Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Copyright N. Schultheiss. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

* Report News


Jackson Unloads

04/30:
The Herbert C. Jackson departed the ADM Standard Elevator in Buffalo Sunday after unloading her first load of grain. She departed backwards under tow of the tug Mississippi at 8:00 p.m. The Jackson is the largest vessel (by tonnage) to transit the Buffalo River, she cleared the South abutment of the Ohio St. Bridge by just eight-feet. The Jackson then turned 180 degrees at the North Entrance and headed out of the breakwall onto a moonlit Lake Erie at 10:00 p.m.

She had arrived upbound on the Buffalo River about 11:00 p.m. Saturday night with grain from Superior, WI.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




St. Clair loses Thrusters

04/30:
At 4:20 p.m. the St. Clair was passing Mission Point in the St. Marys River below the Soo Locks following the Atlantic Huron upbound. She was headed for the Poe Lock when her bow thruster would not start. The tug Missouri was requested to help guide the ship through the locks when it was discovered that the stern thruster was also disabled.

The lockmaster advised the St. Clair to dock at the Carbide Dock until the necessary repairs were made before proceeding through the locks. The St Clair backed down with the assistance of the tug to the dock.

The lockmaster requested the upbound saltie Marinette to slow his speed until the St Clair was backed safely into the slip at the Carbide Dock.

Shortly before 6:00 p.m. the St Clair had the stern thruster working. The bow thruster was not working but the vessel was cleared to proceed through the locks with a tug escort.

Reported by: Brian Kloosterman and Jerry Masson




MHSD Dinner

04/30:
Saturday night the Marine Historical Society of Detroit held its 57th annual Dinner Meeting at the St. Clair Inn. The program featured a presentation by Mr. Scott Misener, former President, CEO and Chairman of Misener Shipping. The program, "Seaway, Ships and Politics," highlighted the rise and fall of Misener Shipping from Mr. Misener's perspective. The program was enjoyed by over 80 members and their guests.

Pictures by Bill Hoey
Advisory Council member Jim Jackson emceeing the event.
Artist and historian Paul LaMarre received the society's "Historian of the Year" award. Paul and his family
Richard Wicklund is presented with a pin for 25 consecutive years as a member of the society.
Mr. Misener presenting.

The St. Clair River provided plenty of traffic during the cocktail hour. Pictures by N. Schultheiss
Sam Laud downbound.
Close up of bow.
Laud passing the upbound Paterson.
Close up of the Paterson.
Bow.
Stern view.
Richard Reiss upbound followed by the St. Clair.
Close up of the Reiss.
Close up of her stack.
Stern view.
Close up.
St. Clair upbound.
Stern view.
John B. Aird upbound.
Stern view.
Reserve upbound.
Close up.
Panoramic.
Stern view.
Saltie Kapitan Rudney.
Atlantic Huron unloading down river at the Lambton power station.

Reported by: Bill Hoey




Twin Ports Report

04/30:
Edgar B. Speer remained under repair in Duluth on Sunday. The fleet said it expected the boat to depart about 5 p.m. bound for Two Harbors.

Great Lakes Trader made one of its rare appearances in Duluth on Sunday, arriving in port about 9 a.m. to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal. Even more rare is its destination: Ashtabula with approximately 29,000 tons of "Black Thunder" coal for Firstenergy.

Another rare caller scheduled for Midwest Energy Terminal is Canadian Century, which is due May 1 to load for Nanticoke.

After loading a cargo for Nanticoke on Sunday, Indiana Harbor is due back in the Twin Ports on May 7 to load about 61,000 tons of coal for Silver Bay, Minn.

Reported by: Al Miller




Alpena News

04/30:
Monday the Fred .R White Jr. is expected at the Lafarge Coal Dock some time around 6:00 p.m. to unload. The Alpena is headed to a Lake Superior port. the barge Integrity is sailing for South Chicago with a cargo loaded in Alpena. The J.A.W Iglehart is returning from Saginaw, it is unknown if she will enter temporary lay-up once in port.

Reported by: Ben McClain




Cleveland Update

04/30:
Saturday the American Republic was running the LTV shuttle and departed Cleveland about 11:00 a.m. for Lorain. The St. Marys II was unloading cement at the river dock. The barge McKee Sons entered the river at 7:00 p.m. for Ontario Stone.

The Adam E. Cornelius made a rare appearance in Cleveland that afternoon arriving at 3:00 p.m. She backed in through the main harbor entrance and docked starboard side to Dock 20 to unload stone. Cornelius was carrying a split load of #57 washed, #4 and #8 stone and spent about 7 hours unloading this cargo into different piles on the dock.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy




Toronto Report

04/30:
Toronto marine heritage took a hit last week from the City Council in the latest round of budget cuts. The Council put The Pier marine museum's future in question. The museum has been open less than three years and the doors will close June 30th, after Council refused a $200,000 bail out. Mayor Mel said that the museum attracted less than 10% of the annual visitors that a consultant predicted would come. Councilors asked for a staff report on turning the site into a center celebrating the city's many cultures. Adding insult to injury, Council voted to place advertising on the Island ferries again. Councilor Jack Layton called it, "Tacky City 101" after the $240,000 revenue generator passed. What's to become of the art and artifacts remains a mystery.

In other Toronto news, the charter boat Wayward Princess was broken into on Tuesday night. Thieves stole the Loran C, but left the GPS, and they stole all the beer except the light beer.

The winter tarps came off the Island ferry William Inglis on Wednesday. Stephen B. Roman came in and unloaded her cement cargo on Tuesday and was still in port Sunday, the vessel may have entered a temporary lay-up.

The final new bow plating on the tug Glenmont, undergoing rebuilding, went into place this week.

The Port Authority derrick barge T.H.C. 50, tug William Rest, and workboat Osprey were out placing the tall ship "Keep Out" buoys on Wednesday morning.

Tuesday the charter vessel Pioneer Queen and Pioneer Princess underwent Canada Coast Guard inspection. The Princess went out on her first charter Saturday night.

Spirit of Rochester underwent U.S.C.G. inspection on Tuesday, and after minor repairs was refloated on Friday afternoon, following which she departed for Rochester.

Also on Friday, Toronto Hippo Tours had their amphibious craft in the harbor tailed by the water taxi R. G. Jetta, which carried a photographer/cinematographer doing promo work.

McKeil tugs Atomic and Lac Como departed Saturday at high speed and had not returned as of Sunday afternoon. Both have had their light blue hulls repainted black this past week.

Toronto Brigantine's sail-training vessel Pathfinder was out all weekend, perhaps getting ready for this year's tall ship parade.

English River was in on Saturday and out on Sunday.

Seaflight 1 and another hydrofoil were relaunched on Saturday at Pier 51. Two other large hydrofoils remain on shore, as well as the two smaller hydrofoils that were once owned by Shaker Cruise Lines ashore in the C. & C. Marine yard next dock over.

Queen City Yacht Club are tendering for a new aluminum tender, to look like a smaller version of the classic cruise vessel Oriole, with birdcage pilothouse and tall stack.

The charter vessel Nelvana will be launched on Wednesday at the Atlas crane in Toronto Harbor.

Reported by: Gerry O.




Clarkson, Ontario News

04/30:
Late Wednesday night the James Norris was in port again to unload stone at the St. Lawrence Cement pier. She was out by 7:00 a.m. Thursday. Friday morning the James Norris was approach the St. Lawrence Cement pier. She was alongside and starting to discharge stone into the hopper by 11:40 a.m. The cement company's stockpile appears to be low, so we are probably in for many more shipments over the coming weeks.

Thursday the Jade Star was in all day loading at the PetroCanada dock. She left mid evening.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley




Brockville Update

04/30:
Below are images of traffic passing Brockville, ON. Sunday.

Isolda downbound about 2:00 p.m.
Melissa Desgagnes passing.
Stern view.
Federal Rideau passing Brockville at about 7:00 p.m.

Reported by: Peter Carter




Raffle Winners

04/30:
At Dossin Museum's "Spring Fit- Out Party" on Saturday the drawing was held for the most recent International Shipmaster Association lodge raffle. Lodge President Ken Gerasimos drew the winning ticket, which was held by Mary Taylor, of Gibraltar, Michigan. Sometime this summer, Mary and three friends will enjoy a six day trip as passengers on the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr.

The Detroit Lodge would like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket for the raffle and the American Steamship Company for donating the trip.

Reported by: Paul M. Jagenow




Help Wanted Marine Superintendent - Hull

04/30:
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is looking for an individual to serve in the capacity of Marine Superintendent in the operating office in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The individual must have a minimum of ten years experience sailing on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Waterway including time served as ships captain, experience in human resource management, budgeting and maintenance of freshwater fleet vessels.

The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate a number of activities for the company’s fleet, including safety, training, cargo work, stability and stress, navigation, planning and claims.

Please reply in confidence by May 11, 2001 with detailed resume and references by facsimile to 807-475-3493.

N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is committed to equity in employment.




Website Updates

04/30:
The weekly updates have been uploaded. Included is information on the 2nd Annual series of Boatnerd Gatherings. Note: my main computer at home is not working and I am updating the site through an old laptop. I lost some information last week but have updated the first two Gatherings on the Carferry Badger and the Soo Locks.

Click here for easy to navigate updates




Today in Great Lakes History - April 30

The IRVIN L. CLYMER returned to service April 30, 1988 after a two season lay-up.

HOWARD HINDMAN (2) grounded heavily when her steering cable parted at Little Rapids Cut in the St. Marys River, April 30, 1969. Due to the extensive damage, she was sold later in May of that year to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne, Ont. for scrap.

The RED WING (2) tow arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan on April 30, 1987 for dismantling.

The steel-hulled bulk carrier SHENANGO was launched on April 30, 1909.

On 30 April 1842, the side-wheeler COMMODORE BARRIE collided with the schooner CANADA about 10 miles off Long Point in Lake Ontario. The COMMODORE BARRIE became disabled and then sank about an hour and a half later. Her passengers and crew were rescued by the CANADA.

