Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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* Report News


Future of Pellets

05/29:
Much discussion has taken place on the Iron Range and in Duluth recently regarding the announced shutdown of LTV Steel Mining Co. and the future of Taconite Harbor. Some news media reports have focused on the remaining taconite plants and the possibility of growth or change for them. Two questions remain that could significantly affect shipping. First, Ispat is due to decide soon whether to run all its taconite pellets by rail to Escanaba. (This may already have been decided. Few Ispat boats have been seen in port this season.) Second, a decision may be coming in several months on whether EVTAC (formerly Eveleth Taconite) will be put up for sale, or sold to Minnesota Iron and Steel. MIS is a new company that could use EVTAC's pellets to produce direct-reduced iron at a yet-to-be-built mill on the Range. The significance of both moves is that Ispat and EVTAC are the only two mines shipping through the DMIR ore dock in Duluth. If Ispat bypasses Duluth and EVTAC's pellets eventually are consumed on the Range, the DMIR in Duluth would lose both its current customers of outbound ore, and could end up only receiving stone shipments.

Reported by: Al Miller




Exchange of Salutes

05/29:
The S.S. City of Milwaukee opened for public tours on Saturday, May 27th in Manistee, MI. Despite a little rainy weather, the National Historic Landmark carferry welcomed visitors from throughout the state. On Saturday, May 28 visitors were treated to a rare exchange of salutes between a classic carferry and a Great Lakes freighter as the Earl W. Oglebay passed through Manistee Lake. The City of Milwaukee will be open on Memorial Day, May 29th from noon to 5:00 PM.

The Earl W. Oglebay passes the City of Milwaukee.

Reported by: Max Hanley




Twin Ports Report

05/29:
Duluth-Superior was busy May 28 despite the holiday weekend. Algocen was finishing up unloading cement at St. Lawrence Cement. This boat has been a regular caller at that terminal this season. Tadoussac arrived in the morning to load at DMIR ore dock. Arthur M. Anderson arrived later in the day with stone for the dock, but had to wait until the Tadoussac departed before it could reach the stone hopper. Joseph H. Thompson loaded at Midwest Energy Terminal, followed by Paul R. Tregurtha. The tiny saltie Andromeda -- 386-feet -- was due at the port terminal to unload five pieces of heavy equipment from Poland that will be shipped into western Canada. Up the shore, Reserve was reported as departing Silver Bay, clearing the loading dock for Courtney Burton.

On Monday, Kinsman Independent is due to arrive at the General Mills elevator. Joseph H. Thompson is due to unload coal at Taconite Harbor while Mesabi Miner is due there to load taconite pellets.

Reported by: Al Miller




Toronto Update

05/29:
Seaflight 2000 have begun cross-lake service between Toronto and Port Dalhousie. For more information on the service visit www.seaflight2000.com

On Friday morning the tug John Spence and barge McAsphalt 401 were unloading at the McAsphalt dock. They departed mid-afternoon.

Cuyahoga came in Friday morning to Section 463 where she unloaded. She departed and was under the Burlington Skyway at 7:00 p.m. Friday night.

Saturday morning the salty Malyovitza arrived and went to anchor. She was still anchored on Sunday. The salty Demigreen came in Saturday and was assisted my McKeil tugs to Section 275, the Redpath Sugar dock. She remained at the dock on Sunday.

Wayward Princess charted in Hamilton Friday and Saturday nights and returned to Toronto at 04:30 Sunday morning.

The salty Sun Bird is scheduled to arrive in Toronto on her trip back down the Lakes. She has been contracted to carry the high-speed catamaran Waterways 1 as deck cargo to Europe. Waterways 1 is presently idle in Port Dalhousie.

Reported by: Gerry O.




You@Boatnerd.com

05/29:
Now you can have your own Boatnerd.com e-mail address. This free, web based e-mail is password protected, only you will have access to your Boatnerd.com e-mail account. If you share a computer or Internet access, or if you need a personal account to access from work, our secure servers will keep your messages private.

Your Boatnerd.com e-mail account lets you send and receive messages from any computer in the world that has Web access. That makes it easy to stay in touch with friends, family and business contacts, regardless of your location. If you change your job, school, home address or Internet service provider, you do not need to change your e-mail address.

Click here to sign up for the full feature, private and free web-based e-mail account.

For your convenience there is now a permanent link to the Boatnerd.com e-mail on the top left side of the main page.




Trip Raffles

05/29:
One of the most commonly questions asked is "How can I get a ride on a freighter?" A cruise aboard a lakes freighter is only available to the shipping company's customers and some family members. The only chance for the public to enjoy a once-in-a-life-time cruise is through trip raffles held by non-profit associations. Below is a list of current trip raffles, good luck!

Algoma Central Marine Vessel
Kaye E. Barker
Cuyahoga
Lee A. Tregurtha
USS 1000-footer




The Winner Is

05/29:
The latest winner in the weekly drawing was Tom Kieft of Grand Haven, MI. Tom will have his pick of the prizes listed on the User Survey page.

Included in the prizes are the new books donated by the Marine Publishing Company.

Click here to enter, you could be our winner next Monday.




Today in Great Lakes History - May 29

ROBERT S. McNAMARA was Launched in 1909 as a) STADACONA (1).

JAMES R. BARKER was Float launched in 1976.

TADOUSSAC (2) Prematurely launched herself on this day in 1969.

May 29, 1905 -- The PERE MARQUETTE 20, while leaving Milwaukee in a heavy fog struck the scow "Hiram R. Bond" of the Milwaukee Sand Gravel Company. The scow sank.

In 1909 the ANN ARBOR NO. 4 capsized at Manistique as a result of an error in loading a heavy load of iron ore.

On 29 May 1889, BAVARIA (3-mast wooden schooner-barge, 145', 376 gt, built in 1873 at Garden Island, Ontario) was carrying squared timber when she broke from the tow of the steamer D. D. CALVIN and began to founder near Long Point in Lake Erie. Her crew abandoned her, but all eight were lost. The abandoned vessel washed ashore with little damage and lasted until 1898 when she was destroyed in a storm.

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

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




John W. Brown Arrives

05/28:
The Liberty ship John W. Brown arrived at the entrance to Maumee Bay about 1:00 p.m. Saturday. She was met and escorted up the Maumee River by the Gaelic Tugboat Company tugs William Hoey and Susan Hoey. By 2:30 p.m., the Brown was safely tied up at the former Interlake Iron dock adjacent to the Toledo shipyard.

The John J. Boland was ready to leave CSX Coal Dock #4, but waited for the Brown to pass up bound before leaving the dock. The Brown had requested the Boland to wait, as he was "all over the channel" due to a strong northeast wind. Once the escorting tugs had lines on the Brown there was no problems clearing the two railroad bridges.

The shipyard asked the Brown to move as far up stream as possible, as the shipyard has another vessel coming on Tuesday to also tied up at the Interlake dock. There was indication who the other vessel might be.

Radio traffic between the Brown and the Gaelic tugs indicated that the Brown's public display will be at One Maritime Plaza, which is located between the Martin Luther King Bridge and the LaFarge Cement terminal near downtown Toledo. The skipper of the Brown thought she should be towed backward up the river to Maritime Plaza, but the tugs advised that they regularly turn the J.A.W. Iglehart at that location.

The total sailing time from Baltimore to Toledo was 11 days, 12 hours, 17 minutes.

Captain Esbensen reports that drydocking is scheduled for Thursday, 1 June. Most of the crew will return home by bus that day, with about ten staying aboard for the time being.

  • The tug William Hoey waits at the entrance to the river as the Brown steams in. W. Hoey Sr.

  • The Brown enters the Maumee River as tugs prepare to attach the tow lines. W. Hoey Sr.

  • On board the tug lead Susan Hoey Jim Storen and Rich Sibbersen Jr. tie the tow line on the Susan Hoey. W. Hoey Sr.

  • The Susan Hoey leads the Brown past the CSX dock with the William Hoey on the Stern. Dave Wobser.

  • The tow continues as the John J. Boland backs out of the CSX dock loaded with coal. Dave Wobser.

  • A close up of the Browns Flying bridge as Captain Esbensen and pilot Phil Knetchel maneuver her in the river. Dave Wobser.

  • The Brown is guided up the Maumee River by the Susan Hoey. W. Hoey Sr.

  • On board the Gaelic tug Susan Hoey as she guides the Brown through one of the railroad bridges. W. Hoey Sr.

  • Through the other railroad bridge. W. Hoey Sr.

  • The tugs William and Susan Hoey working to dock the Brown. W. Hoey Sr.

  • A view of the tow from across the river. Pat P.

  • A line is thrown from the Brown to the dock. W. Hoey Sr.

    Reported by: Dave Wobser and Brian Hope, www.liberty-ship.com




    • Your Chance to See the Brown

    05/28:
    After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and be open for tours. In three ports the Brown will offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrived Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock.

    For those of you who could not get tickets for the July 22 Detroit cruise, Diamond Jack's River Tours will off a cruise on one of their ships that follows the Brown. Call 313-843-9376 or e-mail for details.




    Second Saltie of Year in Oswego NY Harbor

    05/28:
    The Malta registered LAMDA is due in the port of Oswego NY on May 29, 2000 and will be in port for about one week. While there, she will be berthed at the Port Authority Dock, making her the second foreign vessel in port this year. She will be unloading Aluminum from Tallin, Estonia which will be used at the plants in Fulton NY (Possibly Alcan). The ship is 465 feet long, and 71 feet wide, with a GRT of 9529 tons. Be sure to come out and see this fairly rare event of a saltie in Oswego, NY.

    Reported by: Tom Moriarty




    USS Defender Arrives

    05/28:
    USS Defender got a rollicking welcome to Duluth on the morning of May 27. The vessel arrived earlier than the announced time of 9 a.m., so it hove to off the ship canal for about 30 minutes, rolling significantly in the brisk northeast wind and 2- to 4-foot waves on Lake Superior. The vessel is open for tours from 1-5 p.m. each day it's in Duluth.

    Click here for a U.S. Navy Summer port schedule

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Mather Open House

    05/28:
    The William G. Mather Steamship Museum in Cleveland continued its 75th anniversary with an open house today. Face painters and cookie decorating greeted the kids on a rainy day on the lakefront. Across the harbor was the Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker Griffon in town for a boating safety open house. Both boats offered free admission for tours which made for many happy people on the Cleveland lakefront. The Mather will continue anniversary celebrations throughout the summer with Wednesday evening programs on great lakes topics.
    Visit the Mather website for more details.

    Reported by: Rex Cassidy




    A Happy And Safe Holiday To All

    05/28:
    Lake Carriers' Association wishes the readers a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend. If your plans including boating on the Great Lakes or connecting channels, please be aware that the shipping season is in full swing and lakers and salties are everywhere and anywhere.

    Safe navigation is everyone's responsibility. The crews on U.S.-Flag lakers perform their duties only after passing extensive examinations by the United States Coast Guard. Recreational boaters also need to know and obey the Rules of the Road.

    Here's a few safety tips from the flier MAKE WAY jointly published by LCA, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Watercraft, and the Greater Cleveland Safe Boating Council

  • Avoid ship channels whenever possible.
  • Be alert. Watch for ship traffic.
  • Be seen, especially at night.
  • Know the whistle signals from ships - 5 or more blasts means DANGER!
  • Listen to VHF Channels 13 and 16 for "SECURITY CALLS" from commercial vessels.
  • Don't call a commercial ship unless absolutely necessary. The folks on the bridge are nice enough, but they are busy.
  • Wear personal flotation devices.
  • When in doubt, always make way. In very simple terms, the bigger ship has the right of way (the "Big Boat" rule).

    For information on a boat handling course conducted near your home, call Toll Free 1-800-336-BOAT.

    Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association




    • April Cargo Report - Cleveland Harbor

    05/28:
    The Lake Carriers Association has posted the monthly tonnage report for Cleveland Harbor. Visit the Lake Carriers' Association for complete details.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 28

    THOMAS W. LAMONT departed Toledo on her maiden voyage May 28, 1930 bound for Duluth, MN where she loaded iron ore.

    May 28, 1900 -- The PERE MARQUETTE 15 cut down the scow SILVER LAKE, sinking her with the loss of one life.

    On 28 May 1860, ARCTIC (wooden side-wheeler, 237', 861 t, built in 1851 at Marine City) drove ashore on the east side of Lighthouse Island in Lake Superior in a dense fog. The passengers and crew were able to make it to shore before a storm arose and pounded the ARCTIC to pieces. The passengers and crew were later picked up by the steamer FOUNTAIN CITY.

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

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




    John W. Brown Steaming for Toledo

    05/27:
    12:05 p.m. Update
    The John W. Brown is expected to arrive in Toledo off the CSX Coal Dock at the entrance to the Maumee River between 1:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. this afternoon.

    She called in at South East Shoal in Lake Erie at 9:08 a.m. with an eta of 12:15 for the Toledo Harbor entrance.

    The Brown will be met by at the river entrance by the Gaelic Tugboat Company tugs William Hoey and Susan Hoey. The tugs will then assist the World War II Liberty Ship up the Maumee River to the Interlake Dock, next to the ship yard.
    Arrival times can cange at any time, check back for updates.

    Original report
    The John W Brown cleared the Welland Canal at Port Colborne at 6:00 p.m. Friday. She gave a time of four hours to Long Point in Lake Erie on her way to Toledo. That is roughly one hour longer than it takes the typical laker. If the Brown sails straight through she would arrive in Toledo some time on Saturday morning or afternoon.

    The ship yard expected the Brown arrive in Toledo on Saturday afternoon or evening. She will dock at the Interlake Dock next to Toledo Ship Repair. The American Mariner remains in the Toledo Ship Repair dry dock undergoing repairs to damage suffered last month. She is expected to remain on the dry dock until Tuesday. Check back for updates.

    The John W. Brown taking on District Two pilot Phil Knetchel at Port Colborne. by Bruce Taylor.

