middletown made a rare appearance at Marquette Tuesday to take on a load of taconite pellets. While it has been a slow season, the ore dock is expected to continue loading at the docks until the Soo Locks close.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw River News

12/19
The Earl W. Oglebay was outbound from Bay City at about 10:00 a.m. Tuesday after unloading during the night at the Wirt docks in Essexville and Bay City.

On her outbound transit, the Oglebay passed the Agawa Canyon, that had just docked at Essexville and was beginning to unload her cargo.

Pictures by Stephen Hause
Earl W. Oglebay passing Agawa Canyon at Essexville.
Santa rides atop the pilot house.
Stern view of Earl W. Oglebay outbound.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Unloading early Tuesday morning.
Another view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update

12/19
The Calumet was loading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator and was expected to depart early Tuesday evening. The Canadian Transport was loading coal at the CSX Coal Docks. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin today, American Mariner and Algosteel on Thursday and the Algobay on Friday. The Algomarine has now been added to the schedule and is due in on Saturday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Kingston Update

12/19
There was heavy eastbound traffic and some westbound movement Tuesday. The Peter R. Cresswell left Morrisburg and was westbound. The Emerald Star was also westbound.

The water temperature at St. Lambert had fallen 0.9 C to 3.3 C Tuesday. Last year it was 0.1 C and the ten-year average is 1.2 C. There were 29 salties above St. Lambert , 33 in 2000 and 18 vessels above Port Weller, 13 in 2000.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Salties Above Port Colborne

12/19
Mellenium Eagle - ETD Detroit 18/1900
Piyi D - ETD Milwaukee 18/1700
Kapitonas A. Luka - ETA Port Colborne 19/0400
Gunay A. - ETA Port Colborne 19/0430
Lake Michigan - ETA Port Colborne 19/0500
Andromeda - ETD Goderich 19/0800
Alessia - ETA Huron Cut 19/0730
Spar Garnet and Millinium Raptor were to anchor at the Soo over night and start down at first light this morning.
Grigoriy Aleksandroy - ETD Thunder Bay 19/1900
In Hamilton - Concord EDT 19/1200
Upbound to Hamilton was the Catharina C. that was downbound and turned around at Prescott when a cargo was found for her in Hamilton. She should arrive Hamilton about 19/1100 (she only does about 11.5 knots) departing the following day (weather permitting)

Pre Christmas Sale

12/19:
Just in time for the holidays. All items in stock including Interlake Steamship and other companies Dec. 16th-25th 50%
Hats normally priced $15.00 are now $7.50, Interlake desk flags regular $7.50 now $3.75. *special sale prices are only available online for a short time.
Click here to view merchandise or send you order by e-mail

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