On 30 April 1878, ST. LAWRENCE (2-mast wooden schooner, 93', 111 t, built in 1842 at Clayton, NY) was carrying timber when she caught fire from the boiling over of a pot of pitch which was being melted on the galley stove. The vessel was well out on Lake Michigan off Milwaukee. The fire spread so rapidly that the crew had no time to haul in canvas, so when they abandoned her, she was sailing at full speed. The lifeboat capsized as soon as it hit the water, drowning the captain and a passenger. The ST. LAWRENCE sailed off ablaze and was seen no more. The rest of the crew was later rescued by the schooner GRANADA.

Data from: Jody Aho, 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




Maumee Departs on First Trip

04/29:
The Maumee departed the North Slip in Sarnia at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night. This is the vessels first trip under that name. The Maumee is scheduled to arrive in Stone Port, Michigan at 7:00 a.m. this morning to load a cargo for an unknown port.

The Maumee had to wait for several vessels to pass upbound, those included the St. Clair, Atlantic Huron, John J. Boland and the Paterson. The Maumee saluted the downbound Saginaw as they passed around Buoys 5 and 6 in the Lake Huron Cut.

Pictures by N. Schultheiss
Maumee at dock Saturday afternoon.
Close up of her pilot house.
Steam coming from her stack.
Stern view.
Panoramic of the Maumee.

Maumee and Mississagi.
Mississagi docked behind the Maumee.
Close up of her pilot house.
Bow view.
close up.
Mississagi's stack.
Panoramic of the Mississagi.

Fleet mate Calumet at the Government Dock.

Please e-mail with Maumee sightings or pictures

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin and Jason Junge




Twin Ports Report

04/29:
The Twin Ports were busy Saturday with vessels loading taconite pellets, coal and grain, unloading cement, and undergoing repairs.

Edgar B. Speer ducked into port overnight and tied up at the port authority's former Cargill C dock. The vessel was ballasted down by the bow, raising its propellers partly out of the water. A wheeled crane and several work trucks were parked at the vessel's stern all day.

Mesabi Miner pulled into port in the morning, fueled and then proceeded to DMIR ore dock to load. At the same time, Oglebay Norton was loading coal at Midwest Energy Terminal. After leaving the coal dock, the Oglebay Norton tied up at the port terminal, reportedly for brief repairs. Jean Parisien followed her into the Midwest Energy Terminal.

Also at the port terminal, Canadian Prospector was tied up at St. Lawrence Cement to unload. That terminal has seen little activity this season.

Two Fedmar boats were wasting no time over the weekend. Lake Erie was loading at Cenex Harvest States while Federal Maas was loading at Cargill B1. Weekend loading is fairly unusual at this time of year, although much more common than 10 or 15 years ago.

Finally, for the past couple days exhaust has been coming from the stern-thruster exhaust stack on Cason J. Callaway, dock in Fraser Shipyards. No sign of any exhaust coming from its main stack.

Reported by: Al Miller




Hamilton Update

04/29:
Saturday afternoon the Halifax was rafted to the CSL Niagara at the Stelco Coal Dock. The Niagara was unloading onto the coal dock. The boom on the Halifax appeared to be extended over to the Niagara as though it was going to unload into the Niagara that would then unload directly onto the dock.

The Algocen was unloading iron ore at Dofasco. The Saturn is still moored at Pier 10.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon




Brockville Report

04/29:
At 3:00 p.m. Saturday Canadian Steamship Line's self-unloader Nanticoke sailed past Brockville heading west in the St. Lawrence River towards Lake Ontario. She was returning from Montreal and her destination was unknown.

Reported by: Keith Giles




Today in Great Lakes History - April 29

On April 29, 1975, the Sam Laud entered service.

Launched this date in 1976 was the a) SOODOC (2)

On April 29, 1977 while inbound at Lorain, the IRVING S. OLDS hit a bridge on the Black River which extensively damaged her bow, tying up traffic for several hours.

A fender boom fell on the GEORGE M. HUMPHREY's pilot house in the Poe Lock at the Soo in 1971.

On 29 April 1865, L.D. COWAN (wooden schooner, 165 t, built in 1848 at Erie, PA) was driven ashore near Pointe aux Barques, MI in a storm and wrecked.

Data from: Jody Aho, 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




Another Trip for the Iglehart

04/28:
Within hours of reaching the lay-up dock in Alpena Friday, the JAW Iglehart received orders to load a cargo of cement for the Lafarge terminal in Saginaw. Her future lay-up plans are now in question.

Reported by: Mike Flint




GRN/LLT update

04/28:
Thursday crews remained busy working on the Mississagi, Maumee and Calumet.

No official sail dates have been announced but the Mississagi may depart on Tuesday. Her new paint job in the Lower Lakes Towing is almost complete. The Maumee was still in port Friday and was expected to depart on her first trip last night sailing north to load.

The Calumet could depart the Government Dock on Sunday or Monday sailing for her first load at a Lake Erie port. She is scheduled to unload in Grand Haven, MI. at Construction Aggregates on Thursday. Crews were expected to finish painting her port side today.

Pictures by T. Parker taken Friday afternoon
Mississagi at dock.
Stern view.
Crews painting.
Deck hand Dave Parker.
Another view.
Stern view of the Maumee.
Calumet now has the crossed U.S. and Canadian flags painted on her pilot house.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin and David Swain




Changes Official

04/28:
The purchase of the Algoscotia by McKeil Marine was announced on Tuesday. The tanker has been renamed Capt. Ralph Tucker. The tug Point Carrol has been renamed Tony MacKay.

Reported by: Howard Whan




Twin Ports Report

04/28:
Cason J. Callaway, still laid up at Fraser Shipyards in Superior, is scheduled to load May 2 at the DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors. This would be the vessel's first trip since undergoing more than $3 million worth of engine room automation and boiler rehabilitation work.

The Cenex Harvest States grain elevator in Superior is clearly the busiest in the Twin Ports so far this season. In the past week it finished loading Mina Cebi on Tuesday, and then loaded Herbert C. Jackson on Wednesday, Kinsman Independent on Thursday and Millenium Eagle on Friday. Next up are salties Lake Erie, Pintail and Dobrush. All loading has been done at Berth 1. Berth 2 remains idle and no railcars have been spotted on that side of the terminal.

The DMIR ore dock in Duluth continues to handle an interesting mix of boats. Mesabi Miner and Atlantic Erie are due April 28, to be followed by John G. Munson on May 1, and James R. Barker and Nanticoke on May 4.

Reported by: Al Miller




Saginaw News

04/28:
The J.A.W. Iglehart departed the Lafarge terminal at Saginaw early Friday morning and was outbound through downtown Bay City shortly after bridge hours ended at 8:30 a.m. The vessel had arrived at Saginaw early on Thursday. This was her first visit to the Saginaw River since November 1999.

The Sam Laud had been unloading at Bay Aggregates during the early morning. After the Iglehart passed her outbound, the Laud cleared the dock and proceeded up the river to Saginaw Rock Products to finish unloading. The Laud had completed her work there by early afternoon and was outbound from the turning basin in Saginaw at 2:15 p.m.

Iglehart underway. Stephen Hause
Stern view. Stephen Hause
Iglehart passing through Veterans Bridge. Todd Shorkey
Sam Laud unloading at Bay Aggregates. Todd Shorkey

Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan




Sarnia Update

04/28:
Friday morning the Algobay backed into the Grain Elevator Dock with the help of the tug Menasha. Underwater welders were performing repair work on her hull. The vessel reportedly developed a crack along one of her port side welds about mid ship.

The Pathfinder was docked on the U.S. side across from Shell Corunna at the stone dock just below the Marysville Edison Dock. She was not unloading but had the boom fully extended out over the dock at 90 degrees there was a small pile of stone on the dock that looked like unloading had been started but then stopped.

The Anglian Lady was at the Shell dock in Corunna and the Algoeast was at the Esso dock.

Pictures by T. Parker
Algobay at dock.
Closer look.
Another view.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin and Doug Schilz




Toledo Report

04/28:
The Algoville was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge departed from the Hocking Valley dock and is now out sailing.

The Philip R. Clarke was unloading salt at the A.R.M.S. Dock and departed late Friday morning. The tanker Gemini is in temporary lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company dock. The John J. Boland remains in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock, she may be in for some sort of repair work, it is unknown at this time when she will sail.

There were no coal, or ore vessels in port at the time of this report. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the CSL Niagara, Charles M. Beeghly, and Canadian Progress on Monday, followed by the Frontenac late Tuesday evening.

The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve, and Courtney Burton on Saturday morning, followed by the Buckeye on Tuesday morning.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Spring Fit Out at the Dossin Museum

04/28:
The Dossin Museum in Detroit hosts the annual Spring Fit Out event today on Belle Isle. Tour the Sea Scout vessel, the Gray Fox at the restored wharf next to the Museum. Events will also include ship-in-bottle makers from a number of states. They will be presenting talks and demonstrations of the ship-in-bottle craft. This is a first for the Great Lakes region. Early in April, an exhibit of ships-in-bottles opened in the Dossin Museum's DelRoy Hall and includes ships-in-bottles made by craftsman from 16 states and 3 foreign countries. This exhibit will last through January 2002 and is an official part of Detroit's 300th Anniversary Celebration.

Visit www.glmi.org or call 313-852-4051 for more information

Reported by: Joe Barr




Model Builder

04/28:
William J Halen, 63 passed away on Sunday. William was a noted builder of highly accurate ship models for the Great Lakes Historical Society in Vermilion, Ohio. A memorial service is to be held today at 1:30 p.m. His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Great Lakes Historical.

Reported by: Kent Gurney




Picture of the Day

04/28:
New picture of the day in the Original Photo Gallery: Quedoc at lay-up in Thunder Bay.

Click here to view




Today in Great Lakes History - April 28

The 660 ft. forward section of the a) LEWIS WILSON FOY (b) OGLEBAY NORTON) was launched April 28,1977.

LAKE WABUSH (b) CAPT. HENRY JACKMAN) was christened and launched April 28, 1981

On April 28, 1971 while upbound from Sorel, Que. for Muskegon, MI with a load of pig iron, LACHINEDOC (2) struck Rock Shoal off Little Round Island in the St. Lawrence River and was beached.