    The Toledo Blade reports that about 14,000 rivets will be replaced by two five man rivet crews. In addition to the rivets, the vessels propeller, bearings, and through-hull fittings will be inspected.; workers will replace zinc anodes on the hull that stem corrosion, replace some of the ship's steel plates, sandblast and repaint the hull, and possibly build life raft storage racks. The price tag for the work is expected to be about $500,000.

    After seven weeks on the dry dock the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto. For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Twin Ports Report

    05/27:
    The U.S. Navy mine countermeasures ship USS Defender is docked behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and will be open for tours through Tuesday.

    Click here for a U.S. Navy Summer port schedule

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Toronto Update

    05/27:
    The tug John Spence and barge McAsphalt 401 unloaded overnight and departed on Friday.

    Cuyahoga came in to Section 463 and unloaded rock on the dock for 4 1/2 hrs. She was under the Burlington Bridge at 19:00 hrs Friday.

    The charter boat Wayward Princess departed Toronto for the weekend to do charters in Hamilton.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    John W. Brown Report

    05/27:
    Below is an account of the Brown's trip from the Snell Lock to the Eisenhower Lock by Brian Hope.

    I boarded the Brown with Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilot Capt. Larry Hickey at the Snell lock at 1500 on 24 May. All was going extremely well. The crew members were having a great time and were in good health.

    We transited the Snell Lock smoothly, then went on to the Eisenhower Lock. Despite a huge sign that said "Visitor Center Closed for the Season," there must have been a couple of hundred people there. Captain Esbensen stepped ashore onto the lock wall and was presented a Seaway flag by Eisenhower Lock Director of Operations, Carol Fenton.

    Following our departure from Eisenhower Lock we ran into a brief squall. It was a frontal passage and the wind was quite strong and gusty for a few minutes. Captain Hickey, conning from the open flying bridge, was presented with his dinner, but the slice of pumpkin pie blew off the plate. He declined to eat anything at that time, deciding on a sandwich later on.

    The wind quickly died and we steamed along slowly, awaiting the downbound transit of three ships through the Iroquois Lock.

    The decision was made to tie up for the night at the Ogdensburg wharf, thus allowing for a daylight transit through the Thousand Islands, a treat for shoreside views and the Brown's crew as well.

    Captain Esbensen, Master of the BROWN, was quoted as saying "This is fine steamboating!"

    Reported by: Brian Hope, www.liberty-ship.com




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 27

    CANADIAN PIONEER was launched May 27,1981

    NANTICOKE was christened in 1980.

    CHARLES DICK was launched in 1922.

    The PETER REISS left Duluth, MN May 27, 1910 on her maiden voyage with iron ore for Ashtabula, OH.

    HENRY STEINBRENNER (4) was towed from Toledo's Lakefront Dock in 1994 for the scrap yard at Port Maitland, Ont.

    The tug SMITH burned near Bay City on 27 May 1872. Her loss was valued at $7,000 but there was no insurance on her.

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

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




    John W. Brown Update

    05/26: 6:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m., 10:00 a.m.) updates
    The John W Brown cleared the Welland Canal at Port Colborne at 6:00 p.m. She gave a time of four hours to Long Point in Lake Erie on her way to Toledo. That is roughly one hour longer than it takes the typical laker. If the Brown sails straight through she would arrive in Toledo some time on Saturday morning or afternoon.

    The ship yard expected the Brown arrive in Toledo on Saturday afternoon or evening. She will dock at the Interlake Dock next to Toledo Ship Repair. The American Mariner remains in the Toledo Ship Repair dry dock undergoing repairs to damage suffered last month. She is expected to remain on the dry dock until Tuesday. Check back for updates.

    The John W. Brown arrive at the Port Weller entrance to the Welland Canal early this morning. She passed through Lock 1 at 9:45 a.m. and has an eta for Lock 7 at 2:00 p.m.

    The John W. Brown passing through Bridge 1 in the Welland Canal. Trisha Atwood.

    After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto. For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    The Brown passed Brockville on the Seaway yesterday at 10:00 a.m. Below are pictures taken by Peter Carter. Copies of the pictures are available for sale, click here for more information.

    The John W. Brown underway.
    Stern view.
    © 2000 Peter Carter

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    Below are pictures of the American Mariner under repair at the Toledo Shipyard. The Mariner struck Light Seven in the Lake Huron cut on April 28 after suffering a steering failure.

    Pictures by Teresa Parker
    Damaged to the hull before repairs began.
    Another view.
    Toledo Shipyard crews working to repair the damaged hull.
    Another view.




    Algolake Hits Bridge

    05/26:
    Wednesday the Algolake hit the 92nd Street Bridge in the Calumet River. The vessel was in port to unload a cargo of salt carried from Goderich. The Algolake was moving through the river with the tugs Hannah D. Hannah and Mary J. Hannah when she struck the bridge.

    Damage to the vessel was reported as a 2-inch wide by 36-inch long gash in its starboard ballast tank 33-feet above the water line. There appears to be only cosmetic damage to the bridge.

    The Algolake and the assisting tugs immediately moored at the Consumer's Power Plant in the Calumet River where they underwent a U.S. Coast Guard inspection. No pollution or injuries were reported and they were cleared early Thursday morning to proceed to Meldrum Bay, ONT.




    Appledore Grounds In Saginaw Bay

    05/26:
    The sailing vessel Appledore grounded east of the channel in Saginaw Bay with 36 passengers on board Wednesday. The sailing vessel was able to free itself with no apparent damage and proceeded to Consumer's Power Plant to offload her passengers. It then proceeded to its homeport at Winona Park in the Saginaw River where it was inspected by a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Detroit inspector.

    In May of last year the Appledore grounded in the same area.




    Strike Continues

    05/26:
    The strike by members of the Seafarers International Union continues to affect the ferries Jimann and Pelee Islander which normally sail between Leamington/Kingsville and Pelee Island in Ontario and Sandusky, Ohio. The strike has now been in progress for approximately one month.

    On a different front, an unknown company is planning to operate a passenger carrying hovercraft between the Canadian ports involved in the current strike and may at a later date extend service to Sandusky, Ohio.

    The hovercraft was in Port Stanley, Ontario, enroute to the area on Thursday.

    Reported by: Leslie Reading




    Largest Loads Down 10,000 Tons Per Trip

    05/26:
    As expected, the now 4-year decline in Great Lakes water levels translated into a decrease in U.S.-Flag carriage in April. Shipments of dry-bulk cargoes in U.S. bottoms totaled 11,041,405 net tons, a decrease of 4.5 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

    Lake levels have been in decline since roughly the summer of 1997. With loaded drafts being reduced by 2 feet or more, the largest vessels in the fleet, the l,000-footers, are trimming roughly 10,000 tons from their per-trip capacity when loads at the beginning of this and the 1997 season are compared.

    Vessel operators of all flags face a tremendous challenge in meeting what is strong demand for cargo this year. It is not possible to increase vessel speed by any appreciable degree. Furthermore, the Head-of-the-Lakes trade (Lake Superior to lower Lakes ports) is governed by the fixed opening and closing dates of the Soo Locks. By Federal regulation, the Soo Locks open on March 25 and close on January 15, regardless of demand for cargo or weather conditions.

    The mild winter of 1999-2000 did allow some vessels to resume sailing ahead of schedule in March, so for the season, U.S.-Flag carriage is only 178,000 tons behind last year's pace. However, now that vessel utilization rates are essentially the same as a year ago, the effects of water levels will become even more apparent.

    Visit the Lake Carriers' Association for complete details.




    Saginaw Update

    05/26:
    On Thursday morning about 8:00 a.m. the Frontenac was outbound at the front range light after unloading at the Essroc Cement Dock in Essexville.

    The Buffalo entered the river about 10:30 a.m., heading to Saginaw Rock. On her transit up the river, the vessel reported to the Coast Guard that several channel markers were missing or out of position due to recent strong currents.

    The tug Mary E. Hannah was towing her barge outbound into the Saginaw Bay just before 1:00 p.m. A tug will normally push a barge unless it expects to encounter rough seas.

    The Paul H. Townsend arrived at the LaFarge cement dock near Saginaw at 7:30 p.m. As the Townsend was mooring alongside the E.M. Ford, the Buffalo was departing her dock a short distance upstream and turning around.

    Once the Townsend was secured alongside the Ford, the Buffalo passed, outbound for the lake.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause and Lon Morgan




    St. Clair River Update

    05/26:
    Some of the traffic passing in the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair yesterday are shown below. All images are ariel views by Don Coles and are available for sale at www.aerialpics.com

    Copyright and page use information

    The saltie Milin Kamak upbound for Chicago passing the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron.
    Another view of the Milin Kamak.
    Myron C. Taylor sailing for Calcite, MI.
    John G. Munson heading to Lorain, Ohio.
    Herbert C. Jackson underway.
    The saltie Balaban at anchor in lower Lake Huron.
    The St. Clair Flats Range Light.




    Busy Day in Lorain

    05/26:
    Thursday was a busy afternoon in Lorain, OH. The John G. Munson arrived with Taconite for the Kolbe Plant up the river. Following closely behind came the David Z. Norton from Marblehead with a load of stone for Jonek dock. Right behind the Norton came the American Republic from Cleveland on the shuttle to load at the LTV dock at the mouth of the river.

    The vessels arrived in perfect order and were not in each others way.

    Reported by: Ned Gang




    Early Start Has Lake Erie Coal Up 1 Million Tons

    05/26:
    Thanks to an early resumption of shipments, the coal trade from Lake Erie ports is up roughly 1 million tons through April. The Lake Erie coal trade resumed in 2000 on March 3 from Ashtabula. That is the earliest start in recent memory.

    Visit the Lake Carriers' Association for complete details.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 26

    In 1979 the FRED R. WHITE, JR. departed the shipyard on her maiden voyage to load iron ore pellets at Escanaba, MI for Cleveland.

    The J.A.W. Iglehart began its maiden Great Lakes voyage in 1965.

    The Halifax (former Frankcliffe Hall) began its maiden voyage in 1963.

    SCOTT MISENER (3) was launched in 1954.

    In 1923 the ANN ARBOR NO. 4 was towed to the shipyard in Manitowoc by the ANN ARBOR NO. 5 with the assistance of the tug ARTIC. The NO. 4 was completely overhauled and had all new cabins built on her main deck.

    QUEEN OF THE LAKES was launched at the Kirby & Ward yard in Wyandotte, Michigan on 26 May 1872. She was the first iron hulled vessel built in Michigan.

    Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, Joe Barr, David 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




    Brown Update

    05/25: 6:00 p.m.
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown passed Brockville in the Seaway today at 10:00 a.m. She is schedule to arrive at the Port Weller entrance to the Welland Canal at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning. Check back for updates.

    Below are pictures of the Brown passing Brockville taken by Peter Carter. Pictures are available for sale, Click here

    The John W. Brown underway.
    Stern view.
    © 2000 Peter Carter

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    Reported by: Peter Carter and Andrew Severson




    Closure to Bring the End of Taconite Harbor

    05/25:
    LTV Steel officials announced Wednesday their intention to close LTV Steel Mining Company's taconite mine and pellet plant located in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Closure of the facility is scheduled for mid-2001. LTV has signed a contract with Cleveland-Cliffs to supply pellets that the Hoyt Lakes plant would typically provide. This production will come from Cliffs properties in Michigan and Minnesota.

    LTV Steel Mining is reportedly no longer able to provide LTV Steel with taconite pellets of competitive quality or cost. LTV Steel said that its blast furnaces are experiencing lower levels of productivity and higher costs as a result of operating problems related to poor taconite pellet quality.

    The company operates the only remaining shaft furnaces in the North American taconite pellet industry. These maintenance-intensive furnaces are not competitive with modern straight grate or grate kiln furnace operations, which produce better quality pellets at lower cost.

    LTV Steel Mining is the oldest continuously operating taconite mining operation on the Minnesota Iron Range. It employs approximately 1,400 people. 1999 production was 7 million tons.

    LTV Steel Mining Co. mines taconite ore near Hoyt Lakes, Minn. where it is processed into pellets. The product is moved by rail to Taconite Harbor on Lake Superior's North Shore, and loaded aboard Great Lakes freighters.

    The company's shutdown means shipping in and out of Taconite Harbor will cease. Pellets will no longer be shipped from the port, many cargoes of which were carried by vessels from Interlake Steamship Company and Oglebay Norton Company.

    LTV also operates a power generating station at Taconite Harbor that receives coal from Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. These cargoes generally are carried by boats from Oglebay Norton Company or American Steamship Company. LTV's announcement about the mine closing did not discuss the power plant's future, so it remains open to speculation. One possibility: Minnesota Power, a Duluth-based utility, has in recent months talked about acquiring more generating capacity. If it or another company purchased the LTV power plant, coal shipments to Taconite Harbor could resume.

    Much of the vessel business lost at Taconite Harbor may be gained at other ports. Mines operated by Cleveland Cliffs ship pellets from Silver Bay, Minn., Allouez, WI., and Marquette and Escanaba, Mich. Cliffs has entered into an agreement with LTV that will make Cliffs the principal supplier of iron ore pellets purchased by LTV for a 10-year period beginning in 2000. Sales over the 10-year contract term are expected to total more than 50 million tons based on LTV's current requirements.

    LTV Steel Mining Company began operation in 1957 as the Erie Mining Company. It has produced over 312 million tons of taconite pellets. The mine was intended to produce 7.5 million tons per year. Capacity was increased to 10.3 million tons in 1967 and production peaked at 11.3 million tons in 1973. Employment peaked in 1970 with over 3,000 people. However, by 1983, production had declined to 2.1 million tons and employment had declined severely. LTV acquired full ownership of the facility in mid-1986. Under LTV Steel ownership the mine consistently produced between 6.5 and 7.5 million tons annually, employment was doubled, and facilities modernized, including annual capital investments of approximately $20 million over the past five years. In 1991 LTV Steel Mining restarted the power plant at Taconite Harbor to provide lower cost electrical energy for the plant in Hoyt Lakes.