On April 28, 1906 the J. PIERPONT MORGAN was launched.

April 28, 1897 - The F&PM (Flint & Pere Marquette) Steamer No. 1, bound from Milwaukee for Chicago ran ashore just north of Evanston. She released herself after a few hours.

The barge LITTLE JAKE was launched on 28 April 1875 at East Saginaw, MI. She was owned by William R. Burt & Co. Her dimensions were 132' x 29' x 9'.

On 28 April 1877, the steam barge C. S. BALDWIN went ashore on the reef at North Point on Lake Huron during a blinding snow storm. The barge was heavily loaded with iron ore and sank in a short time. The crew was saved by the Lifesaving Service from Thunder Bay Station and by the efforts of the small tug FARRAR.

Data from: Max Hanley, 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




Iglehart to Lay-up

04/27:
When the J.A.W. Iglehart departs Saginaw she will head to Alpena where she is expected to enter short term lay-up until May 10. The reported cause of the lay-up is poor weather conditions in the region that has caused construction projects to progress at slower than expected rates. The cement plant in Bath has been undergoing repairs and vessel have not been able to load.

In other fleet news, the barge Integrity is due to arrive for her 5 year survey at Bayship in Sturgeon Bay, WI. on May 14. The survey is expected to keep the barge out of service for about a week.

Reported by: Mike Flint




Salvage work resumes on sunken barge

04/27:
Divers are back at work on the work barge that sank last November in Duluth harbor. The divers have been at work on the barge for several days this week, and a large tug was at the site Thursday afternoon. An attempt reportedly will be made next week to raise the barge.

Reported by: Al Miller




GRN/LLT update

04/27:
Wednesday the Maumee is almost completely painted in the new color scheme and has the stack painted with the Grand River Navigation/Lower Lakes Towing emblem. She was expected to depart on her first trip Thursday night, sailing north to load.

The Mississagi has her stack painted and emblem installed on the shore side of the stack while the water side of the stack does not have the emblem yet. Crews have the hull on the port side (water side) painted up in the new color scheme but the starboard side (shore side) still need to be finished, her bow was painted for last Saturday's christening. The Mississagi's departure date is unknown but could be some time this weekend, check back for updates.

The Calumet appears as it did for the Christening. Her port side needs to be painted and there are no emblems installed on her stack. The Calumet could depart the Government Dock on Sunday or Monday sailing for her first load at a Lake Erie port.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




LTV threatens to Close Mill

04/27:
LTV threatens to close Indiana Harbor Works on May 15 LTV Corp., operating under bankruptcy protection, will close is massive Indiana Harbor plant May 15 if union leaders refuse to accept a concessions package given to Steelworkers, the Associated Press reported.

Phil Moore, vice president of United Steelworkers of America Local 1011, which represents LTV's East Chicago workers, said LTV officials offered the proposal April 24, than left the negotiating table in Pittsburgh once union leaders rejected parts of the plan. Company officials are scheduled to meet with LTV's board of directors early April 27 and return to the bargaining table with union leaders later in the day, he said.

If union negotiators are unwilling to accept the company's offer, LTV will close its doors and shutter Indiana Harbor Works, Moore said.

The Cleveland-based company filed for protection from creditors on Dec. 29. It announced two weeks ago that it would close a mill at its Cleveland Works and eliminate about 900 jobs there by mid-June. The company employs 17,500 people, including 3,000 at the East Chicago steel mill.

Reported by: Al Miller




Cleveland-Cliffs Reports First Quarter 2001 Results

04/27:
Wednesday Cleveland-Cliffs Inc reported a net loss of $9.6 million or the first quarter of 2001. In the first quarter of 2000, Cliffs recorded a net loss of $3.5 million.

John S. Brinzo, Cliffs' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, ``The deterioration of fundamentals in the North American steel industry is continuing to have a significant impact on our iron ore business. Our principal focus in 2001 is increasing cash flow to improve our financial condition and position the Company to take advantage of opportunities and deal with the restructuring of the North American steel industry. Financial results will be adversely impacted as we take the necessary actions to minimize year-end inventory levels in a period of excess production capacity.''

First quarter results are historically not representative of annual results due to limited shipments of iron ore pellets on the Great Lakes during the winter months. The higher loss in the first quarter of 2001 was mainly due to higher mine costs, lower pellet sales volume and a greater loss from Cliffs and Associates Limited (CAL), partly offset by a higher average price realization on pellet sales. Higher operating costs were principally due to costs associated with production curtailments at the Northshore and Hibbing Mines and higher natural gas and diesel fuel prices. Pellet sales in the first quarter of 2001 were .5 million tons versus .7 million tons in 2000. The average price realization increased in 2001 primarily due to the mix of sales under various contracts. First quarter 2001 results benefited from the sale of non-strategic lands and also included a $1.9 million pre-tax charge for restructuring activities.

Total iron ore pellet production at Cliffs-managed mines decreased to 6.9 million tons in the first quarter of 2001 from 9.8 million tons in 2000. Cliffs' share of first quarter production was 2.8 million tons, unchanged from 2000.

Following is a summary of production tonnage for the first quarter of 2001 and 2000:

                               (Tons in Millions)
                     --------------------------------------
                     First Quarter 2001  First Quarter 2000
                     ------------------  ------------------
                              Cliffs'             Cliffs'
                      Total    Share      Total    Share
                      -----    -----      -----    -----
Empire                 1.9       .7        1.8        .4
Hibbing                1.0       .2        2.0        .3
LTV Steel Mining         -        -        1.8         -
Northshore              .9       .9        1.1       1.1
Tilden                 1.7       .7        1.7        .7
Wabush                 1.4       .3        1.4        .3
                      -----    -----      -----    -----
Total                  6.9      2.8        9.8       2.8
                      -----    -----      -----    -----
                      -----    -----      -----    -----

The 2.9 million ton decrease in total production was principally due to the permanent closure of LTV Steel Mining Company at the beginning of 2001, and production curtailments at the Northshore and Hibbing Mines. On January 9, 2001, Northshore idled its smaller pelletizing line for an estimated nine-month period to reduce full year 2001 production by approximately 700,000 tons. Hibbing operations were idled for six weeks in the first quarter. Cliffs' share of production in the quarter was unchanged despite the curtailments at Northshore and Hibbing due to the Company's increased ownership of the Empire Mine.

Outlook
Difficult conditions in the North American steel industry have reduced the iron ore pellet requirements of Cliffs' customers and some of the mines' steel company partners. Production curtailments have been implemented at the Northshore and Hibbing Mines in Minnesota, and reductions at the Empire and Tilden Mines in Michigan are scheduled this summer.

While there continues to be uncertainty regarding the pellet requirements of certain customers, Cliffs' pellet sales for the full year 2001 are currently expected to approximate 11 million tons. This assumes about three million tons of sales to LTV Corporation after considering LTV's recent announcement that it will close one of its blast furnaces in Cleveland by the middle of 2001. While Cliffs' sales projection for 2001 assumes LTV will purchase its iron ore pellet requirements from the Company, LTV has neither affirmed nor rejected its ore purchase contract with Cliffs. Separately, LTV continues to meet its obligations as a 25 percent partner in the Empire Mine, but has neither affirmed nor rejected its ownership in Empire.

On April 23, 2001, Algoma Steel Inc., a 45 percent owner of the Tilden Mine, announced that it was initiating a financial restructuring and, as part of the process, had obtained an Order for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The Order protects Algoma from creditors during the restructuring process. The Company expects Algoma to continue to meet its obligations at the Tilden Mine.

Given Cliffs' production capacity of 12.8 million tons, and the plan to significantly reduce inventory by the end of the year, the Company currently expects to curtail its share of mine production by about 4 million tons, or roughly one-third of capacity. With fixed costs representing approximately one-third of total production costs, Cliffs' financial results for the balance of the year will be significantly impacted by costs associated with the production curtailments.

Brinzo said, ``Cliffs is taking decisive actions to reduce its cost structure, strengthen its competitiveness and ensure that the Company remains well positioned during this very challenging period.'' To partially mitigate the adverse impact of production curtailments, the Company has intensified its cost reduction efforts, including the following:

  • A 20 percent salaried workforce reduction at the Empire Mine in January.
  • A 25 percent reduction in the Cleveland Office staff in early March.
  • A 15 to 20 percent salaried workforce reduction at the Hibbing Mine in April.
  • Employment levels and organizational structure are being evaluated at other locations.
  • Outsourcing of various support services is being implemented.
  • We are working with suppliers of purchased materials and equipment to further reduce prices.
  • Continuous improvement and employee involvement efforts as part of our ForCE 21 initiative are beginning to show benefits in operating efficiencies and maintenance costs.
  • All mine operations are taking actions to minimize energy costs. The adverse impact of high energy costs, which penalized Cliffs' operating earnings by $14 million in 2000, is continuing in 2001.

Brinzo concluded, ``While we cannot control the marketplace for iron ore and other ferrous metallics products, we can minimize adverse impacts by producing the highest quality products at the lowest possible cost. I am confident that Cliffs will successfully meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that are ahead in 2001.''

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest supplier of iron ore products to the North American steel industry and is developing a significant ferrous metallics business. Subsidiaries of the Company manage and hold equity interests in five iron ore mines in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada. Cliffs has a major iron ore reserve position in the United States and is a substantial iron ore merchant.

Reported by: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.




Stelco Posts Loss

04/27:
Canada's biggest steelmaker, reported on Wednesday it posted a huge first-quarter loss, higher than analyst estimates, because of reduced shipments, lower prices and higher costs.

The steelmaker lost C$60 million compared with a profit of C$29 million a year earlier. Stelco's sales fell about 20 percent to C$637 million from C$796 million in the previous year's quarter. Canadian and U.S. steelmakers have seen their profits and sales dwindle, and some have even filed for bankruptcy, as a glut of cheap imports has led to oversupply, dragging down steel prices to levels not seen in 20 years.

Stelco said an 8 percent reduction in shipment levels to 1.17 million tons and an average drop of C$81 a ton in average revenue, to C$542 a ton, hit its sales.

In addition, weak demand, rising natural gas prices, high customer inventories caused by low-priced imports and weakness in the auto sector contributed to the loss.

Canada's Customs and Revenue Department imposed provisional duties on a dozen countries for dumping hot-rolled steel sheet and strip steel in Canada. The action was prompted following a January probe sparked by a complaint from Algoma Steel Inc.

Algoma, Canada's third-largest steel producer, on Monday posted wider first-quarter losses, buckling under an ongoing weak market, and sought court protection from creditors to buy it time to renegotiate its mounting debt.

Despite sluggish demand, Stelco's Alfano said his mills were now operating at 85 percent capacity, up from 76 percent during the first quarter. During the quarter, Stelco cut back production at its Hilton Works and Lake Erie Steel Co. operations.

Stelco's shares have risen about 14 percent so far this year, but have been outperformed by two other major Canadian steelmakers, Dofasco Inc. and IPSCO Inc., which have risen about 25 percent and 47 percent respectively in the same time.

Reported by: Stelco Inc.




Saginaw News

04/27:
The Wolverine was downbound on the Saginaw River Thursday about noon.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Wolverine passing in the river.
Passing through the Liberty Bridge.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan




Toledo Report

04/27:
The John J. Boland has been in temporary lay-up at the CSX #1 Coal dock for several days now. It is unknown when she will depart. The tanker Gemini is in temporary lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge is in lay-up at the Hocking Valley Dock. There was an unknown "Andrie" tug/barge unit at the T.W.I. Dock.

The saltwater vessel Toro arrived and departed from the T.W.I. Dock on Wednesday after unloading cargo. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin departed Anderson's "K" Elevator recently. The Cuyahoga arrived at one of the Anderson grain complexes earlier Thursday and departed that evening with a corn cargo for Port Colborne, Ontario.

The Gaelic tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey were towing the Algoville upriver Thursday evening bound for ADM/Countrymark Elevator where she will load a grain cargo.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the CSL Niagara, and Charles M. Beeghly on Monday followed by the Frontenac, and Canadian Transport on May 2. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve and Courtney Burton on Saturday, followed by the Buckeye on Tuesday morning.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Busy Lake Erie

04/27:
Eastern Lake Erie was busy in America and Canada, with most of the action on the American side in Erie. The day started with the Yankcanuck in Conneaut loading coal, the Paul R. Tregurtha sailing for Nanticoke and the Canadian Transport headed for Conneaut. In Erie, the Bramble was replacing buoys and around 3:30 p.m. the 174-foot sand carrier J.S. St. John came in. About an hour later, the Richard Reiss followed.

The Cutter Bramble was scheduled to leave Erie at 9:30 p.m. and the American Mariner is due in at 10:00 p.m. with a load for the Mounfort Terminal.

Bramble.
Bow View.
J.S. St. John inbound.
Stern View with Bramble in background.
Reiss bow view.
Stern view.
Preparing to place a buoy.
Unloading the St. John by crane.
Viking I and Lansdowne.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson




Hamilton Report

04/27:
Thursday the CSL Laurentien was unloading iron ore pellets at Stelco's iron ore dock. The Hamilton Energy was along side fueling the Laurentien.

The tanker Saturn was still moored at Pier 10. The Algocatalyst remains in the dry dock.

The Algomarine was loading aggregate at Pier 26. The portable dockside conveyor belts were being moved forward and the Algomarine was being winched back to start loading the forward cargo hold. The Gordon C. Leitch has been moved to Pier 25.

Exterior repairs to the stern section of the Provmar Terminal appear to have been completed.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon




Former Captain

04/27:
Capt. William "Bill" Yonkers died in a Sarasota, FL, nursing home on 31 March. In his earlier years he commanded freighters but is best remembered as Bob-Lo's Senior Captain, always sailing the Ste. Claire.

Reported by: Dave Glick and Oscar Rosso




Picture of the Day

04/27:
New picture of the day in the Original Photo Gallery: Montrealais loading in Superior.

Click here to view




Today in Great Lakes History - April 27

On April 27, 1993 the WOLVERINE (4) ran aground on Surveyors Reef near Port Dolomite near Cedarville, MI and damaged her hull.

The ASHCROFT, upbound on Lake Erie in fog, collided with Interlake's steamer JAMES H. REED on April 27, 1944. The REED, fully loaded with ore, quickly sank off Port Burwell, Ont. with a loss of twelve lives. The ASHCROFT suffered extensive bow damage below the water line and was taken to Ashtabula, OH for repairs.

On April 27, 1973 the bow section of the SIDNEY E. SMITH, JR. was towed to Sarnia by the Malcolm tugs TABOGA and BARBARA ANN. The two sections of the hull were scuttled and land-filled to form a dock facing.

The WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. left Ecorse light on her maiden voyage April 27, 1912 for Duluth, MN to load iron ore.

On April 27, 1978 the TROISDOC (3) was downbound with corn for Cardinal, Ont. when she hit the upper end of the tie-up wall above Lock 2.

On April 27, 1980, after loading pellets in Duluth, the ENDERS M. VOORHEES stopped at the Seaway Dock to load a large wooden stairway (three sections) on deck which was taken to the AmShip yard at Lorain. It was used for an open house on the newly built EDWIN H. GOTT in 1979.

On April 27, 1953, the Reserve entered service.

On April 27, 1984, the Charles M. Beeghly struck the breakwall while departing Superior on her first trip since the 1981 season. The vessel returned to Fraser Shipyards in Superior for repairs.

On 27 April 1876, the Port Huron Times reported, "The steam barge MARY MILLS arrived up this morning and looks 'flaming'. Her owner said he did not care what color she was painted so long as it was bright red, and she has therefore come out in that color."

On 27 April 1877, the 40' 2-mast wooden schooner VELOCIPEDE left Racine, WI for Muskegon, MI in fair weather, but a severe squall blew in and it developed into a big storm. The little schooner was found capsized and broken in two off Kenosha, WI with her crew of 2 or 3 lost.

Data from: Jody Aho, 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.




Wooden Shoes for Frantz

04/26:
The Joseph H. Frantz arrived at the Holland, MI. break wall at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday and proceeded through Lake Macatawa with no difficulty. She arrived at the Brewer dock at 7:00 a.m. and began unloading her cargo of limestone. In honor of being the first vessel of the 2001 season to enter the Lake Michigan port, her captain and chief engineer were each awarded a pair of wooden shoes.

The barge McKee Sons was a close second when it docked at Brewer's at 4:00 p.m. also carrying a load of limestone. She quickly unloaded and departed that evening.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse




Jackson loads grain in Superior

04/26:
Following a two-day delay, the Herbert C. Jackson on Wednesday finally got to the #1 berth at Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior to load grain.

The Jackson arrived in Superior on April 22 and unloaded stone at the CLM dock. The vessel was finished by mid-day, but had to sit idle Monday while a storm delayed grain loading and Tuesday while waiting for the saltie Mina Cebi to finish loading.

Sometime during the night of April 24-25 the Jackson shifted into the grain elevator's berth and began loading early Wednesday morning. A quick turn-around was expected, with the Jackson possibly due to sail Wednesday evening.

Kinsman Independent arrived in the Twin Ports on the evening of April 25 on its first trip of the season. The vessel was scheduled to call at Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior.

Jackson loading.

Reported by: Al Miller




Tow Departs

04/26:
At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday the fore body of the former Louis R. Desmarais was upbound heading for Lock 2 in the Welland Canal. Tug Progress on the bow and the Vac on the stern. After several days of weather delays the conditions Wednesday appeared ideal for the tow to Port Colborne. The hull is being towed to International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne for scrapping.

Reported by: Barry Andersen




Sarnia Update

04/26:
There was a lot of activity around the North Slip as crews continue to fit out the Mississagi and the Maumee. Workers were painting the hull of the Maumee, and heavy spray could be seen from topside, possibly from a power cleaner. Smoke could be seen from the stack of the Mississagi and workers were busy about the stern of the ship. Much of the hull, however, remains unpainted.

Crews were putting the logo on the Maumee's stack around 5:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Maumee may depart on her first trip late Thursday night, sailing north to load. The Calumet could depart the Government Dock on Sunday or Monday sailing for her first load at a Lake Erie port. The Mississagi's departure date is unknown but could be some time this weekend, check back for updates.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre and Stephen Hause




USX to split energy, steel businesses

04/26:
USX Corp. plans a reorganization that would separate its energy and steel businesses, spinning off its steel operations into a freestanding, publicly traded company. USX is parent to two divisions: USX-U.S. Steel Group and USX-Marathon Group.

Each division's stock is traded separately on the New York Stock Exchange. The planned spin-off would completely separate Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel from Marathon, which is based in Houston. USX said splitting the businesses will give the companies more flexibility to expand through acquisitions. The new steel company will be known as United States Steel Corp.

Shareholders of USX-U.S. Steel Group common stock will become shareholders in the new company. U.S. Steel, like other American steel makers, has been struggling, saying unfairly traded foreign imports are hurting business. In the first quarter of the year, the USX division reported a loss of $98 million, or $1.12 a share, when taking into account one-time costs.

U.S. Steel owns the Minntac taconite plant in Mountain Iron, Minn. Most of its taconite pellets are shipped through Two Harbors, Minn., in a long-term contract with USS Great Lakes Fleet.

Reported by: Al Miller




Tugs Depart

04/26:
The G-Tug Maine arrived in Milwaukee Tuesday night from Chicago and departed Wednesday afternoon with the tug Superior in tow. Their destination will be Cleveland where the Superior will undergo repairs. The Superior was damaged late last year when they brushed up against the break wall in Ludington, MI. following a loss of steering.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde




Busy Day in Lorain

04/26:
Wednesday was a busy day in Lorain, OH. Schedule in port were four boats Wednesday and three today. The James R. Barker was unloading a cargo of taconite and the American Republic was departing on the shuttle run to Cleveland. The Buckeye was anchored out side waiting to unload. The Earl W. Oglebay was due in Wednesday night to load.

Republic passing from the deck of the Barker.