    Visit www.ltvsteel.com for the complete press release.

    Reported by: Al Miller, Dave Schauer and Mike Cleary




    Brown Update

    05/25:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown continued her trip on the St. Lawrence Seaway yesterday. The Brown passed through the Iroquois Lock at 6:45 p.m. She is expected to transit the Welland Canal sometime today or Friday. Check back for updates.

    Below are pictures of the Brown in the Iroquois Lock taken by Peter Carter
    The John W. Brown underway.
    A closer view.
    The Brown entering the Iroquois Lock.
    A close up of the guns mounted on her bow.
    The ships superstructure.
    The crew can be seen operating the Brown from the open bridge on top of the superstructure.
    Close up of her stern guns.
    The Brown exits the lock.
    The John W. Brown sails on.
    All pictures © 2000 Peter Carter

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    The vessel is expected to arrive in Toledo on May 27 to undergo weeks of rivet replacement. After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrive Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock.




    Section of Duluth Ore Dock Closed

    05/25:
    As of May 17, 2000 the East-side of the D.M.& I.R. Ore Dock #6 in Duluth was closed to any further ship loadings after that side of the ore dock was condemned by inspectors. Reportedly the underwater pilings of that side of the dock are in a deteriorated condition making the dock structure unstable. No repairs are planned. The West-side of the #6 ore dock will continue to be used. This is the side that is equipped with the modern conveyor belt shiploading system and is also the side of the dock where limestone is received.

    This new problem with dock #6 continues to add speculation to the future of the Duluth and Two Harbors ore docks. It has been widely rumored that the D.M.& I.R. Railway, which operates both facilities, is studying which facility to close if waterborne taconite shipments continue to decline from the Duluth ore dock, either from more all rail shipments or mine closures. Both the Duluth ore dock and the Two Harbors ore dock have strong positive and strong negative points to their continued long term operation.

    Reported by: Terry Sechen




    Iroquois Lock Traffic

    05/25:
    In addition to the John W. Brown, Wednesday was a busy day in the Seaway at the Iroquois Lock.

    Iryda downbound ahead of the Brown.
    Stern view of the Iryda.
    The Canadian Empress Locking through.
    The Diamond Star locking through.
    The Federal Fraser passing the Brown with the Canadian Empress following.

    Report and pictures by: Peter Carter




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 25

    On May 25, 1898, the Presque Isle was launched at the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland. The vessel is much better known as the cement carrier E.M. Ford, celebrating her 102nd birthday.

    May 25, 1941 -- The former Pere Marquette carferry PERE MARQUETTE 17 was re-christened CITY OF PETOSKEY.

    The wooden schooner J. C. DAUN was in her first year of service when she encountered a squall in Lake Erie on 25 May 1847 and she capsized five miles off Conneaut, Ohio. Four of the eleven on board were able to make it to her upturned keel, but one of them died of exposure during the night. In the morning, the schooner UNCLE SAM rescued the three remaining survivors. Later the steamer SARATOGA found the DAUN floating upside down, fully rigged with the bodies of some of the crew still lashed to the rigging. The DAUN was righted a few days later and towed in by the schooner D. SMART.

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

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




    Brown Update

    05/24: 3:00 p.m. update
    The John W. Brown was expected to clear the Snell lock on the St. Lawrence River at 3:10 p.m. this afternoon. The World War II Liberty ship is due at the Eisenhower Lock at approximately 4:00 p.m.

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    Reported by: Tom Moriarty




    Brown Update

    05/24: 2:30 p.m. update
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown departed the Beauharnois canal in the St. Lawrence Seaway at 10:50 a.m. today, entering lake St-Francis. She is expected to transit the Welland Canal during daylight hours on Thursday.

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    Reported by: Michel Raymond.




    Brown Update

    05/24:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown arrived in Montreal shortly before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday for her Seaway inspection. The Brown departed about 4:00 p.m. entering the Seaway for Toledo. She will pass through Lock 7 at Iroquois this morning and change pilots at Cape Vincent later in the day. She is expected to transit the Welland Canal during daylight hours on Thursday.

    Please e-mail with pictures or updates on the John W. Brown.

    The vessel is expected to arrive in Toledo on May 27 to undergo weeks of rivet replacement. After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrive Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock.

    Reported by: René Beauchamp and Ron Beaupre.




    Diamond Jack's River Tours 10th Anniversary

    05/24:
    After nine great seasons of riverboat tours on the Detroit River, Diamond Jack's River Tours will begin its tenth season May 30th. "They told me it couldn't be done in a tough city like Detroit," said Captain Bill Hoey, founder of the service. "But we showed everyone that Detroit is really a very friendly place. We started in 1991 carrying only 6,500 passengers that year. We worked to build the confidence of suburban neighbors about visiting downtown Detroit until we carried over 55,000 passengers on our tours and charters last year. Many suburbanites told us they hadn't been in Detroit for years, but now they come to the city by the bus loads to take our two hour Detroit River tour."

    For ten years now, Diamond Jack's has brought to residents and visitors of Metro Detroit, the unique opportunity to tour the beautiful Detroit River from its mini-ships Diamond Queen and Diamond Belle. These large and comfortable mini-ships operate the only sightseeing tour in the Port of Detroit. Patrons are invited to a unique and memorable maritime and historical experience designed to entertain the whole family. Diamond Jack's message is the story of the river from the founding of Detroit by Cadillac in 1701 to the present; the Detroit River has been a life-giving artery for the city, providing for its growth, change and sustenance for nearly 300 years.

    Departing from the Hart Plaza dock at the foot of Woodward behind the Ford Auditorium, one will be amazed by the variety of historic, cultural, and natural sights found along this important river and international boundary. Designated as an American Heritage River in 1998, the Detroit River region offers views of picturesque lighthouses, historic forts, plus famous industrial and commercial sites. Beautiful waterside mansions, cultural landmarks and wooded islands offer unspoiled natural beauty as seen along both the American and Canadian shores.

    Due to the great success in Detroit, Diamond Jack's is now announcing a new downriver Detroit River tour sailing from the port of Wyandotte Michigan. The company's famous historic mini-ship Diamond Jack will sail from Bishop Park in Wyandotte. This tour covers a completely different part of the Detroit River, from steel mills to beautiful natural wildlife habitats, including palatial mansions, lighthouses and other cultural and historic sites.

    Tours at both locations depart at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and are $12 for adults, $11 for Seniors and $9 for Children. From Hart Plaza in Detroit the Diamond Queen sails Tuesday through Sunday beginning May 30th, and from Bishop Park in Wyandotte the Diamond Jack sails Thursday through Sunday beginning June 1.

    Opening day at each location, Diamond Jack's is turning back the clock to 1990, charging only $8 for each ticket to celebrate their 10th year on the Detroit River.

    Visit www.diamondjack.com for more information.




    Twin Ports Report

    05/24:
    Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior is hosting a parade of 1,000-footers in the coming week. Indiana Harbor was there May 22 and James R. Barker was loading May 23. Also scheduled are Paul R. Tregurtha, May 22; Walter J. McCarthy Jr., May 24; Columbia Star, May 25; Mesabi Miner, May 27; and Paul R. Tregurtha, May 28. The only break is Algobay, which is due May 27.

    James R. Barker apparently is receiving a new paint job on the fly. The vessel clearly was wearing two shades of Interlake Red on May 23, with darker and apparently fresher paint extending from the bow about halfway down the port side. The difference was most obvious at the bow, where half the bow could seen in the darker color and the other half in a lighter shade, which presumably has resulted from fading since the last paint job.

    Indiana Harbor is becoming a regular in the Twin Ports this season. It took a break from its visit to the DMIR ore dock on May 22 to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal for delivery to Silver Bay, where the taconite plant has its own power generating station. The vessel is due back at the DMIR ore dock May 23 and again May 30, and June 5 and 11.

    Coast Guard Cutter Sundew departed Duluth on May 22 for Isle Royale, presumably to install buoys and maintain navigation aids.

    Grain traffic in the Twin Ports continues to plod along in an unspectacular fashion. The only elevator handling vessels May 23 was Cenex Harvest States, which was loading Gunay A in berth 2 and Calliope in Berth 1. Gunay A earlier loaded a partial cargo of bentonite at Hallett Dock 6.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Saginaw Update

    05/24:
    On Tuesday morning the current in the Saginaw River subsided enough to release the vessels that had been held. The Joseph H. Frantz was the first vessel to clear the river, leaving in what was described as "a controlled skid."

    At 7:00 a.m. the Algoway was in the Saginaw turning basin, assisted by the tug Gregory Busch attempting to turn.

    The Wolverine was at the Wirt dock in Saginaw. Apparently the vessel unloaded during the night and was waiting for the Algoway to pass.

    The Agawa Canyon was ready to depart the Burrough's dock, outbound.

    The H. Lee White was entering the system to unload.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    Toronto Update

    05/24:
    Three salties were in port on Sunday. The Andromeda was docked under the Atlas crane, Thorslake was at Pier 51 and Pan Voyager also at Pier 51. The Andromeda departed for the Welland Canal and Thorslake called for tugs to assist with her departure just before midnight. The only salty left in port Monday was Pan Voyager.

    Stephen B. Roman arrived on Sunday at Lafarge to unload cement.

    The name of the new city Police boat is MU 1 (Marine Unit). The boat came to Toronto from a Lake Erie port via the Welland Canal.

    Reported by: Gerry O




    April Stone Trade Down A Few Boatloads

    05/24:
    Stone shipments on the Great Lakes in April totaled 3,143,394 net tons, a decrease of about 4 cargoes compared to a year ago. Declining water levels are the culprit - demand for stone is projected to be strong in 2000. For the season, stone loadings are on pace with 1999.

    Reported by: the Lake Carriers' Association




    Promotion Announced

    05/24:
    Glen G. Nekvasil, Director of Communications for Lake Carriers' Association, has been promoted to Vice President - Corporate Communications. Prior to joining in LCA in 1983, Nekvasil was a Communications Assistant for Pickands Mather & Co., at that time the manager of the Interlake Steamship Company.

    In addition to his duties at LCA, Nekvasil is Secretary of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force of Toledo, Ohio, and Director of Media Relations for the Maritime Cabotage Task Force in Washington, DC.

    Reported by: the Lake Carriers' Association




    Marine Mart

    05/24:
    On Saturday, June 3 is the annual Lake Huron Lore Marine Society Flea Market held at the Port Huron Museum from 9am - 2pm. Please call (810) 982-0891 for more information.

    Reported by: Al Hart




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 24

    In 1980 the M/V BURNS HARBOR was christened for the Wilmington Trust Co., (Bethlehem Steel Co., Mgr.) Wilmington, DE.

    The CANADIAN OLYMPIC was launched in 1976

    CHICAGO TRADER arrived at Ashtabula, OH on May 24, 1977 for scrapping (scrapping did not begin until May 1, 1978 by Triad Salvage Inc.)

    The CLIFFS VICTORY set a record (by 2 minutes) for the fastest time from Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth, in 1953. She logged a time of 17 hours and 50 minutes. The CHARLES M. WHITE had been declared the fastest earlier that year by the Cleveland papers.

    ALEXANDER B. MOORE was launched at Bangor, Michigan on 24 May 1873. She was built by Theophilus Boston at a cost of $85,000. She was 247' overall, 223' keel and could carry 70,000 bushels of grain. Although designed as a 4-mast schooner, she was built as a 3-master. The fourth mast was added two years later.

    Data from: Joe Barr, David 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




    Current Continues to Hold Vessels

    05/23:
    On Monday the strong current from last week's rains kept four vessels at dock in the Saginaw River. The Navy minesweeper USS Defender, along with the tug Erika Kobasic, were the only vessels to depart the river. The pair departed Bay City on Monday morning. The Bay City Times reported that 4,000 visitors toured the Defender over the weekend.

    The Wolverine and the Joseph H. Frantz remained tied up at docks in the Bay City. Both ships are scheduled to unload in Saginaw.

    The Algoway and the Agawa Canyon remain at dock in the Saginaw area due to the current. Both vessels have been docked near Saginaw since last Thursday, and radio traffic between them suggests that neither will be departing soon.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Brian Ferguson




    Brown Enters Seaway

    05/23:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W Brown entered the St. Lawrence Seaway early Monday morning and picked up a pilot at Escoumins pilot station. The Brown was expected to change pilots at the Quebec City pilot station late Monday afternoon then continue on westward to arrive in Montreal about 8:00 a.m. Today. In Montreal she will anchor for Seaway inspection. She is expected to be underway at noon, this schedule would put her at Cape Vincent about noon on Wednesday.

    If you happen to get pictures of the Brown please e-mail.

    The vessel is expected to arrive in Toledo on May 27 to undergo weeks of rivet replacement. After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrive Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock.

    Reported by: Frederick Frechette and Brian Hope.




    Great Lakes Fleet in the Twin Ports

    05/23:
    GLF's AAA boats are scheduled to make another round of stone deliveries to the DMIR ore docks in Duluth. John G. Munson was due there May 22, Philip R. Clarke is due May 24, Arthur M. Anderson on May 28, and Cason J. Callaway is due May 30. After unloading stone, these boats generally proceed to Two Harbors to load taconite pellets from Minntac.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Iroquois Lock Traffic

    05/23:
    Monday was a busy day in the Seaway at the Iroquois Lock.

    Algoville entering the Iroquois Lock.
    Stern view of the Algoville exiting the lock.
    The Canadian Century unloading in Prescott Harbor.
    The Pontokratis using her anchor to position herself for the lock.
    Kapitonis Kaminskas entering the lock downbound .
    Close up of the Kapitonis Kaminskas' super structure. A car can be seen above the ships name.
    Thorslake entering the lock.
    Detail view of the Thorslake Stern.
    Close up of the Thorslake mast in the down position.

    Report and pictures by: Peter Carter




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 23

    The WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY was re-christened on May 23,1990 as b) PAUL R. TREGURTHA. She is the largest ship on the Great Lakes and also the last Great Lakes ship built at AmShip, Lorain.

    H. LEE WHITE completed sea trials on May 23, 1974

    The FRED R. WHITE Jr. completed her two day sea trials in 1979.

    The steel freighter SONOMA was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan on 23 May 1903. She was 416 feet long, 4539 gross tons. Through her career she had various names: DAVID S. TROXEL (1924), SONOMA (1927) and finally FRED L. HEWITT (1950). She was built for the Tomlinson fleet. She was converted to an automobile carrier in 1928, converted back to a bulk carrier in 1942 and then converted to a barge for grain storage in 1955. She was finally scrapped in 1962 at Steel Co. of Canada Ltd. at Hamilton, Ontario.

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

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




    Great Lakes Trader

    05/22:
    The new barge Great Lakes Trader is under final construction at the Halter Marine Group shipyard in New Orleans. The barge was constructed in two halves at Halter Marine's yard in Pearlington, Miss. and then towed to the New Orleans yard to be joined together and outfitted.

    The barge is expected to depart from the Gulf on May 28 and arrive on the lakes by mid-June.

    The Trader will be the 16th largest carrier on the Great Lakes with maximum seaway dimensions of 740 x 78 feet. The self-unloading barge was built for Great Lakes Marine Leasing, with the barge to be operated by VanEnkevort Tug and Barge of Escanaba. She will be pushed by the tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort. The Van Enkevort sailing to the gulf last fall.

    Pictures of the barge under construction
    A stern view of the barge at Halter Marine's shipyard in New Orleans.
    Close up of the vessels name.
    The boom waiting to be installed.

    Report and pictures by: Alex Rankine




    Lake Erie Update

    05/22:
    Sunday was a very busy day in Conneaut and Ashtabula, Ohio. The Algobay loaded coal in Conneaut to a 26 ft draft. She left at 2:45pm. Over in Ashtabula, the Middletown and Adam E. Cornelius both arrived and unloaded and then departed at 3:00 p.m. It was quite a sight to see both vessel backing out of the East Slip at the same time. Each vessel turned themselves and headed through the breakwall gap bow first.

    The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin made her first visit to Ashtabula to load coal. She was loading while the other vessels departed to the west. During all of this there was no tug activity. All three vessels made their way in and out without assistance from the tugs.

    Reported by: Mike Madigan




    Sarina Update

    05/22:
    A new excursion vessel is expected to operate out of the Bridgeview Marina in Sarnia. The Macassa Bay is an owned by McKeil Marine, built in '86 and is 93-feet x 29-feet x 10-feet. The marina is completing extensive dredging, a new seawall and slip construction.

    The last week the McKee Sons was anchored with her bow facing the river at the Government slip where crews are preparing her to sail. Her date of departure is unknown.

    Reported by: Barry Hiscocks




    Toronto Update

    05/22:
    Empire Sandy returned to her home port Sunday and fired off her cannons on arrival.

    The Irma departed Pier 51 with the assistance of McKeil tugs. The saltie Andromeda arrived in port shortly after midnight.

    Seaflight 2000 has begun cross lake service with the hydrofoil Seaflight I running. The company has not posted schedule.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Boatnerd Gathering

    05/22:
    Will you be in the Soo? The first Annual meeting of the Boatnerds will be held June 30 during engineers day at the Soo Locks. Among planned events is a River and Locks Cruise aboard the Chief Shingwauk. The 3 hour boat chasing cruise is only $15.00 per person.

    Click here for more information




    The Winner Is

    05/22:
    The latest winner in the weekly drawing was Mike Holmberg of Eagan, MN. Mike will have his pick of the prizes listed on the User Survey page.

    Included in the prizes are the new books donated by the Marine Publishing Company.

    Click here to enter, you could be our winner next Monday.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 22

    The A.H. FERBERT (2) was launched this day in 1942. May 22nd was the tenth National Maritime Day and on that day 21 other ships were launched nationwide to celebrate the occasion. The "super" IRVING S. OLDS was launched the same day at Lorain, OH. This marked the last of the "Super Carrier" build program. The others were the BENJAMIN F. FAIRLESS, LEON FRASER and ENDERS M. VOORHEES.

    The SIR THOMAS SHAUGHNESSY sailed under her own power down the Seaway on May 22, 1969 for the last time and arrived at Quebec City.

    BAYFAIR was launched as the a) COALHAVEN in 1928.

    While bound for Escanaba, MI to load ore, the JOSEPH BLOCK grounded at Porte des Morts Passage, on Green Bay, May 22, 1968 and was released the same day by the Roen tug ARROW. The BLOCK's hull damage extended to 100 bottom plates. Surrendered to the under-writers and sold in June that year to Lake Shipping Inc.

    The 143' wooden brig JOSEPH was launched at Bay City, Michigan on 21 May 1867. She was built for Alexander Tromley & Company.

    May 21, 1923 -- The ANN ARBOR NO. 4 was refloated after sinking at Frankfort the previous February.

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

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




    Current Holds Vessel in Saginaw

    05/21:
    A strong current from last week's rains have kept many vessels at dock in the Saginaw River. This current has moved a lot of logs and brush floating down stream, some of it piling up against the channel markers. The channel markers seem to be straining against their moorings and are partly submerged in the current.

    On Saturday the Agawa Canyon was still docked at the Burroughs Dock north of the I-75 bridge, she had arrived on Thursday and unloaded. The boom is up and out of its cradled. The forward mooring winches were connected to it and a crew member was seen working on top of the boom about two thirds of the way down, where the rigging meets the boom. This was part of some scheduled maintenance.

    The Algorail was still tied up at Saginaw Rock, where she has been since Friday morning. The vessel may have moved up to the turning basin early Friday and tried for several hours to turn before giving up.

    The Joseph H. Frantz was tied up at Essexville and the Wolverine was tied up at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City.

    On Friday the U.S. Navy Mine sweeper USS Defender came in to the river and docked at Wenona Park in downtown Bay City. Along with the mine sweeper was the tug Erika Kobasic, which is assisting the USS Defender in the river. The vessel will be open for tours today and is expected to depart Monday morning.

    Click here for a Great Lakes port schedule of U.S. Navy Vessels

    Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan, Brian Ferguson and Win Case.




    Buffalo Update

    05/21:
    The Kinsman Independent will return to Buffalo some time this morning. The U.S. bulk grain carrier will dock about two boat lengths behind the Kinsman Enterprise sitting at the Great Northern Elevator.

    Her trip to General Mills will mark the first time since 1989 that two straight deckers have been in the Buffalo Ship Canal together.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Toronto Update

    05/21:
    The Strange Attractor departed Toronto at 17:00 Friday. She was moved with the assistance of McKeil tugs. The Saltie Irma was unloading at Pier 51.

    The conversion of Kajama to schooner status is almost done. Her topmasts have been stepped and the rigging is complete. She run charters around Toronto in the near future. Information about Kajama can be found on the Great Lakes Schooner Co. website.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Empire Sandy Passes Brockville

    05/21:
    Sailing in the Seaway near Brockville Thursday was the Empire Sandy. The vessel is sailing from a winter spent working in Nassau. The Sandy was due in Toronto on Saturday night where she will spent the summer working as a charter boat.

    The Empire Sandy underway.


    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Brown Headed For Lakes

    05/21:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown passed through the Cape Cod Canal Wednesday heading for the lakes. The vessel is expected to arrive in Toledo on May 27 to undergo weeks of rivet replacement.

    John W. Brown approaching the bridges in Bourne, shot from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
    John W. Brown passing under the railroad bridge in Bourne (stern shot).
    John W. Brown framed under the Bourne Bridge (stern shot).
    John W. Brown nearing the end of the canal.

    After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrive Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock.

    Report and pictures by: Richard Jenkins




    Mail Boat Captain Speaks

    05/21:
    In a one hour talk before the Great Lakes Maritime Institute at the Dossin Museum on Belle Isle, Capt. Sam Buchanan outlined the history and operations of the J.W. Westcott Company. For over one hundred years Captain Westcott and his descendents have operated a messenger, delivery service and U.S. Mail services to the passing ships on the Detroit River. The Captain's talk detailed the operation of the only U.S. Mail boat with its own zip code, 48222.

    Picture of Capt. Buchanan speaking at the museum.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 21

    The AMERICAN REPUBLIC’s maiden voyage was on May 21, 1981 from Sturgeon Bay light to Escanaba, Mich. to load ore pellets for Cleveland, Ohio.

    HENRY G. DALTON's maiden voyage was on May 21, 1916.

    UNITED STATES GYPSUM (2) in tow of the German tug FAIRPLAY X was lost in heavy weather on May 21, 1973 near Syndey, Nova Scotia.

    The G.A. TOMLINSON (2) stranded near Buffalo, NY on Lake Erie May 21, 1974 suffering an estimated $150,000 in damage.

    The 143' wooden brig JOSEPH was launched at Bay City, Michigan on 21 May 1867. She was built for Alexander Tromley & Company.

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

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




    Sunny Blossom Update

    05/20:
    The tanker Sunny Blossom has remained aground off Lancaster, ONT. in the St. Lawrence Seaway since Wednesday. The cause of the grounding is unknown but tugs were expected to have vessel free yesterday. The tanker was carrying a load of chemicals to a paper mill in Cornwall, ONT. No damage or loss of cargo was reported.

    On April 24, 1999 the tanker grounded in the Seaway 3/10 of a mile North of Allan Otty Shoal in Lake Ontario.

    The Bahamian-registry chemical tanker was built in 1986 and has weights of 11,598 gross tons and 19,993 deadweight tons. Dimensions are 527 feet 7 inches in length, 74 feet 11 inches in beam and draft of 39 feet 5 inches.

    Reported by: John Stark




    John W. Brown Update

    05/20:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown is due at the Cabot calling station off the south-east coast of Nova-Scotia today at 9:00 a.m. She is expected at the Les Escoumains pilot station on Sunday.

    Reported by: Jeff Cameron and Bruno Boissonneault




    Columbia Star in Muskegon

    05/20:
    Oglebay-Norton's Columbia Star is due to visit Consumers Energy's B.C. Cobb power plant in Muskegon at 9:00 a.m. this morning with a load of PRB coal.

    Due to the heavy rain in Michigan over the past few days, the river levels are up over two feet from a week ago. The Star took a load of 62,081 tons instead of the previously scheduled max of 60,000 tons.

    Reported by: Ken Boerman




    Brockville Update

    05/20:
    Interesting traffic sailing in the Seaway near Brockville yesterday included:

    Kapitan Rudnev sailing for Clarkston.
    Stern view.
    United sailing downbound.

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Buffalo Elevator Set For Demolition

    05/20:
    The Eastern States grain elevator and mill in Tonawanda is set to be demolished on the May 21 at 9:30 a.m. The bins had been partially dismantled during early May to prepare the rest of the structure for implosion. Eastern States will be the first large size Buffalo area elevator to come down by implosion.

    After standing sentinel over a changing city since 1913, the 200 foot tall headhouse and milling block will be dropped to the ground in six seconds that morning.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Mail Boat Captain to Speak Today

    05/20:
    Legendary Mail Boat Capt. Sam Buchanan will discuss the maritime mail delivery system at 11:00 a.m. this morning at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Capt. Buchanan is the Fleet Captain for the J.W. Westcott Co. in Detroit. Admission to the museum on Belle Isle is $2 for adults, and $1 for seniors and children.

    The museum will also be showing a Folk Art Exhibit featuring mail buckets.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 20

    On May 20, 1909 while lying at the Lackawanna Coal Dock at Buffalo, NY, the LeGRAND S. DEGRAFF was struck by the SONORA which caused $4,000 in damage to the DEGRAFF.

    The STANDARD PORTLAND CEMENT sank on Lake Huron two miles above Port Huron, MI in a collision with the steamer AUGUST ZIESING on May 20, 1960 with no loss of life.

    On May 20, 1967 during docking maneuvers in the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River, the W.W. HOLLOWAY's KaMeWa propeller shaft sheared off and the propeller reportedly sank to the bottom.

    The MERCURY (2) was launched May 20, 1912 as a) RENOWN.

    HENRY STEINBRENNER (4) was launched May 20, 1916 as a) WILLIAM A. McGONAGLE (2)

    On 20 May 1862, BAY CITY (wooden propeller tug, 199', 480 t, built in 1852 at Trenton, MI) sprang a leak in a storm and sank near Port Burwell, Ontario. She then washed in to shallow water. Her crew was rescued by the tug WINSLOW. Her engine and boiler were removed in June and July of that year.

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

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




    Saltie Grounds

    05/19:
    The tanker Sunny Blossom went aground off Lancaster, ONT. in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Navigation was suspended and at least one vessel ready to leave Montreal for the lakes was held up. The Sun Bird bound for Hamilton was waiting for the Seaway to open.

    Reported by: René Beauchamp




    American Mariner Scheduled to Load

    05/19:
    The American Mariner is scheduled to load coal at the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, WI. on June 2.

    The vessel has been under repair at the Toledo Shipyard since late April. The Mariner struck Light Seven in the Lake Huron cut on April 28 after suffering a steering failure.

    Pictures by Teresa Parker
    Damaged to the hull before repairs began.
    Another view.
    Toledo Shipyard crews working to repair the damaged hull.
    Another view.

    Reported by: Steven Sliwka




    Twin Ports Report

    05/19:
    In a move that's rarely seen anymore, two ships were docked May 18 on the west side of Cenex Harvest States in Superior. Lok Rajeshwari was finishing its load at Berth 1 while Federal Oshima was docked ahead in the layby berth. At one time, the elevator would load ships in both these berths, but that hasn't been done for many years, and even the layby berth is rarely used by vessels. Federal Oshima is expected to shift astern to the loading berth Thursday evening after Lok Rajeshwari departs.