Reported by: C. Rohn-Tielke




Atlantic Huron in Erie

04/26:
The Atlantic Huron entered Conneaut at noon Wednesday heading for the P&C Coal Dock. Due to low water levels, she turned in Lake Erie and backed into Conneaut Harbor. The Yankcanuck was also in port at the stone dock. It appeared that two men were working on her port side for unknown reasons.

Huron backing in.
Close up of her stern.
Bow View.
Conneaut Lighthouse.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson




CSL Laurentien in the Seaway

04/26:
Wednesday the CSL Laurentien was upbound in the Seaway. She passed through the Iroquois Lock that afternoon on her trip to Hamilton.

CSL Laurentien upbound for Hamilton.
Stern view.
In the Iroquois Lock.
Work crew waiting to board.
Boarding ladder on the Laurentien.
Departing the lock.
Crew member talks to those on shore.
Diamond Star approaching CSL Laurentien below Iroquois at about 3:45 p.m.

Reported by: Peter Carter




Busy Simcoe

04/26:
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Simcoe was along side her berth Wednesday in Prescott, Ontario. The past spring marks her 39th year of placing Aid to Navigation on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario from the Beauharnois Locks to the Welland Canal. Her work also included placing U.S. buoys from Niagara N.Y. to Oswego N.Y.

This spring she was on a number of ice breaking tasks and escort assignments on the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quite. The Simcoe placed over 200 Aid to Navigation this spring.

Reported by: Larry D. Easter




Buoy Work

04/26:
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay was loading Aids to Navigation Wednesday in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Loading behind the Selvick tug yard.
Bouys in storage.
Moving a buoy to the cutter.
Loaded on to the Mobile Bay's barge.

Reported by: Orrin Royce




Thunder Bay Update

04/26:
The Halifax was in port Tuesday loading at Thunder Bay Terminals and departed Wednesday. The Canadian Voyager was loading at Cargill and the Melissa Desgagnes was at Agricore. The long term lay-up of the Algontario continues but earlier this week she was moved from the Keefer Terminals back over to Pascol Engineering where she had spent all last summer. No news on what will become of her after the ground in the St. Marys River.

The Oakglen also paid a visit on Monday loading at Agricore and Saskatchewan 7a and departing Tuesday. Other departed boats this past week include Canadian Venture and Canadian Leader.

The Federal Yukon was loading at UGG "A" and the new Federal Yoshino was at Richardson's after loading at Cargill and Saskatchewan 7a. The port has had six salties in here in the last two weeks with the first name "Federal". They have been the Hudson, Oshima, Yoshino, St. Laurent, Agno and the Yukon.

The tanker Diamond Star was unloading at Petro-Can on Saturday and the tanker Algonova came up the Mission river to Petro-Can in Sunday's snowstorm. Both have since departed.

Reported by: Rob Farrow




Toledo Report

04/26:
The Fred R. White Jr. was removed from the shipyard dry dock on Tuesday evening by Great Lakes Towing Company tugs, shortly after she departed Toledo.

Wednesday the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was loading grain at Anderson's "K" Elevator. Future grain boats due in the next day or two will be the Cuyahoga going to one of the Anderson Grain Elevators and the Algoville going to the ADM Countrymark Elevator.

The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remains in lay-up at the Hocking Valley Dock. Her fleet mate the James A. Hannah with barge is due to arrive in Toledo with in the next few days. The tanker Gemini was at the B-P Dock.

The next scheduled coal boats for the CSX Dock will be the CSL Niagara and Charles M. Beeghly on Monday. The Canadian Transport is due in Tuesday evening, followed by the Frontenac on Wednesday morning. The next scheduled ore boats for the Torco Dock will be the Reserve and Courtney Burton on Saturday morning. The Buckeye on Tuesday morning followed by the Reserve, and Courtney Burton on Thursday morning.

The saltwater vessel Toro is due in at the T.W.I. Dock during the next several days.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




St. Lawrence Seaway & River News

04/26:
Entering the Seaway in Montreal Wednesday morning was the tug Metacom on her delivery trip to Detroit to new owners, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who intends to give her a new name. About a month ago, she had been transferred from the US Navy to the new owners at New London, Conn. where she was based. This is not her first time in the lakes as she was built by Marinette Marine Corp. in 1974. Before entering the St. Lambert Lock, she had to tie up below the lock and wait for a Seaway inspector. She then resumed her trip and stop above Upper Beauharnois lock for the night.

The tug Robert H. that was reported sold remains at Three Rivers, QC. Once she departs, she will have been renamed Kellan Pacific and will sail to Guayaquil, Ecuador by way of the Panama Canal.

Another renaming took place in Montreal on April 9 when the small cargo ship, Eyptian-flag Ras Sedr was renamed Norgate Canada on charter to Norgate Line for a service to Cuba.

With the Seaway transit of the Swiss-flag Marie Jeanne expected today, the number of new ships in the Seaway/Great Lakes so far this year will rise to eleven and three others are expected within a few days. Those are the tanker Caribbean Trader, the small cargo ship Pinega, 6 418 gr.t. and the Friendship class MILL ex Millenium Yama that was under repairs in Quebec City since last year.

Upbound on the river Wednesday for Montreal was the Federal Mackenzie. The Fednav markings on her funnel were reported to have been painted out.

Reported by: René Beauchamp
Click here to preview René's Seaway Ships 2000




Coming Soon

04/26:
The Federal Rhine departed Tampa, Florida on April 24 after loading fertilizer for the lakes. She is due to arrive in Contrecour around May 3. She then calls at Hamilton and then Duluth to load grain for her outbound voyage.




Help Wanted Marine Superintendent - Hull

04/26:
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is looking for an individual to serve in the capacity of Marine Superintendent in the operating office in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The individual must have a minimum of ten years experience sailing on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Waterway including time served as ships captain, experience in human resource management, budgeting and maintenance of freshwater fleet vessels.

The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate a number of activities for the company’s fleet, including safety, training, cargo work, stability and stress, navigation, planning and claims.

Please reply in confidence by May 11, 2001 with detailed resume and references by facsimile to 807-475-3493.

N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is committed to equity in employment.




Picture of the Day

04/26:
New picture of the day in the Original Photo Gallery: Algoway in the St. Clair River.

Click here to view




Today in Great Lakes History - April 26

ALGOWEST was launched April 26, 1982.

Sea trials were conducted April 26, 1984 on Lake Ontario for the CANADIAN RANGER.

An unfortunate incident happened on the SEWELL AVERY as four crew members were injured, one critically, when a lifeboat winch housing exploded shortly after a lifeboat drill in 1978.

CANADOC was launched April 26, 1961.

BENSON FORD (1) was launched in 1924.

In 1982, carferry service from Frankfort, MI ended forever when railroad service to that port was discontinued and the remaining boats (Arthur K. Atkinson, Viking, and City of Milwaukee) were laid up. City of Milwaukee is being preserved as a museum ship by the Society for the Preservation of the City of Milwaukee

On 26 April 1902, M.P. BARKLOW (wooden schooner, 104', 122 gt, built in 1871 at Perry, OH), loaded with salt, was anchored off S. Bass Island in Lake Erie to ride out a gale. Nevertheless she foundered and four lives were lost, the skipper, his wife, their son and one crewman.

On 26 April 1926, THOMAS GAWN (2-mast wooden schooner-barge, 171', 550 gt, built in 1872 at Lorain, OH as a 3-mast schooner) sprang a leak and sank at River Rouge, MI in the Detroit River. The wreck was removed the following month and abandoned. She had a 54 year career.

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.




Independent Stops

04/25:
The Kinsman Independent made an unscheduled stop Tuesday in the St. Marys River. At 10:50 a.m. the Independent called U.S. Coast Guard requesting a tug to assist them and push the vessel to a safe anchorage area. Details were not clear but it was reported that there was some type of leak in the engine room.

The tug Missouri was dispatched from the Soo and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay was underway to assist if needed. The Independent was on her first trip of the season and stopped in the shipping channel at Nine Mile Point.

The vessel went to anchor out side of the channel and the tug Missouri turned back for the Soo and reported that Independent will make the repairs themselves. The Coast Guard reported that they would stay with the vessel.

The Independent was upbound under her own steam and passing upbound through the MacArthur Lock about 4:15 p.m.

Entering the MacArthur Lock (right). from the Soo Locks Live Cam

Reported by: Jerry Masson




Hull Returns

04/25:
The former hull of the Louis R. Desmarais was scheduled to be towed Tuesday from Port Weller Dry Docks in the Welland Canal. The forebody departed the dry dock fitout berth shortly after 11:00 a.m. With high winds increasing as the tugs Vac and Progress headed for Lock 2, difficulty was encountered tying up below Lock 2.

It was decided to return to the fitout berth and await more favorable conditions to tow the hull for scrapping at International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne.

The "Louis R. Desmarais" has been partially painted off the hull. The transit is being made with the name "RAIS" showing on the starboard bow and with the "CANADA STEAMSHIP LINES" billboard painted over.

Pictures by: Marian Grzybowski
The hull at dock last winter.
Close up of the bow.

Reported by: Barry Andersen




Environmental group blasts coal-fired Nanticoke plant, urges Ontario to convert it to burn natural gas

04/25:
Ontario’s Nanticoke coal-fired power plant is Canada’s biggest air polluter and should be converted to burn natural gas, a major environmental group says.

The Ontario Clean Air Alliance says the Nanticoke generating station on Lake Erie discharged 5.2 million kilograms of dangerous air pollutants in 1999. The group placed the power plant at the top of its recently released list of Canada’s top polluters.

Nanticoke, the largest coal-fired generating station in North America when rated by generating capacity, is owned by Ontario Power Generation, the provincial electric utility. The plant burns coal shipped by Great Lakes freighters from ports in Ohio and Wisconsin.

OCAA’s pollution rankings were based on Environment Canada figures from an inventory it keeps of the toxic releases by Canadian businesses.

"I think what [the data] tell us is that phasing out dirty coal-fired generating stations is the type of action that is needed to reduce air pollution in Canada," OCAA spokesman Jack Gibbons told the Globe and Mail newspaper.