    Grain traffic in the Twin Ports has been slow all week, but that's expected to change in the next few days. Federal Saguenay was due in late May 18, and May 20 is expected to bring Lynx, Calliope and Pilica to load grain and Gunay A to load bentonite at the Hallett dock.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Seaway Update

    05/19:
    Entering the St. Lawrence Seaway on May 13 bound for Hamilton from New York were two tugs recently acquired by McKeil Marine. One of the tugs was the former M. Moran having been renamed Salvager by McKeil before her departure from New York. The other is Esther Moran which had her name painted out before her departure and was towed by Salvager all the way from New York. She was not at the end of an hawser but rather lashed alongside. McKeil is to acquired two other tugs in a few weeks to be based in Montreal. Those two tugs will be coming from Newfoundland having been operated by Esso. Their names have not been released yet.

    Groupe Ocean welcomed the addition of another new tug in Montreal on May 12 when a tug named H-9901 arrived from Halifax where she was waiting for a purchaser. She had been delivered from the Groupe Ocean owned shipyard at Ile-aux-Coudres last year and arrived at Halifax in December where she was up for sale. The H-9901 is a sister to Ocean Intrepide and Ocean Jupiter already in service in Montreal.

    Sold by the STQ (Société des Traversiers du Québec) to private investors is the ferry Trois-Rivières. The investors plan to convert the ferry to a cruise ship that will look like the three CSL cruise ships which plied the St. Lawrence River until the mid-sixties. Similar to the Richelieu, St. Lawrence and Tadoussac. The ferry is to be converted at the Verreault Shipyard at Les Méchins on the lower St. Lawrence River.

    Logistec Navigation recently purchased a vessel to be used on the Arctic run. She will arrive in Montreal next month and will replace their Lucien Paquin which likely will be scrapped. The name of the vessel is kept secret at this time.

    Reported by: René Beauchamp




    Busy Day for Saginaw

    05/19:
    Thursday saw six vessels crowding the Saginaw River.

    The Agawa Canyon completed unloading early this morning at the GM dock in Saginaw, but remained in the area tied up at the Burroughs Dock north of the I-75 bridge. It is believed that a combination of the weather and position of the tanker Gemini kept her in the river.

    The Algoway arrived at the Sargent's dock north of the I-75 bridge at about 3:00 p.m. and was unloading. The Algoway had unloaded part of her cargo downriver in Essexville Thursday morning before sailing up to Saginaw. The Algoway was expected to depart early this morning after the Gemini departs.

    The Buffalo was arriving at Saginaw Rock Products near the First Street turning basin in Saginaw at 4:30 p.m. and departed at 8:40 p.m.

    The tanker Gemini arrived at the Marathon dock in Bay City at 5:00 p.m. The tanker was docked directly across the river from the Luedtke dredge and barge, near one of the railroad bridges in Bay City. This position made for a tight squeeze in the river.

    The Joseph H. Frantz was entering the river late in the evening heading to the Essexville Sand and Stone dock. After lightering she will head up finish unloading in Saginaw.

    The last vessel to arrive Thursday was the tug Erika Kobasic. Her destination and reason for the visit was unknown.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    Lift Bridge Horn to Return

    05/19:
    Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge will soon regain its full voice. The bridge's loud locomotive-type air horns were replaced over the winter with quieter, Coast Guard-approved horns. However, this spring several local residents criticized the quieter horns, saying they damaged the bridge's heritage. Boaters also complained that the new horn could not be heard at the required one-mile distance. After a couple weeks of protests, city officials agreed to re-install the old horns within a month.

    Reported by: Al Miller, Steve Haverty and Ken Newhams




    Steamship William G. Mather Crew Reunion

    05/19:
    Former crew of the Str. William G. Mather (Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. fleet, 1925 - 1980) are invited to celebrate the Mather's 75th year afloat on the anniversary of its launching, May 23, 2000. The Mather, is now a museum ship permanently moored on downtown Cleveland, Ohio's lakefront. An onboard rededication ceremony will begin at 2 PM followed by refreshments and tours. For reservations and information, former Mather crew members can call the Museum at (216) 574-9053. Click here to visit the Mather web site.




    Mail Boat Captain to Speak at Museum

    05/19:
    Legendary Mail Boat Capt. Sam Buchanan will discuss the maritime mail delivery system at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Capt. Buchanan is the Fleet Captain for the J.W. Westcott Co. in Detroit. Admission to the museum on Belle Isle is $2 for adults, and $1 for seniors and children.

    The museum will also be showing a Folk Art Exhibit featuring mail buckets.




    Special Diamond Jack's River Cruises

    05/19:
    On Sunday, June 25th a special all day cruise with luncheon and dinner buffets will depart from Diamond Jacks Stroh's dock in Detroit to the Toledo Shipyard.

    The cruise will include a tour of the drydock while the World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown is undergoing work.

    Diamond Jacks will also run a 2 1/2 hour trip to see the departure of the John W. Brown from Windsor Ont. and lead her into Lake St. Clair on Saturday July 22.

    Both trips are available by reservation only. To receive a reservation form call 313-843-9376 and ask Shelley to put you on the list. Reservation forms will be sent out by Diamond Jacks about one month in advance of each trip. First come first served, space is very limited.

    Space on Diamond Jacks 10th anniversary trip from Detroit to Port Huron and back on Sunday May 28th with dinner at the St. Clair Inn is just about sold out at $65. Hurry if you would like join this cruise.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 19

    SIR THOMAS SHAUGHNESSY was launched May 19, 1906.

    On May 19, 1973 the METEOR (2) was moved from the Pipeline Tankers dock to a permanent berth on Barkers Island at Superior to serve as a museum ship.

    B.F. JONES (2) and EDWARD S. KENDRICK towed by the Polish tug KORAL and arrived for scrapping at Castellon, Spain, near Barcelona on the Mediterranean Sea, on May 19, 1973, a trip of over 4,000 miles.

    The LAKE WINNIPEG in tow of the tug IRVING CEDAR arrived in Sacavém, North of Lisbon, Portugal on May 19, 1985. She was the largest Canadian laker and the first Seaway sized ship, as of that date, to be scrapped.

    On 19 May 1835, PARROTT (wooden 2-mast schooner, 43', 20 t, built in 1834 at Ashtabula, OH) sailed for Detroit carrying iron, glass, whiskey, and hogs on deck. She never made it. The following day, west of Ashtabula, many of the hogs swam ashore and later a lot of gear from the boat drifted to the beach. No storm is mentioned and all six onboard lost their lives. She had been enrolled to a new owner the day before she set sail.

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

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




    Brown Headed For Lakes

    05/18:
    The World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown was spotted on the East coast in the Cape Cod Canal Wednesday heading for the lakes. The vessel is expected to arrive in Toledo on May 27 to undergo rivet replacement. After rivet replacement the vessel will tour lower lakes ports and open for tours and offer locals one of the vessel's famous "Living History Day Cruises." All cruises are sold out except for the cruise departing from Toronto.

    On Sunday, 6 August, the John W. Brown will conduct one of the famous cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    The Brown's schedule is below:
    27 May - arrive Toledo
    14 July - at Toledo public berth
    22 July - Detroit cruise
    25 July - arrive Erie
    29 July - Cleveland cruise
    1 Aug - arrive Buffalo
    6 Aug - Toronto cruise
    10 Aug - arrive Montreal
    18 Aug - arrive Halifax
    25 Aug - arrive Baltimore

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit the Brown's web site at www.liberty-ship.com

    Diamond Jack's River Tours of Detroit will offer a special cruise on June 25 from Detroit to the Toledo shipyard with a walk through of the dry dock. Watch this page for details.

    Reported by: Richard Jenkins




    Kinsman Enterprise Moved

    05/18:
    The Kinsman Enterprise was unexpectedly towed up the City Ship Canal to the ADM (ex. Pillsbury) Great Northern Elevator on Wednesday. This was the first time a ship has docked at this facility since the Enterprise was laid up there in 1989-90.

    This is expected to be a temporary move since the Great Northern was built in 1897 and has not been in use for many years.

    ADM has requested demolition permits for the structure so they can add a new elevator to their existing flour mill but the city has turned down the permits at the request of local preservationists.

    The elevator section is one of only two remaining examples of brick box construction. The exterior brick walls are only a weather barrier while the structure is supported by steel columns on the inside.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Next Step for Mackinaw Replacement

    05/18:
    The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved $110 million to build a new Coast Guard icebreaker for the Great Lakes. The vessel would replace the venerable Mackinaw, which was built during World War II. The bill including money for the new icebreaker goes to the full House on May 24.

    For more information visit the Coast Guard's Great Lakes Icebreaking Capability Replacement Project web site.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Busy Day for Grand Haven

    05/18:
    Wednesday was a busy day in Grand Haven, MI. The Wilfred Sykes went to Meekhof's in Grand Haven with a cargo of stone. David Z. Norton also carried a cargo of stone unloading at the Verplanks dock. The Southdown Conquest arrived to unload a cargo of cement.

    Reported by: David Swain




    Twin Ports Report

    05/18:
    St. Clair was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior on the morning of May 17. Back in the old days (the early '80s), the St. Clair and Belle River were about the only boats to call at the terminal. In recent years, however, St. Clair has paid only occasional visits to the dock.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Cleveland Update

    05/18:
    The Earl W. Oglebay was unloading ore at the upper LTV dock Wednesday evening. The taconite piles look very small for this time of year at LTV.

    The J.A.W. Iglehart was unloading cement at the Lafarge terminal on the old river.

    The Federal Rhine is docked at the Lakefront Docks waiting to finish its unload this morning.

    The Whiskey Island Hullets have been completely removed from their lakefront location. The two designated for preservation are now disassembled and moved about 200 feet back from the bulkhead.

    Reported by: Rex Cassidy




    Toronto Update

    05/18:
    On Sunday only the Strange Attractor and Spar Jade remained in port. The fueling vessel Hamilton Energy came into port mid afternoon. By Tuesday afternoon the Strange Attractor had moved into Redpath Sugar to unload.

    The Empire Sandy arrived in Quebec City at midnight Sunday on her return trip from Nassau. She took Sea Cadets out for a charter while in Halifax and another group in Quebec City on Monday. The Sandy is due in Toronto on Saturday night.

    Toronto harbor will soon have amphibious tours. A new charter company will begin late in May. Amphibious buses will cross to the City Center Airport on the ferry Maple City and will launch themselves into the harbor from the sea plane ramp. Once the harbor tour is completed, they will again use the sea plane ramp and will cross back to the city on the ferry.

    As reported earlier, the long idle Public Works Dept. dredge Progress III, built in 1951 by Muir Bros. at Port Dalhousie, has been sold. It was towed out of Blockhouse Bay last week by McKeil tugs and was reported to have been taken to either Hamilton or Montreal.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 18

    The ATWATER departed Sandusky, OH May 18, 1925 on her maiden voyage loaded with coal bound for Duluth, MN. She was the first freighter on the Great Lakes equipped with a gyro compass.

    The JOHNSTOWN (2) cleared Erie May 18, 1985 for Quebec City under tow bound for Spain for scrapping. This vessel was the first post-war built U.S. laker to be scrapped.

    On May 18, 1903 the MAUNALOA hit and sank the 69 foot wooden tug EDWARD GILLEN at Superior, WI

    May 18, 1992 -- The BADGER made her maiden voyage for the newly formed Lake Michigan Carferry Service.

    On 18 May 1853, CITIZEN (wooden schooner, 54 t, built in 1847 at Manitowoc) was driven aground 6 miles north of Chicago. The U. S. Navy steamer MICHIGAN tried in vain to pull her off, breaking a 14" hawser in the process. She was reportedly the first vessel built at Manitowoc, WI.

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

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




    Calcite II Heads for Ship Yard

    05/17:
    Calcite II's stay in the Sturgeon Bay shipyard this week is expected to be brief. The vessel is due at Bay Shipbuilding on May 18 and should depart sometime on May 19. She will then sail to Brevort to load Sand.

    Reported by: David French and Al Miller




    Busy season for Cruise Ships in Quebec City

    05/17:
    The 2000 cruise ship season began on May 13 with the arrival of the Rembrandt carrying 1400 passengers. The Quebec Port Authority announced this week that from May to October, cruise ships will make 68 calls in Quebec City carrying a total of 45,000 passengers. This is an increase of 7000 passengers over 1999. The largest arrivals will be the Crown Princess on September 6 with 1910 passengers and the Splendor of the Seas with 1800 passengers. The peak period occurs in September with the popular Fall foliage cruises on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. Most of these cruises originate from New York and Boston with stops in Halifax, Gaspe ,Quebec and Montreal.

    The Quebec Port Authority is holding public hearings concerning the location and building of a new cruise ship terminal. Port officials favor the upgrading of the present site of the Old Port at the foot of the Chateau Frontenac. Other interests, including the City Mayor, favors a site west of the City at the Anse au Foulon harbour facilities. This site was a former transatlantic passenger terminal during the 1950's and 1960's.

    Reported by: Frederick Frechette




    U.S. Navy Vessel Departs Canal

    05/17:
    The second U.S. Navy minesweeper USS Kingfisher departed the Welland Canal upbound at Port Colborne at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. She crossed the lake and dropped anchor off Van Buren Point, just South of Dunkirk Harbor. She will lay at anchor for the night before heading up the lake. The coastal mine hunter will be in Toledo, Ohio from May 18 - 23.

    Click here for more information.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Goderich Update

    05/17:
    May has been very busy for the Port of Goderich. The Algorail, Agawa Canyon and Cuyahoga all visited the port to load cargoes of salt in the first two weeks of the month. The salt tonnage has ranged from a high of 25,000 tons to a low of 14,500 depending on the destination port.

    For the period May 15 to 24 the following vessels are due to load salt.
    Algowood for Milwaukee
    Agawa Canyon for Green Bay
    Canadian Century for Johnstown
    Algoway for Marinette
    Algowood for Milwaukee
    Algowest for Buffalo
    Algorail for Green Bay/Marinette
    The Oakglen is scheduled to arrive today for the Goderich Elevators and a new Fednav vessel is due May 20 for soybean loading.

    Reported by: MacDonald Marine Limited




    Lake Erie Ferry Launched

    05/17:
    The M/V VICTORY was relaunched late Monday afternoon at Shrock's Marina after spending winter lay-up there. Her 5 year hull inspection was completed earlier in the month and work was done on here fuel tank and new fuel piping was installed.

    Tuesday afternoon she departed for her dock at Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie. The 68-foot 100 passenger vessel VICTORY is owned by Middle Bass Boat Line of Middle Bass, Ohio. She serves on the Middle Bass to Put-in Bay run on weekends during the summer months and is chartered out during the week.




    High Water Closes Canal

    05/17:
    Several sections of the Erie Canal System are closed because of high water levels after last weekends heavy rains. The Erie Canal will be closed for a week between locks E-2 near Waterford and E-27 near Lyons New York. The entire Oswego Canal and Seneca River section will be closed for a week. The Canal is very high and is choked with debris making it unsafe for traffic until the water recedes.

    Reported by: Ron LaDue




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 17

    BUCKEYE MONITOR was launched May 17, 1913 as a) ALTON C. DUSTIN.

    NORTHCLIFFE HALL (2) collided with the Cuban salty CARLOS MANUEL DE CESPEDES in the St. Lawrence River above the Eisenhower Lock on May 17, 1980.

    The E.G. GRACE arrived at Ramey's Bend May 17, 1984 in tow of the tugs GLENEVIS and GLENSIDE for scrapping. May 17, 1941 -- The Ludington Daily News reported that the former carferry PERE MARQUETTE 17, which had been purchased by the state department for use at the Straits of Mackinac, was to be re-named CITY OF PETOSKEY.

    The schooner ST. ANDREWS was launched at A. Muir's shipyard on the Black River in Port Huron, Michigan on 17 May 1875. This was a rebuild job, but Mr. Muir stated that it was the most complete rebuild he ever undertook since there was only a portion of the keel and bottom left from the old hull. Her new dimensions were 135' keel x 30' x 14', 425 tons (an increase of 102 tons).

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

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




    McKee Sons Arrives in Sarnia

    05/16:
    The barge McKee Sons arrived under tow late Sunday night at the Government dock in Sarnia for final preparations before she begins the new season.

    The tug Mary Page Hannah was towing from the bow of the McKee Sons and the Jimmy L was on the stern. To maneuver into the dock the tow was moved a short distance down the St. Clair River to turn at the Black River and then approach the Government Dock upbound.

    After the Paul R. Tregurtha passed downbound and the Halifax passed upbound, the tow proceeded upbound. The tow appeared to have problems with the swift current in the river as they passed the Algocatalyst at the Sydney E. Smith Dock and the McKee Sons came very close to the Algocatalyst. Fighting the current the tow was able to reach the Government Dock with out further incident.

    A new tug is sailing for the lakes to push the barge, the unnamed tug is reported to be coming from Texas and should arrive in about three weeks. The vessel will sail under the U.S. flag for the Grand River Navigation Company of Cleveland, OH. Grand River is affiliated with the Lower Lakes Towing Company, Port Dover, ON.

    Reported by: Jamie Kerwin




    Canada Steamship Lines And Upper Lakes Group Finalize Deal

    05/16:
    (MONTREAL, QUEBEC) -- May 15, 2000 -- Sam Hayes, President of Canada Steamship Lines Inc. Montreal (CSL) and Marcel Rivard, President and CEO of Upper Lakes Group Inc. Toronto (ULGI), have today announced that CSL has finalized on May 12, 2000 its purchase of ULGI's 50% share in Marbulk Canada Inc. (MCI). Prior to the sale, MCI was owned 50% by ULGI and 50% by Algoma Central Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. (Algoma).

    Marbulk Shipping Inc., a subsidiary of MCI, operates a fleet of eight (8) self-unloading bulk carriers serving customers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. CSL International Inc. (CSLI), a subsidiary of CSL, also operates a fleet of international self-unloading bulk carriers. Most of its ships are in a shipping pool with those of the German shipowner Egon Oldendorff (EO).

    With the finalization of the Marbulk share acquisition, CSLI has announced that it will expand the self-unloader pool to include several of the Marbulk ships. The new CSL/EO/Marbulk pool will include 7 panamax and 6 handy size self-unloaders. CSLI will continue to manage the pool on behalf of the pool members and will be responsible for all commercial activities including marketing, scheduling, and customer service.

    Rod Jones, the President of CSLI, said: "The international self-unloader business has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. It started as a small segmented business comprised mostly of industrial companies running their own ships in dedicated trades. It has evolved to a dynamic multiple user business and is now serviced most efficiently by a large pool of interchangeable assets. The new CSL/EO/Marbulk pool is well positioned to provide the flexible and reliable service that our customers demand."

    Several of the Marbulk ships are employed in long term dedicated contracts and will not be available to the pool. CSLI will also provide the commercial management for most of these vessels on behalf of Marbulk. Jones continues: "Marbulk has several excellent long term contracts and relationships with key customers in Europe, Asia and North America. We can assure all of Marbulk's customers that they will continue to enjoy the same high quality of attention and service that they have come to expect from Marbulk."

    Peter Cresswell, the President and CEO of Algoma, said: "We are very pleased to have CSL as a new shareholder in Marbulk. International shipping is becoming a blend of joint ventures, partnerships and shipping pools. Through Marbulk we already have a strong partnership with the well-known German shipowner Bernhard Schulte. Together with CSL, we expect to grow and strengthen our international business."

    CSL traces its history back to 1845 and is based in Montreal, Canada. In addition to its interest in CSLI, it owns and operates a fleet of eleven (11) self-unloaders and one bulker, all under Canadian flag.

    Algoma, based in Sault Ste. Marie and St. Catharines (Ontario), is a publicly listed (Toronto Stock Exchange: ALC) company involved in shipping and real estate. The company was founded in 1899 and now operates a fleet of fourteen (14) self-unloaders, nine (9) dry bulk vessels and eight (8) product tankers trading on the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and in Eastern Canada.




    Calcite II Heads for Ship Yard

    05/16:
    The Calcite II is due at Bay Shipbuilding early on Thursday for unspecified repairs. She will head to the ship yard after unloading in Green Bay, WI. It is unknown how long she will be out of service.

    Reported by: David French




    CSL Niagara Visits Lake Michigan Ports

    05/16:
    On Monday Canada Steamship Lines' CSL Niagara made its first visit ever to Muskegon, MI. The 740-foot vessel docked at the Verplank dock and unloaded stone. She departed shortly before 10:00 a.m. and headed south on Lake Michigan for Meekhof's Stone in Grand Haven to finish unloading.

    Reported by: Scott Best and David Swain




    Cuyahoga in Saginaw

    05/16:
    Monday night the Cuyahoga was outbound from the First Street turning basin in Saginaw after discharging cargo at the Buena Vista dock near the I-75 Bridge.

    This was the Cuyahoga's first visit to the Saginaw River this season. The vessel's new diesel engine seems to be serving her well, if her impressive turn in the basin was any indication.

    In a rather unusual maneuver, the vessel proceeded through the turning basin, then backed to the left, with her stern approaching the east bank. The bow of the vessel swung through a 180-degree arc in what appeared to be a single fluid motion until she was heading downstream.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    Canadian Transport Departs Pascol's Drydock

    05/16:
    The Canadian Transport departed Pascol Engineering's drydock in Thunder Bay late Sunday afternoon with the aid of three tugs. She was in the drydock for her five year inspection and repair. The Transport then went to anchor to take on ballast and then departed to load in Superior, Wisconsin. She arrived there sometime Monday.

    Reported by: Ron Konkol




    Malabar On The Move

    05/16:
    After being laid up facing an uncertain future, the Malabar is setting a course for home. Malabar, a 105-foot tall ship that had been sailing the Grand Traverse Bay for 13 years was declared unseaworthy last fall, and has not run since.

    Malabar is constructed with a ferro-concrete hull. Over the years, the hull has deteriorated. The cost to repair the tall ship is about $600,000 dollars. After considering a number of options, including sinking her as a reef off Power Island, she was put up for sale.

    A cruise company in Greenport Long Island has purchased the Malabar and will begin operating her after some repairs are made at Bay Harbor, Maine. Malabar's first home port was Greenport, so she is indeed heading home for many more years of service.

    In her place, the 65 foot schooner West Wind will offer daily cruises in Grand Traverse Bay. Malabar will depart Traverse City for the last time on Wednesday.

    Malabar awaits voyage at the Traverse City Docks.

    Reported by: Sean Whelan




    Twin ports Report

    05/16:
    Kinsman Independent arrived in the Twin Ports over the weekend. As of the morning of May 15, it was preparing to load at Cenex Harvest States berth 1.

    A few interesting trends and callers at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth: Indiana Harbor is scheduled to remain a regular caller this season. It's due to load at the dock on May 16 and 24 and again June 5. Last season the Presque Isle was regularly carrying stone to the dock, but this season GLF's AAA boats are handling that job. All three boats were in over the weekend with stone. Cason J. Callaway is due again May 19, and Arthur M. Anderson on the 20th and 26th.

    Interesting individual callers scheduled at the dock include the Rt. Hon. Paul R. Martin on May 17; Atlantic Erie, May 21; and Jean Parisienne, June 2. Of course, all these dates are subject to change.

    Midwest Energy Terminal is expecting about half the 1,000-footer fleet in the next several days as well as some old familiar faces, such as St. Clair and Halifax. Here's the schedule: Oglebay Norton, Halifax and St. Clair, May 16; Columbia Star, May 17; Paul R. Tregurtha and Walter J. McCarthy Jr., May 18; Canadian Transport, May 19; James R. Barker and Indiana Harbor, May 22; and Paul R. Tregurtha, May 23.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Toledo Update

    05/16:
    Monday was a busy day in the Port of Toledo. The Armco was at the Torco Dock unloading ore. The H. Lee White was loading coal at CSX # 4 Dock. The dredge Buxton II was working deep inside the CSX #4 slip.

    The Kapitonas Kaminskas was unloading steel products at the T.W.I. Dock. The saltie United was loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator (ex Cargill Elevator).

    At the Toledo Shipyard area the Sam Laud was in the final fitout process and is now scheduled to load coal at CSX #4 Dock today at 4:00 p.m. The Naval Sea Cadet vessel Grayfox was tied up in front of both dry docks, while the American Mariner remains in the drydock undergoing hull repairs.

    The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge is at the Hocking Valley Dock and appears to be in temporary lay-up.

    Reported by: Jim Hoffman




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 16

    The CANADIAN PROSPECTOR passed upbound in the Welland Canal May 16, 1979 on her first trip after reconstruction with Labrador ore bound for Ashtabula, Ohio.

    E.J. BLOCK was launched May 16, 1908 as the W.R. WOODFOR

    CLYMER departed Superior on May 15, 1981 and went to Duluth, MN to load 11,154 tons of taconite ore for Lorain. On May 16, 1981, having departed Duluth in 35 mph winds and ten foot seas, the IRVIN L. CLYMER began taking on water in her ballast tanks. She returned to Duluth, and was quickly repaired.

    On May 16, 1972, in dense fog, the ROBERT HOBSON struck the Peerless Cement dock at Port Huron, MI when her bow was caught by the strong current at the mouth of the St. Clair River. Damage to the hull was estimated at to $100,000.

    In 1985 PONTIAC (2) was towed down the Welland Canal by the McKeil tugs GLENEVIS, ARGUE MARTIN and STORMONT bound for Quebec City. She would later be scrapped in Spain.

    The tug B. W. ALDRICH burned at Ludington, Michigan on 16 May 1874. The damage was estimated at $5,000 and she was rebuilt.

    May 16, 1997 -- The BADGER's planned first voyage of 1997 was delayed for one day because of a faulty boiler tube.

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

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




    Pere Marquette 41 and Tug Under Tow

    05/15:
    After departing the Sterling Fuel dock in Windsor pushing the barge Pere Marquette 41, one main engine onboard the tug Undaunted was found not to be functioning properly.

    The Gaelic Tugboat Company of Detroit was called to assist the tug and barge to the Belle Isle anchorage. Gaelic promptly dispatched their 2,000 hp tug Carolyn Hoey for the job, picking up the tow at about 2:00 p.m. Sunday and arriving at the anchorage at 4:00 p.m.

    The Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted under tow.
    A close look at the barge's bow.
    Another View of the tow.

    Reported by: N. Schultheiss




    Tug and Barge Assisted in St. Marys River

    05/15:
    The Presque Isle was assisted in transiting the St. Marys River Saturday by the tug Missouri. The tug was alongside the port stern quarter of the Presque Isle, which was downbound on the river. At DeTour, the tug was released to return to the Soo.

    This type of assistance is generally used when a vessel is having some type of engine problem.

    Reported by: Marc Vander Meulen




    Barker in Duluth

    05/15:
    Kaye E. Barker paid an unusual visit over the weekend to one of the Hallett docks in Duluth. After unloading its cargo, the Barker backed out of the slip and, instead of turning in the winding basin off the DMIR ore docks, proceeded to back down St. Louis Bay to turn in the main harbor. Brisk winds at the time may have played a role in the decision.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Burton Opens Munising

    05/15:
    The Courtney Burton opened the small Upper Peninsula port of Munising, MI on May 14. She delivered 12,000 tons of eastern coal from Toledo.

    The Burton has traditionally opened Munising in recent seasons. Munising usually receives three to four coal shipments a season for the local paper mill, but low water may create five shipments in 2000. After unloading, she is scheduled to load in Marquette, her first Marquette visit for 2000 and Oglebay Norton's first appearance of 2000.

    Reported by: Rod Burdick




    Bay Shipbuilding

    05/15:
    On Friday the barge McKee Sons left Bay Ship where she had been undergoing minor stern modifications and received a fresh coat of gray paint on her hull. It is not known what tug picked up the barge but she is heading for Sarnia, ONT. for fit out.