The group wants the Ontario government to convert Nanticoke to run on natural gas, a cleaner fuel that would dramatically reduce pollution levels.

Ontario Power spokesman John Earl acknowledged that Nanticoke has large emissions, but he said this reflects the size of the facility, which produces 17 per cent of the electricity used in Ontario.

He said the station is cleaner than many coal-fired plants in the United States, and will improve its environmental performance under a new $250-million anti-pollution plan.

The Nanticoke plant already burns a considerable amount of low-sulfur coal mined in the western United States. The plant is a destination for many vessels loading low-sulfur coal at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. Between April 24 and May 5 alone, the terminal is scheduled to load seven vessels with coal consigned to Nanticoke.

Reported by: Al Miller




Saginaw in Saginaw

04/25:
The Saginaw passed the Front Range Light early Tuesday morning entering her name sake river for the GM dock in Saginaw. The water level was at -24" and dropping with 22 mph winds out of the south with gusts to 32mph. She departed the dock at noon and was outbound for Lake Huron during the afternoon.

Reported by: Lon Morgan, Stephen Hause and Todd Shorkey




Ranger III Departs

04/25:
The U.S. National Park Service Ranger III began its 2001 season Tuesday as it was passing through the Portage Canal in Michigan's upper peninsula. Departing her homeport of Houghton, Michigan, the 165-foot packet vessel will spend the season carrying passengers and cargo to Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.

In the Portage Canal.
Passing.
Another view.

Reported by: Jim Noetzel




Muskoka Steamers

04/25:
The new passenger cruise vessel, Wenonah II, is now taking shape at Gravenhurst, Ontario. She is designed outwardly to resemble a traditional inland lake steamer, especially the former steamer Cherokee of 1907. While in these times, she will be diesel propelled , she will have a dining room seating 86 passengers and will be 127-feet long and 28-feet wide of 470 GRT.

She will offer cruises on the Muskoka Lakes along with the steamer Segwun of 1887 and our steam yacht Wanda III of 1915. Wenonah II is being built in sections by McNally Marine in Belleville, ON and the hull is being moved in sections to Gravenhurst, ON for assembly. At present, three of the seven sections have been delivered.

She is scheduled to enter service at the end of September 2001 and will be the second largest passenger boat ever on the Muskoka Lakes and, certainly, the finest furnished. She, along with Segwun and Wanda III, are owned by the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society, a non-profit society designed to perpetuate the traditions indefinitely of the Steam Era in Muskoka.

Segwun is offering two 2-night and two 3-night cruises on the Lakes during early June and early September, with the passengers staying overnight at one of both of the Windermere House Hotel or the Cleveland's House Resort.

Further information on these sailings can be obtained at (705) 687-6667

Reported by: Dr. Gordon C. Shaw




Marquette Report

04/25:
Fleet mates paid a visit to Marquette's upper harbor early this week. The Lee Tregurtha arrived early Sunday to take on a load of ore and the Charles Beeghly arrived Monday for a load of ore.

The Canadian Transfer was scheduled to arrive at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

As reported yesterday, Algoma Steel has filed for reorganization and protection from creditors due to foreign steel dumping. They join several other American steel companies who also have filed for bankruptcy due to foreign steel dumping.

It is not known at this time what affect this action will have on shipping in and out of Marquette. Algoma is a 40 percent partner in one of two mines in Marquette County. It should be noted that so far this shipping season, Algoma has been a major fleet shipping ore out of Marquette that includes Algoma vessels as well as other contracted vessels like the Sara Spencer and the Canadian Transfer.

Reported by: Art Pickering




Soo Update

04/25:
Tuesday morning U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey vessel James Bray was working the lower Soo harbor at the Bayfield Dike (Rock Pile). Water level readings in the area were recorded at minus 14 inches. A loaded ship with a 27 foot draft would have a difficult time in the area. The Bray is conducting the survey on a 24 hour a day schedule, returning to base only for crew changes.

Downbound was the tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer, Cutter Biscayne Bay, Paul R. Tregurtha, Federal Saguenay (at anchor in Wiskey Bay) and the Roger Blough.

Upbound included the Mesabi Miner, Lake Erie, Kinsman Independent, Courtney Burton, WN Towlan and barge (stopped at Lime Island), Federal Yukon, Lake Guardian, Armco, Canadian Transfer (at anchor) and Canadian Navigator. The Island Express was in Soo Harbor testing engines.

Reported by: Jerry Masson




Toledo Report

04/25:
The Fred R. White Jr. was in drydock at the Toledo shipyard Tuesday. Her visit to the dry dock is believed to be related to damage suffered early in the month. On April 7 the White was undergoing temporary repairs to damage in the Soo.

The tug Karen Andrie with her barge A-397 was at B-P Dock on Tuesday. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remains in lay-up at the Hocking Valley Dock.

There was an unidentified Canada Steamship Lines self unloader (possibly Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin) loading grain at Anderson's "K" Elevator. The Algosteel was due in Tuesday evening to load coal at the CSX Dock.

The next scheduled coal boat will be the Sam Laud due in early this morning followed by the CSL Niagara and Charles M. Beeghly on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve, and Courtney Burton on Saturday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Toronto News

04/25:
Spirit of Rochester finally made it across the lake today and went onto Toronto Drydock Tuesday afternoon for her 5 year survey.

Chios Charity arrived from Costa Rico at the Redpath Sugar dock and was boarded by a number of Customs agents. She was assisted in berthing by the McKeil tug Lac Como.

Nautical Adventures Inc. has acquired the barge Cordraulic, which wintered at Toronto near the Atlas Crane on Pier 35. The barge has been converted to a houseboat and was used here last fall during the shooting of a Steven Segal movie as his floating location trailer.

Reported by: Gerry O.




Brockville Update

04/25:
Below are images of traffic passing Brockville, ON. on the St. Lawrence River Tuesday. Seaway authorities were out with a radar gun enforcing the speed restrictions in the river.

Pictures by Peter Carter
Radar gun check the Isa's speed.
Isa entering the Iroquois Lock about 10:30 a.m.
In the lock.
Federal Hudson passing Maria Town about 9:30 a.m.

Reported by: Peter Carter




Picture of the Day

04/25:
New picture of the day in the Original Photo Gallery: Oakglen downbound at the Soo.

Click here to view




Today in Great Lakes History - April 25

The b) PAUL R. TREGURTHA was christened April 25, 1981 as the a) WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY.

On April 25, 1973 the self-unloading boom on the TADOUSSAC (2) collapsed while she was at Sandusky, OH.

In 1925 the Ann Arbor 4 was back in service after running aground on February 13th off Kewaunee, WI.

In 1973 it was announced that the City of Saginaw 31 would be scrapped after a fire which destroyed her cabin deck in 1971.

ENERCHEM LAKER was launched April 25, 1958 as a) ROCKCLIFFE HALL (2).

BENJAMIN F. FAIRLESS was launched April 25, 1942.

WILLIAM LIVINGSTONE was launched April 25, 1908.

The PERCIVAL ROBERTS, JR. sailed light on her maiden voyage April 25, 1913 from Lorain to load ore at Two Harbors, MN.

On April 25, 1954, the T.R. McLagan (now Oakglen) entered service. At 714'6", she took the title for longest vessel on the Great Lakes from the Joseph H. Thompson, beating the Thompson by three inches. The Thompson had held the honor since November 4, 1952.

METEOR (2) was launched in 1896 as a) FRANK ROCKEFELLER.

On April 25, 1949, GRAINMOTOR collided with the abutment of the railroad bridge above Lock 2 of the Lachine Canal.

The wooden schooner OTTAWA was launched on 25 April 1874 at Grand Haven, MI. She was owned by Capt. William R. Loutill and could carry 180,000 feet of lumber.

T. S. CHRISTIE (wooden propeller, 160', 533 gt) was launched at F. W. Wheeler's yard (hull #22) in W. Bay City, MI on 25 April 1885. She was built for the Bay City & Cleveland Transportation Company at a cost of $45,000. Originally built as a double deck vessel, she was cut down to a single decker at Chicago in 1902.

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




Weather Delays Grain

04/24:
Heavy rain, freezing rain and snow on April 22-23 slowed or halted grain loading in the Twin Ports. Several salties due to leave Sunday or Monday remained at the elevators on Monday.

Herbert C. Jackson, reportedly scheduled to load grain, remained at the CLM dock in Superior waiting for a berth at Cenex Harvest States.

Kinsman Independent is scheduled to arrive April 24 for Cenex Harvest States berth.

Reported by: Al Miller




Former Hull Ready for Tow

04/24:
The former hull of the Louis R. Desmarais was scheduled to be towed from Port Weller Dry Docks Monday morning for scrapping at International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne. High winds kept the hull at the dock and it is expected to be moved today by the tugs Progress and Vac, weather permitting.

The hull is all that remains of the former Desmarais. Over the winter an entirely new hull was attached to the engine-room portion of the vessel and launched this spring as the CSL Laurentien.

This was the third of three CSL vessels to have forebody replacements at Port Weller Dry Docks, as part of a $100 million, three-forebody contract with Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering. The preceding vessels, christened in 1999 and 2000 respectively, were the CSL Niagara, and the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin.

Pictures by: Marian Grzybowski
The hull at dock last winter.
Close up of the bow.

Reported by: Trish Atwood




Ore Docks

04/24:
The DMIR ore dock in Duluth has an interesting line-up of vessels scheduled over the next several days. Reserve is due April 24, Mesabi Miner on April 25 and Nanticoke on April 26. Regular callers John G. Munson and Frontenac are both due April 30 and Halifax is due May 1.

At the Two Harbors ore dock, St. Clair is due to make one of its occasional visits on April 24.

Reported by: Al Miller




Turid Knutsen Grounds

04/24:
The saltie Turid Knutsen, carrying a cargo of xylene, grounded last week when approaching the Snell Lock in the Wiley-Dondero Canal in the St. Lawrence Seaway. No damage resulted to the vessel and no pollution was released. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Buffalo held the vessel at the Snell Lock upper wall until an inspection was completed.