    Recent arrivals at Bay Shipbuilding Company, Sturgeon Bay, WI. over the weekend include the tug Michigan and its barge Great Lakes. The pair may be entering the graving dock since the dock was being filled.

    The Jacklyn M. pushing the Integrity had been downbound into Green Bay late Saturday afternoon, off loaded and returned to Sturgeon Bay Sunday early Sunday Morning to apparently complete repairs to an engine. The tug John Purves has been at dock for the past week with reasons for the lay-up unknown.

    Ships using the channel of Sturgeon Bay are exercising even greater care with low water conditions. With low water, the ribs and framing of a number of old schooners and barges have become quite visible, especially along the shore which became their final resting place.

    Reported by: Paul Graf




    New Cruise Boat Arrives

    05/15:
    The 110-foot Keweenaw Star arrived in Houghton, MI. Saturday night after a 23 day trip from Charleston, SC.

    Keweenaw Excursions Inc. plans to operate the new vessel in dinner and sight-seeing cruises on the Keweenaw waterway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

    Reported by: Kraig Funkey




    Detroit River Update

    05/15:
    After arriving in the anchorage below Belle Isle, the front end loader on the barge Pere Marquette 41 was seen shifting cargo from the bow section to the mid-ship section of the barge.

    The cement carrier English River was off loading at the Detroit Lafarge Cement Terminal. She later departed heading upbound.

    Reported by: Ken Kilbreath




    You@Boatnerd.com

    05/15:
    Now you can have your own Boatnerd.com e-mail address. This free, web based e-mail is password protected, only you will have access to your Boatnerd.com e-mail account. If you share a computer or Internet access, or if you need a personal account to access from work, our secure servers will keep your messages private.

    Your Boatnerd.com e-mail account lets you send and receive messages from any computer in the world that has Web access. That makes it easy to stay in touch with friends, family and business contacts, regardless of your location. If you change your job, school, home address or Internet service provider, you do not need to change your e-mail address.

    Click here to sign up for the full feature, private and free web-based e-mail account.

    For your convenience there is now a permanent link to the Boatnerd.com e-mail on the top left side of the main page.




    Trip Raffles

    05/15:
    One of the most commonly questions asked is "How can I get a ride on a freighter?" A cruise aboard a lakes freighter is only available to the shipping company's customers and some family members. The only chance for the public to enjoy a once-in-a-life-time cruise is through trip raffles held by non-profit associations. Below is a list of current trip raffles, good luck!

    Algoma Central Marine Vessel
    Kaye E. Barker
    Cuyahoga
    Lee A. Tregurtha
    USS 1000-footer




    The Winner Is

    05/15:
    The latest winner in the weekly drawing was Robert Pryor of Dundas, Ontario. Robert will have his pick of the prizes listed on the User Survey page.

    Included in the prizes are the new books donated by the Marine Publishing Company.

    Click here to enter, you could be our winner next Monday.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 15

    On May 15, 1997, the "This Day in History" feature started on this web site.

    The Philip R. Clarke--the first of the AAA class of vessel--turns 45. The Clarke began her maiden voyage from Lorain, Ohio on this date in 1952.

    After extensive renovation at Fraser Shipyard, the IRVIN L. CLYMER departed Superior on May 15, 1981 and went to Duluth, MN to load 11,154 tons of taconite ore for Lorain.

    On May 15, 1971 STONEFAX was sold for scrap.

    The HOMER D. WILLIAMS collided with the Canadian steamer WHEAT KING in fog on the St. Marys River May 15, 1968 with no reported significant damage.

    On 15 May 1854, GARDEN CITY (wooden passenger/package side-wheeler, 218', 657 t, built in 1853 at Buffalo) was sailing from Chicago to the Soo in a storm when she went on Martin Reef, west of Detour, MI and was wrecked. Her passengers were picked up by the steamer QUEEN CITY. On 24 May, she was stripped by a schooner and in July her anchor and chains were salvaged by the schooner MONTEATH. Later still, her machinery was recovered.

    May 15, 1992 -- The S.S. BADGER was rededicated and began a new career as a non-railroad carferry.

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

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




    Apt Mariner enters Davie Industries shipyard

    05/14:
    The Liberian freighter Apt Mariner entered Champlain drydock at Davie Industries shipyard in Levis, Quebec late Saturday afternoon with the assistance of two harbor tugs from Groupe Ocean. The Apt Mariner grounded earlier this month in the St-Mary's River. Repairs are expected to take four weeks.

    Reported by: Frederick Frechette




    Strong Wind Makes For Tricky Docking

    05/14:
    On her second trip of the season, the Badger had difficulty making the slip at Manitowoc, WI Saturday. With a very strong west wind combined with low water levels, the Badger needed 45 minutes and assistance from the Roen Salvage tug Stephen M. Asher before the Badger was able to dock. The props churned up huge amounts of black mud from the bottom, much to the delight of the local gull population.

    Reported by: Bob Strauss




    U.S. Navy in Buffalo

    05/14:
    The USS Defender will be escorted into the Buffalo North Entrance by the fireboat Edward M. Cotter on the morning of the 15th. She will then tie up at the Visiting Ship's Dock on the Buffalo River near the Erie Basin. The ship will be open for tours from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Click here for a port schedule

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Lake Erie Port Activity

    05/14:
    On Saturday the Halifax was loading at Conneaut and then departed to the west. The Algowest was unloading at Ashtabula. Both Vessels where backed into Port without the use of the tug boats. The tugs Rhode Island and Iowa are docked in Ashtabula Harbor.

    Reported by: Mike Madigan




    Toronto Update

    05/14:
    The Works Department tug Ned Hanlan [2], which sat on the dock in the Port Authority yard all winter being refurbished, was refloated on Wednesday or Thursday and was back at her John St. slip on Friday morning.

    A severe thunderstorm Friday afternoon and night caused the Don River to overflow the containment boom so that this morning the harbor was full of large debris, mostly tree parts, but a love seat was seen floating upright in the fog.

    Federal Oshima departed for the Welland Canal Friday and Federal Rhine arrived Saturday afternoon and berthed at Pier 51. Spar Jade and Black Swan remained on the wall and Strange Attractor remained at anchor.

    The Turning Basin dockside fixture Still Watch, ex-Heavenbound; ex-CCG Ville Marie, left port Saturday morning - destination unknown.

    The schooner Empire Sandy was reported to be at Escoumins Saturday, bound for the Seaway on her return voyage from Nassau to Toronto.

    Reported by: Gerry O




    Great Lakes Ports 'O Call TV Series

    05/14:
    There is a new series on PBS titled "Great Lakes Ports O' Call". It features a 1/2 hour segment about the various port around the Great Lakes, including harbors and marinas, points of interest, shopping, local history, etc. Check their web site at www.greatlakesportsocall.com for time and station in your area.

    Reported by: Dave Wobster




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 14

    On May 14, 1959, the Charles M. Beeghly and the Herbert C. Jackson both entered service. While the vessels have been fleetmates since 1967, the Beeghly got her start as the Shenango II for the Shenango Furnace Company.

    On May 14, 1943, the Thomas Wilson entered service as the first of the sixteen vessels in the "Maritime" class.

    The HOCHELAGA's self-unloading boom was installed on the RICHARD REISS, which had lost her boom April 13, 1994 when it collapsed at Fairport, OH. The REISS cleared the Port Weller Dry Docks, where her HOCHELAGA boom was installed, on May 14, 1994.

    BLACK HAWK (wooden schooner, 98', 178 gt) was launched in East Saginaw, MI on 14 May 1861. Thomas A. Estes was her builder. She was active until abandoned in the Kinnickinnic River at Milwaukee in 1908. On 13 October 1913, she was filled with flammable material and burned off Milwaukee as a public spectacle for the Perry Centennial Celebration.

    On May 14, 1905, the new Anchor Line passenger steamer Juniata made her maiden voyage from the yards of the American Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland to Detroit. Sailing under the command of Capt. Edward J. Martin she left Cleveland at 7:05 in the morning and arrived at Detroit shortly before 4. On board, in addition to several officials of the line was her designer, Frank E. Kirby.

    Detroiters were treated to the sight of seeing both the Juniata and Tionesta together for the first time as Tionesta was loading for Duluth when the Juniata arrived from Cleveland and Juniata tied up alongside her older sister.

    The Juniata later departed for Chicago where her furnishings were installed.

    Data from: Chuck Truscott, Jody Aho, Joe Barr, David Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

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




    Twin Ports Report

    05/13:
    Superior's BNSF ore dock was busy May 12 and likely will be today. Louis R. Desmarais loaded at the dock and departed early Friday. A short time later, Burns Harbor arrived at the dock to load. Frontenac was scheduled to arrive early today to load there.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Marquette Update

    05/13:
    The Canadian Transfer and the Capt Henry Jackman, making its first visit of the year, arrived early Friday morning. Heavy fog set in but lifted long enough for the Canadian Transfer to depart around 2:00 p.m.

    The fog returned by 4:00 p.m. and prevented the Capt Henry Jackman from departing. Last night the Jackman was docked on the south side of the ore dock and would prevent the Mesabi Miner who was due in at 11:00 p.m. Friday night from docking and unloading. Also scheduled to arrive Friday night was the Charles M. Beeghly.

    Scheduled for this morning was the Elton Hoyt 2nd. Local weather reports state that the fog will remain for at least another day or two.

    Reported by: Art Pickering




    Toronto Report

    05/13:
    The Federal Oshima at Redpath Sugar has been turned and is now facing out into the harbor. Strange Attractor still at anchor waiting to dock at Redpath. Black Swan at Pier 52 and Spar Jade at Pier 51.

    Also at Pier 51 Friday was the tug Petite Forte with the St. Mary's Cement barge awaiting weather. At 11:00 a.m. it was so dark that street lights came on automatically. A severe thunderstorm followed, followed by bright sunny weather, but later in the day we had fog blanketing the harbor.

    On Monday the newly lengthened Pioneer Queen was relaunched at the Atlas crane. A Port Authority dump scow has taken its place under the Atlas crane.

    The tug William Rest brought the dredge / heavy lift crane T.H.C. 50 out of the Keating Channel and into the harbor to work on buoy TT14.

    The bunkering ship Hamilton Energy made calls at Black Swan and Federal Oshima before returning to Hamilton.

    The two new hydrofoils were shifted farther down the Turning basin towards the McAsphalt dock.

    Reported by: Gerry O




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 13

    GEMINI was launched May 13, 1978.

    The JUPITER made her maiden voyage May 13, 1976 from Smith's Bluff, TX loaded with lube oil bound for Marcus Hooks, PA.

    On May 13, 1913 the THOMAS F. COLE collided with the barge IRON CITY on Lake St. Clair. The barge was cut in two.

    Delivered May 13, 1943, the THOMAS WILSON departed under the command of Captain Henry Borgen on her maiden voyage from Lorain light bound for Duluth, MN to load iron ore.

    The green-hulled schooner EMMA C. HUTCHINSON was launched at 4:00 PM on 13 May 1873 at the E. Fitzgerald yard in Port Huron. She was the largest vessel built at that yard up to that time. She was named for the wife of Mr. J. T. Hutchinson of Cleveland. Her dimensions were 195' keel, 215' overall, 35' beam, 14' depth, 736 tons. She cost $55,000. Frank Leighton was her builder and Matthew Finn the master fitter. She was outfitted by Swan's Sons of Cleveland. Her painting was done by Ross & Doty of Port Huron.

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

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




    Saginaw in Duluth

    05/12:
    The Saginaw departed the DMIR ore dock in Duluth about 4:30 p.m. May 11.

    The vessel had steamed into Duluth about 7:30 a.m. (Central Time) May 11. This was the vessel's first visit to the Twin Ports since it was towed out of Fraser Shipyards last fall as the former John J. Boland. This is also an extremely rare visit -- possibly its first visit -- to the ore docks.

    Saginaw Arriving.
    Entering the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Close up view.
    Close up of the bow entering the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Close up of the Saginaw's stack.
    Saginaw steams under the lift bridge.
    Saginaw makes the turn into Duluth's harbor.
    Video of the Saginaw approaching the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Video as the Saginaw steams under Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Heavy Current Catches Townsend

    05/12:
    Thursday morning the Paul H. Townsend was stuck crossways in the Saginaw River at the First Street turning basin in Saginaw. The bow of the Townsend was pointing toward the west side of the river, near the Valley Asphalt dock, with the stern close to the south end of the Saginaw Rock Products dock. She was not in the turning basin itself, but a very short distance downriver from the turning basin entrance. The vessel blocked the channel though no vessels were waiting to transit the area.

    The tug Kurt Luedtke arrived from Bay City at 1:10 p.m. to assist as the Townsend off loaded some of her ballast. With the Coast Guard supervising the Luedtke began pushing against the stern of the Townsend to swing her back into the shipping channel. By 2:00 p.m. the Townsend was free and was proceeding downriver to the Consumers Energy dock near the I-74 bridge. She was inspected for damage and later cleared to sail with no damage found.

    Strong currents in the river from recent heavy rains are the apparent cause of the grounding. The Townsend reported that morning that she was having difficulty turning because of the currents.

    It appears that half-way through her turn, the current pushed the Townsend sideways out of the turning basin and push the stern aground into the soft mud bank.

    Pictures by Stephen Hause
    Townsend in the river
    Tug Kurt Luedtke working on the stern.
    Close up, Coast guard boat can be seen in the foreground.
    Another view of the operation.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause and Brian Ferguson




    Transfer Visits Marquette

    05/12:
    The Canadian Transfer has been busy shuttling between the Canadian Soo and Marquette, MI. It departed on Tuesday afternoon and arrived back in Marquette Wednesday afternoon. It is due back into Marquette today making its fourth visit this week.

    The Adam E. Cornelius made its first visit to the lower harbor Thursday delivering a load of stone and then proceeded to the upper harbor for a load of ore. Two other vessels are due in today. The Capt. Henry Jackman which will make its first visit of the year and the Charles M. Beeghly which will be making its 6th visit of the year.