The vessel was released at 6:25 p.m. to proceed once the protest on the Cornwall Bridge concluded. Vessel grounding was not related to protest activities.

Reported by: Ron Walsh




Steel Woes Bring Sluggish Start For U.S.-Flag Fleet

04/24:
With steel production down more than 11 percent this year, it is little surprise that the Great Lakes iron ore trade in U.S.-Flag bottoms got off to a slow start. Direct shipments of iron ore (those are cargos delivered directly to steel mills or to docks where they are loaded into trains for final delivery) totaled 1.4 million tons, a decrease of 24.1 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Iron ore transshipments (the Lorain/Cleveland shuttle) were essentially unchanged.

Coal loadings in U.S. hulls were down by 16.5 percent in March and stone cargos numbered but a few. The only bright spot was an early resumption of the salt trade in U.S.-Flag vessels.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers' Association




Fit out at Diamond Jack's in Detroit

04/24:
The big push is on the finish up the fit out of the three popular tour and dinner vessels at Detroit and Wyandotte. Diamond Belle has already been moved out of the fit out space at the Gaelic tugboat yard to Stroh's River Place.

Diamond Queen in nearing ready as the last spots of paint and a new sound system are installed. Diamond Jack, the Wyandotte tour boat will take another week to complete.

The vessels are all scheduled for school field trip cruises beginning in early May. Diamond Jack's will be offering a special discount for Boatnerd.com users, which you will read about as the regular season trips are closer at hand.

Diamond Jack at the Gaelic yard fit out dock.
Diamond Queen nearing completion at the Gaelic Tugboat yard.
Capt. Brian Smith installs a new sound system on board the Diamond Queen.
Engineer George Fitzhugh and mate Bob Seech painting the Diamond Queen.
Kaye E. Barker passes the fit out docks at Gaelic.
Engineer Bob Levy painting the pilot house on board the Diamond Jack. Welder Tim Mullins repairs a portion of the Diamond Jacks boat deck.

Reported by: Diamond Jack's River Tours




Canadian Agency Finds Dumping

04/24:
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) announced last week that they had determined that 99.6% of the imports of hot rolled steel sheet imports from Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Macedonia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Ukraine and Yugoslavia are being dumped at margins as high as 49.0%. The CCRA also announced the termination of the investigation covering subject goods from Thailand on the basis that none of the product imported during the period of investigation was dumped. In addition they made a preliminary determination of countervailable subsidy on imports from India averaging approximately $63 per metric tonne.

The CCRA has imposed, effective April 19, provisional dumping duties ranging from 5.1% to 96.0% of the export price and provisional countervail duties ranging from $38 to $146 per metric tonne on subsidized imports from India.

The complaint, which resulted in this investigation, was filed by Algoma Steel Inc. and was supported by the other Canadian producers of hot rolled steel sheet.

Alexander Adam, President and CEO of Algoma Steel Inc., welcomed "the ruling as a step toward restoring a reasonable and stable pricing environment for steel," but added "that a long-term solution to the continuing onslaught of unfairly traded imports is crucial to the future of the Canadian steel industry."

Reported by: Algoma Steel




Algoma Steel Files for Protection From Creditors

04/24:
Algoma Steel Inc. announced Monday that it is initiating a restructuring of its financial obligations.

As part of this process, the company has sought and obtained an Order for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA") before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The effect of the Order is to stay the Company's current obligations to creditors, including First Mortgage Note holders and Suppliers.

The company said its net loss in the quarter was C$76.8 million ($49.5 million), or C$1.43 a share, compared with a loss of C$9 million, or 17 Canadian cents a share, in the corresponding quarter last year. First-quarter sales declined to C$227.5 million from C$303.5 million.

Mr. Alexander Adam, President and Chief Executive Officer of Algoma Steel said, "This is the responsible course of action to take in our circumstances. The Order will enable our ongoing business to continue while we negotiate a restructuring plan with our stakeholders.

"This is a restructuring, not a bankruptcy. We deserve the opportunity to restructure the obligations so that we can come out this a stronger company," Adam said in an interview.

"We have secured additional financing which will allow us to continue to carry on business as usual during this restructuring period. This will include continuing to supply and service our customers, paying for goods and services supplied after the Order and the ongoing payment of wages and benefits to employees.

"We are committed to making this process work so that we can continue to play a major role, not only in Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario, but in Canada as well. Our 4,000 employees, 8,000 pensioners and thousands of indirect jobs depend upon us. Our annual wage and pension payments exceed C$300 million. We buy more than C$150 million in local goods and services each year and we pay substantial amounts of local, provincial and federal taxes.

"The major challenge that we face is on our balance sheet and the weakness in short-term steel markets. We are amongst the best integrated steel producers on an operating basis and one of the lowest cost producers in North America. In recent years we have rationalized production, refocused our product mix, invested more than C$1 billion in state-of-the art facilities and reduced our employment levels and operating cost structure.

"The key contributing factors to today's announcement are the impact of unfairly traded off-shore steel in our North American markets and high debt service costs associated with our recent capital expenditure program.

"The dumping of unfairly traded steel by off-shore producers has had an extremely negative impact on the Canadian and US steel industries. Imports have risen from 20% of domestic Canadian consumption in 1995 to 44% in 2000. So, even though the demand for steel has increased in Canada, Canadian producers are having an increasingly difficult time in benefiting from that growth. Unfair trading practices, global overproduction and resulting price collapses have already compelled a number of North American producers to initiate court-supervised restructurings.

"We will endeavor to maximize the recovery to stakeholders in our restructuring plan. It is impossible to predict the final details that will be presented for their approval or to speculate on any other actions that might be taken.

Today we are initiating a process and the outcome will be the subject of discussions with our stakeholders."

Algoma Steel Inc. is Canada's third largest integrated steel producer. It and predecessor companies have conducted operations in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, since 1901. Principal revenue-generating activities include the manufacture and sale of rolled steel products, including hot and cold rolled sheet and plate.

Algoma's shares were halted on the Toronto Stock Exchange Monday morning. They were down 3 Canadian cents at 36 Canadian cents. They have traded between C$2.12 and 30 Canadian cents in the past year.

Reported by: Algoma Steel




Cliffs Comments On Algoma Steel's Financial Restructuring

04/24:
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc commented Monday on Algoma Steel's Order for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in Ontario, Canada. Algoma is a 45 percent owner in the Cliffs-managed Tilden Mining Company L.C., located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The other owners of the Tilden Mine are Cliffs at 40 percent and Stelco Inc. at 15 percent.

Cliffs currently has less than $1 million in trade receivables from Algoma, all of which relate to rail transportation. As of last week, Algoma was current on its cash funding obligations at the Tilden Mine; however, it is premature to speculate on Algoma's actions subsequent to obtaining the Order.

John S. Brinzo, Cliffs' chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We have a long and valued relationship with Algoma Steel which we would expect to continue. We are extremely disturbed that yet another North American steel company has been forced to seek protection from creditors due to unfairly traded steel imports."

The Tilden Mine was originally scheduled to produce 7.8 million tons of pellets in 2001. The production level was planned to be reduced to about 6.8 million tons. The timing and duration of the shutdown is now under review. The Tilden Mine employs about 800 individuals and has an annual local economic impact of over $200 million. The Empire and Tilden Mines, and Cliffs' other operations in Michigan, employ about 2,000 individuals.

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest supplier of iron ore products to the North American steel industry and is developing a significant ferrous metallics business. Subsidiaries of the Company manage and hold equity interests in five iron ore mines in Michigan, Minnesota and Eastern Canada. Cliffs has a major iron ore reserve position in the United States and is a substantial iron ore merchant.

Reported by: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc




Soo News

04/24:
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers survey vessel James Bray was out early working in the upper approaches to the west gates of the locks. She was taking readings because of low water levels. After spending time at dock she continued the survey Monday evening working the upper west approach to the lock and continuing up to the Vital Shoals area. The Bray has been working this area for at least a week and now has extended the survey into nighttime hours.

Rain and heavy fog slowed vessel traffic at the Soo Monday morning. By noon vessel traffic had increased. Upbound was the Canadian Progress, Middletown, St. Clair, Cutter Biscayne Bay (going to the U.S. Coast Guard base at the Soo), Reserve, Halifax, Dobrush and the Pintail. The Lake Guardian was upbound for the Carbide Dock.

Downbound was the Atlantic Erie, Algobay, Buckeye, Canadian Transfer, Algonova, Edgar B. Speer and the James R Barker.

The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sara Spencer was experiencing difficulties with her bow thruster in the upper St. Marys River. Divers may be called to survey the problem at her next port of call.

Part of the ice boom has been removed at Mission Point allowing two way traffic into the cut.

Busy afternoon at the Soo. from the Soo Locks Live Cam

Reported by: Jerry Masson




Busy Day in Muskegon

04/24:
Sunday the Joseph H. Frantz made its first trip of the season into Muskegon. The 618-foot ship docked at the Sappi Paper Mill at 3:00 p.m. to unload coal. No departure time was available.

Saturday three vessels were in port starting with the David Z. Norton arriving about 4:00 a.m. at the Verplank Dock to unload stone. After a partial unload she departed from the dock shortly before 8:00 a.m. bound for to Ferrysburg, MI. to finish the unload.

The Saginaw arrived about 12:30 p.m. and docked at the Verplank Salt Dock at 1:15 p.m. After a partial unload she departed and headed to Ferrysburg to finish the unload.

The barge Integrity and tug Jacklyn M. was the third ship on Saturday. The tug and barge docked at the Lafarge Cement Terminal and unloaded cement. She departed on Sunday morning about 3:30 a.m.

Reported by: Scott Golin and Ike Stephenson




Toledo Report

04/24:
Monday the Fred R. White Jr. was in drydock at Toledo Ship Yard . The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remains in lay-up at the Hocking Valley Dock. The tug Karen Andrie with her barge was at the B-P Dock.

The John G. Munson was at the CSX Docks loading coal and was expected to depart during the afternoon. The next scheduled coal boats are expected this morning. They will be the Sam Laud followed by the Algosteel, followed by the CSL Niagara late Sunday evening.

The next scheduled ore boats for the Torco Dock will be the Courtney Burton and the Reserve due in Friday evening, followed by the Reserve early Thursday morning, May 3.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Busy day in Clarkson

04/24:
Monday afternoon was a busy time in Clarkson, Ont. as three vessels were in port. At the Petro Canada pier the Jade Star was loading. The St. Lawrence Cement dock was busy with two vessels visiting. Upper Lakes' James Norris was on the east side of the pier discharging what appeared to be limestone into the hopper. On the west side the Canadian Prospector was loading.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley




Brockville Update

04/24:
Below are images of traffic passing Brockville, ON. and the Iroquois Lock.

Ivi departing the Iroquois Lock downbound with grain loaded in Duluth.
Federal Oshima departing with grain from Thunder Bay.
Federal Oshima departing the Iroquois Lock.
Nanticoke passing about 8:00 p.m.

Reported by: Peter Carter




Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Sailor

04/24:
Sunday evening the U.S. Coast Guard Group Milwaukee responded to a call from the wife of the operator of a sailboat aground in the fog on a trip from Waukegan, Ill., to Belmont Harbor, Ill. The operator had contacted his wife via cellphone after running aground in 5 feet of water. He was unsure of his position and had very limited visibility in dense fog.

Rescue boats from Station Kenosha and Station Calumet Harbor as well as a helicopter from Air Facility Muskegon all responded in an attempt to locate the vessel. The helicopter located the vessel and remained on scene until surface units arrived. The operator was taken off the vessel.

Salvage efforts of the sailboat are pending.




Picture of the Day

04/24:
New picture of the day in the Original Photo Gallery: Southdown Challenger entering Grand Haven.

Click here to view




Today in Great Lakes History - April 24

The ONTADOC (2) (b) MELISSA DESGAGNES) sailed from Collingwood on her maiden voyage April 24, 1975 for Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. to load steel for Duluth, MN.

The D.M. CLEMSON (2) departed Lorain on her maiden voyage April 24, 1917 to load iron ore at Duluth, MN.

The B.F. JONES (2) left Quebec April 24, 1973 in tandem with her former fleetmate EDWARD S. KENDRICK towed by the Polish tug KORAL heading for scrapping in Spain.

The wooden schooner WELLAND CANAL was launched at Russell Armington's shipyard at St. Catharine's, Ontario. She was the first ship built at St. Catharine's and the first to navigate the Welland Canal when it opened between St. Catharine's and Lake Ontario on 10 May 1828.

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




Sykes Departs Again

04/23:
The Wilfred Sykes departed Bay Ship in Sturgeon Bay, WI. early Sunday morning to the Bay of Green Bay for vibration tests. After being out several hours she returned to Bay Ship and the results were checked. The final result came out as the new parts installed last winter required break in time to match the existing parts.

With this the Sykes departed Sturgeon Bay at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening heading out to Lake Michigan and up bound to pick up her first load of the season.

Turning in the turning Basin by the 1000-foot Graving Dock.
Heading to Green Bay for trials Sunday morning.
Riding high out bound.
Departing through the Michigan Street Bridge Sunday evening.
Past the bow of the Ryerson.
Through the Bay View Bridge.
Entering Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal.
Crew on deck.
Out into the lake from canal.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle




Naked men pulled from Detroit River

04/23:
Saturday morning two intoxicated men decided to remove all of their clothing and go for an early morning swim in the Detroit River.

The men quickly found that the cold water temperature was unbearable, but were unable to climb out of the river. Witnesses summoned the J.W. Westcott Company boat crew for help. The Westcott crew, along with a crew member who was waiting for the Indiana Harbor boarded the mail boat J.W. Westcott II and pulled the men to safety. Detroit authorities were called but the men left before they arrived.

Reported by: Capt. Samuel Buchanan




Algoma will be owner of Straits of Mackinac, dive site for Neptune' s Nimrods

04/23:
The city of Algoma, Wis., is willing to become the owner of a former car ferry that a dive club wants to sink in Lake Michigan for use as a recreational and training site.

Neptune' s Nimrods, a 40-member dive club, wants to sink the steamer Straits of Mackinac 1 1/2 miles off shore and three miles south of Algoma. If state approval is granted, the club wants to sink the vessel in May 2002.

Algoma officials invited the club to make a presentation April 2 to its city council after the Kewaunee County Board voted in March against taking ownership of the 201-foot care ferry.

The club needs a permit from the state Department of Natural Resources before it can sink the ferry. As part of the process, the club must find a governmental body -- like a county or city -- that will take ownership of the vessel.

The Algoma City Council passed a resolution 6-1 indicating it would be willing to take ownership of the ship once its sunk and would help facilitate the permit process through the DNR.

The Straits of Mackinac would become the first intentionally sunk dive site in Wisconsin and the largest in the Great Lakes. There are approximately 100 such sites in the United States.

Reported by: Al Miller




Twin Ports Report

04/23:
Duluth-Superior was unusually busy Sunday morning.

Herbert C. Jackson was unloading stone at the CLM dock in Superior; Oglebay Norton was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal; Paul R. Tregurtha was at the Murphy Oil fuel dock waiting for the berth at Midwest Energy; Lake Ontario was loading bentonite at Hallett dock; Mina Cebi was at Cenex Harvest States; Federal Saguenay was at the AGP elevator.

Out on the lake, Isolda was at anchor waiting for a grain berth and Algolake was waiting for the Midwest Energy Terminal berth.

Reported by: Al Miller




Saginaw News

04/23:
The Adam E. Cornelius completed unloading her cargo of stone cargo and departed the Bay Aggregates Dock in Bay City at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. She headed upriver to the airport turning basin and was downbound headed to the Saginaw Bay by 3:45 p.m.

The Halifax finished unloading early Sunday afternoon, but waited to depart until 7:30 p.m. allowing the downbound Adam E. Cornelius and the inbound Algoway to pass. The Halifax was assisted by the tug Gregory J. Busch who took her in a stern tow out to Lights 11 & 12 where she was able to turn around.

The Algoway was inbound at entrance Lights 11 & 12 around 5:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon. She indicated she was headed up to the Buena Vista Dock

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Halifax unloading.
Close up.
Another view.
Adam E. Cornelius unloading.
Close up.
Departing.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey, Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan




Toledo Report

04/23:
The Courtney Burton was unloading ore at the Torco Dock Sunday and was scheduled to depart that afternoon. The tug Karen Andrie with the barge A-397 was at the B-P Dock. The H. Lee White and John G. Munson were due in at the CSX coal dock later Sunday evening.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the Sam Laud and Algosteel on Tuesday followed by the CSL Niagara on Sunday April 29. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve and Courtney Burton on Friday afternoon followed by the Reserve on Wednesday evening May 2.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Brockville Update

04/23:
Sunday afternoon the saltie Spar Opal registered in Bergen, Norway, passed Blockhouse Island, Brockville, ON. on its way down the St. Lawrence River to Montreal. It is carrying a cargo of peas, which it picked up in Thunder Bay on April 16. Other traffic passing on Sunday afternoon is shown below.

Pictures by Peter Carter
Cartierdoc passing.
Bogdan.
Close up.
Black Swan.
Close up of the Spar Opal.

Reported by: Peter Carter and Keith Giles




Great Lakes Cruise Conference & Exhibition

04/23:
Today the two day Cruise Michigan & Cruising the Great Lakes conference starts at the Holiday Inn Fairlane in Dearborn, MI. The event features a trade show and speakers. On Tuesday the exhibition will be open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 616-857-1701

Reported by: Ralph Diehl




Help Wanted

04/23:
The Great Lakes Towing Company is soliciting applications for fleet captain. The Cleveland-based marine transportation company seeks the captain for immediate hire.

Prefer seasoned master with thorough tug/barge familiarity. Desire a strong manager who is computer literate and a good communicator. Responsible for: shoreside facility and vessel inspections and condition; supervision of specialty tows; performance of towing as directed; quality control and supervision of tug crews. Competitive salary, health plan, downtown parking pass; 401(k) pension.

Fax resume to: 216-621-7616, attention Marine Personnel.
www.thegreatlakesgroup.com
AAP/EEO Employer




Website Updates

04/23:
The weekly updates have been uploaded. Included is information on the 2nd Annual series of Boatnerd Gatherings.

Click here for easy to navigate updates




Today in Great Lakes History - April 23

In 1953 the 1953 Pere Marquette 22 was cut in half, then pulled apart and lengthened by 40 feet, as part of a major refit at Manitowoc, WI. Also during this refit, her triple expansion engines were replaced with Skinner Unaflow, and her double stacks were replaced with a single, tapered stack. The refit was completed August 28, 1953.

On April 23, 1966 the JOSEPH S. WOOD was towed to the Ford Rouge complex at Dearborn, MI by her new owners, the Ford Motor Company.

The FORT YORK was commissioned April 23, 1958.

On April 23, 1980 the ARTHUR B. HOMER's bow thruster failed while maneuvering through ice at Taconite Harbor, MN, resulting in a grounding which damaged her bow and one ballast tank.

The JOSEPH S. SCOBELL was launched April 23, 1891 as a) GRIFFIN (1).

On April 23, 1972, PAUL H. CARNAHAN arrived at the Burlington Northern Docks at Superior, Wisconsin to load 22,402 gross tons of iron ore bound for Detroit, opening the 1972 shipping season at Superior.

On 23 April 1859 at about midnight, the schooner S. BUTTLES was fighting a severe gale. She was carrying staves from Port Burwell to Clayton and sprung a leak while battling the gale. While manning the pumps, one man was washed overboard, but his shipmates quickly rescued him. Capt. Alexander Pollock beached the vessel to save her about 10 miles east of the Genesee River.

On 23 April 1882, GALLATIN (2-mast wooden schooner, 138', 422 t, built in 1863 at Oswego, NY) was carrying pig iron from St. Ignace, MI to Erie, PA when she sprang a leak in a storm on Lake Erie. She struck bottom on Chickanolee Reef and foundered in shallow water at Point Pelee. Her crew was saved from the rigging by the fishing sloop LIZZIE.

Data from: Max Hanley,