    Reported by: Art Pickering




    One More for Madeline Island Ferry Line

    05/12:
    The Bayfield arrived at Bayfield, WI May 8th. The 120 ft. vessel was purchased last September in Burlington, VT., was run to Toledo, OH, where it spent the winter at a shipyard, undergoing modifications. With an engine in each end, no turning around will be necessary. The boat joins the Madeline, Island Queen, and Nichevo II, on the run from Bayfield, WI to LaPointe, WI on Madeline Island.

    Reported by: Harvey Hadland




    Toronto Report

    05/12:
    Toronto looked like a sea port Friday with a number of salt water vessels visiting. The Spar Jade arrived after noon and tied up at Pier 52 with the aid of McKeil tugs Atomic and Lac Como. The unidentified vessel reported yesterday at Pier 51 was the Black Swan. Federal Oshima was still at Redpath and Strange Attractor was still at anchor.

    The new hydrofoils Katran II and Katran III shifted from the Yonge Street slip to the Turning Basin Channel at Cherry Street.

    A new police boat, much bigger than previous, made its first appearance in the harbor Thursday. The firetug William Lyon Mackenzie is sporting a new paint job and the words Fire Rescue painted on her sides.

    Reported by: Gerry O




    Iroquois Lock Update

    05/12:
    Interesting traffic passing through the Iroquois Lock yesterday included the U.S. Navy coastal mine hunter USS Kingfisher. The Kingfisher and USS Defender will spend the summer touring the Great Lakes. Click here for a port schedule

    USS Kingfisher entering the lock.
    Departing the lock.
    Close up of the Bow
    Close up of the pilot house
    Close up of the stern
    The Kingfisher underway
    Also passing through Thursday was the Stolt Aspiration

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 12

    The CANADIAN EXPLORER was launched May 12, 1965 as a) CABOT.

    The THOMAS WALTERS entered service on May 12, 1911 with coal from Sandusky, OH to Duluth, MN.

    The carferry GRAND HAVEN was sold to the West India Fruit & Steamship Co., Norfolk, VA on May 12, 1946 and was brought down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, LA for reconditioning before reaching Port Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach, FL.

    On 12 May 1875, the scow-schooner SEA BIRD of Chicago was driven onto the beach a half mile south of the harbor at Holland, MI by a Northeaster. After the storm, she was high and dry on the beach.

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

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




    Saginaw Arrives

    05/11: 9:00 a.m. update
    The Saginaw steamed into Duluth about 7:30 a.m. (Central Time) May 11 bound for the DMIR ore dock. This is the vessel's first visit to the Twin Ports since it was towed out of Fraser Shipyards last fall as the former John J. Boland. This is also an extremely rare visit -- possibly its first visit -- to the ore docks.

    Saginaw Arriving.
    Entering the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Close up view.
    Close up of the bow entering the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Close up of the Saginaw's stack.
    Saginaw steams under the lift bridge.
    Saginaw makes the turn into Duluth's harbor.
    Video of the Saginaw approaching the Duluth Ship Canal.
    Video as the Saginaw steams under Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Independent Update

    05/11:
    On Wednesday the Kinsman Independent had a large smoke plume coming from her stack, crew moving about the deck and water pumping from her overboard discharge pipes at 2PM. She departed Buffalo late Wednesday night. The Independent was scheduled to arrive in Duluth on Saturday.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Apt Mariner Repairs

    05/11:
    Quebec City's port authority announced on their website that the damaged vessel Apt Mariner will be repair at Davie Shipyard in Lévis. The freighter is expected at the drydock on Friday for repairs to damaged suffered in the St. Marys River last week.

    Reported by: J.F. Boutin




    New G-Tug Arrives

    05/11:
    The newest tug in the Great Lakes Towing Company's fleet, the Triton, arrived in Milwaukee early Wednesday morning after an all night trip down the lake from Sturgeon Bay, WI.

    The tugs hull is painted in G-tug green and the familiar 'G' logo is on the stack. They took on a load of red paint at the Milwaukee tug office and will complete the painting of the tug "on the run".

    The Triton departed Milwaukee shortly before noon with the St. Marys I barge bound for Bowmanville, Ontario.

    Great Lakes Towing is currently considering new names for the tug. The Company's tugs are all named after U.S. states, except for the tug Superior, which is named after one of the Great Lakes.

    Name suggestions are encouraged and can be E-mailed to glt@thegreatlakesgroup.com.

    Reported by: Andy LaBorde




    Boilers Lit on the Badger

    05/11:
    Early Wednesday morning the Lake Michigan Carferry Badger's boilers were again lit, this time for the season. Supplies are being loaded and some last-minute painting projects are underway for the start of the coming sailing season this Friday, May 12th. Tuesday night, life boats 1, 3 and 5 were placed back on the Badger after being re-built during the winter months.

    Reported by: Max Hanley




    Saginaw Scheduled to Arrive

    05/11:
    The Saginaw is expected to arrive at the Duluth DMIR Ore Dock today at 11:00 a.m.
    Check back for updates.

    Reported by: David French




    Mackinaw Replacement Clears Committee

    05/11:
    U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin, announced May 9 that the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee has approved his request to fund a package of transportation projects that includes a replacement for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw.

    Obey, top-ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said $110 million was approved to complete funding for the new icebreaker. "This is a vital first step for the design and replacement of the Mackinaw," Obey said.

    For more information visit the Coast Guard's Great Lakes Icebreaking Capability Replacement Project web site.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Twin Port Report

    05/11:
    After a couple of slow days, vessel traffic in the Twin Ports resumed a busy pace May 10. Early in the day, James R. Barker was loading at the DMIR ore dock while Canadian Enterprise loaded across the bay at Midwest Energy Terminal. Algoville was loading at AGP grain elevator in Duluth -- possibly the first laker of the season to call there. Fossnes was loading at Cargill B1 and Dora was at Cenex Harvest States 1.

    North Shore ports also were busy, with Buckeye and Middletown due at Silver Bay and Oglebay Norton due at Taconite Harbor.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Buffalo Update

    05/11:
    The barge Pere Marquette 41 appeared to be having trouble with her conveyer cat at the TDX dock on the Wednesday. Only about half the cargo was on the dock by 2:00 p.m. and crew members were seen working over the hopper area of the conveyer cat. Both shovels and the payloader were not manned at that time.

    The first U.S. Navy ship to visit Buffalo on the Great Lakes Cruise this summer has been changed from USS Sentry to the USS Defender. She will be docked in Buffalo for tours from the May 15 to May 17.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Toronto Update

    05/11:
    On Monday the Katran II and Katran III, the newest hydrofoils owned by Seaflight 2000, arrived in Toronto. Katran II rafted to Seaflight I while Katran III rafted to Seaflight II. The new vessels will likely be renamed.

    Wednesday, the steam paddlewheel Trillium was out for Coast Guard inspection and sea trials. The vessel New Beginnings made her first appearance after her winter rebuild.

    Three salties were in port Wednesday morning. The Federal Oshima was at the Redpath Sugar dock, Strange Attractor at anchor and an unknown salty unloading at Pier 51.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Iroquois Lock Update

    05/11:
    Below are images of traffic passing in the Seaway yesterday near the Iroquois Lock.

    Turid Knutsen upbound west of Iroquois
    Whale watching boat Cavalier Des Mer


    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Titanic in Ohio

    05/11:
    An Ohio developer is planning to build a 625-foot floating hotel with a theme based on the Titanic. The hotel would be built on a barge that would be docked in Sandusky, Ohio during the summer. The Sandusky Register reports that a company called "The Sea Hotel" is exploring the idea and will approach the local government if the planned $6 - $10 million floating hotel becomes a reality. A similar hotel is being built in Israel for about $1.2 billion.

    Reported by: Dave Glick




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 11

    On May 11, 1953, the Henry Steinbrenner went down in Lake Superior near Isle Royale with 17 of her 31 crewmembers. The storm followed an unseasonably warm and humid stretch of weather in northern Minnesota for that time of year which fueled the storm's fast growth. The high temperature of 87 degrees set in Grand Marais, Minnesota on May 8, 1953, still stands as that town's all-time record high for the month of May, and it is just eight degrees shy of the town's all-time record for any month.

    The 144', 3-mast, wooden bark JESSE HOYT was launched at East Saginaw, MI on 11 May 1854. Later in her career, she was converted to a schooner and lasted until 1896 when she sank in Lake Michigan in a collision.

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

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




    Barker Visits Marquette

    05/10:
    Making its first visit of the season Monday was the 1000-foot James R. Barker. She backed into the ore dock to deliver a load of western coal for Wisconsin Electric Power Plant. After the Barker had departed, the Lee A. Tregurtha arrived very early Tuesday morning.

    Reported by: Art Pickering




    Salties in Oshawa

    05/10:
    Federal Fuji unloaded steel rod in Oshawa over the weekend. It departed Monday sailing for Duluth. The Hellenic Confidence was in Port Sunday night, tied up on the west wharf. It was unusual to see a vessel tied up at the wharf, this may be a sign that they will be using the west wharf again.

    Reported by: Keven Webb




    More Trouble in Grand Haven

    05/10:
    Shortly after departing the Construction Aggregates (CACM) dock, the Algowood soft grounded in the Grand River. The stiff northeasterly wind may have reduced the river level. As the vessel reported the incident to the U.S. Coast Guard the Algowood was able to free her self will no damage.

    The Algowood was again underway at approximately 10:30 p.m. with a draft of 19'11" both forward and aft.

    Last month the Herbert C. Jackson grounded on a shoal at the entrance to the river. David Swain




    Iroquois Lock Update

    05/10:
    Below are images of traffic passing the Seaway yesterday near the Iroquois Lock.

    Calliope sailing for Hamilton.
    Canadian Prospector downbound for Port Cartier.
    Federal Schelde.

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    False Tip Sends Coast Guard to Century

    05/10:
    The U.S. Coast Guard received an anonymous tip Monday that crew members aboard the Canadian Century were drinking excessively while in port at Ashtabula, Ohio. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Cleveland sent an inspector to investigate the claim. Coast Guard personnel boarded the vessel at 11:55 p.m. and interviewed crew members who had gone ashore.

    The investigation revealed that none of the crew showed signs of excessive drinking, and none of their physical or speech functions indicated the necessity to conduct breathalyzer tests. Further efforts to find signs of intoxication in other crew members revealed nothing. The master indicated that three contractor personnel hired to clean ballast tanks remained ashore, but otherwise all crewmembers were aboard. The Century continued with normal loading operations in preparation for an early morning departure to Nanticoke.




    Maritime Executive Joins EnSolve Biosystems

    05/10:
    EnSolve Biosystems announced last week that Mr. Francis Neary has joined the company as a Special Consultant, specializing in maritime strategic partnerships and business development.

    Mr. Neary worked at Mackay Communications for 13 years, initially as CFO and for the past six years as President and COO, before leaving in March 2000. Mackay is one of the maritime industry’s leading distributors of communications, navigation and engine room monitoring equipment.

    “I am impressed with EnSolve’s technology and with their management team,” said Mr. Neary. “The PetroLiminator is an operations-friendly solution to an important problem in the maritime industry. The PetroLiminator turns a labor-intensive, aggravating process in the engine room into an automated, low maintenance solution.”

    EnSolve Bioystems recently received U.S. Coast Guard and International Maritime Organization (IMO) approval for its novel maritime oily water separator, the PetroLiminatorTM. The first commercial unit is operating on the James R. Barker. EnSolve’s PetroLiminator is the first in a new generation of separators that combine modern biotechnology with physical separation of oil from water.

    Maritime oily water separators are installed on cargo, cruise, military and other ships to clean the millions of gallons of bilgewater accumulated every day as part of their ongoing operation. Conventional oily water separators have been blamed for numerous discharges of oil into the marine environment, leading to the pollution of sensitive aquatic areas and large fines to several ship operators. EnSolve’s PetroLiminator uses a newly patented biotechnology process to clean oily water and includes a fail-safe monitoring process to ensure that water discharged is cleaner than the regulatory limit of 15 parts per million.

    Click here for more information




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 10

    On May 10, 1981, the Paul R. Tregurtha entered service. She became the largest vessel on the Great Lakes at that time, and at least in the last 130 years, she has held the honor of being the largest vessel on the Great Lakes longer than any other vessel.

    On 10 May 1858, LEMUEL CRAWFORD (3 mast wooden bark, 135', 450 t, built in 1855 at Black River, OH) was carrying wheat from Chicago to Buffalo. She ran into a heavy gale and went out of control near Pelee Passage and struck a reef 1 1/2 miles off East Sister Island in Lake Erie. She began to sink immediately and the 13 onboard scrambled up her masts and lashed themselves to her rigging. After two days, they were finally rescued by the tug R.R. ELIOTT out of Detroit.

    May 10, 1922 -- The ANN ARBOR NO. 4 ran aground at Green Isle. She was released with no damage.

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

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




    Independent Update

    05/09:
    In Buffalo the Kinsman Independent has her steering pole down and heat coming from her stack but was still tied to her dock at Lake and Rail on Monday evening. She will sail for Duluth to load grain at the Harvest States.

    In other news, the new U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Maria Bray pulled into the slip at the Buffalo Coast Guard Base Monday night. She secured for the night with a scheduled departure set for this morning.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Apt Mariner Update

    05/09:
    The U.S. Coast Guard has released more information about the grounding of the Apt Mariner that happened Friday in the St. Marys River.

    The downbound freighter struck fixed aids number 29 and 32 in the river resulting in starboard side hull damage and flooding in forepeak and number one starboard double bottom ballast tank. The Coast Guard reports that after bouncing off those lights, the vessel reported heavy fog in the area and was allowed to proceed to anchor near Detour, MI. for damage survey.

    Vessel Traffic Service Sault Ste Marie closed the river to navigation until the fog cleared later that day. A Coast Guard marine inspector from Marine Safety Office Sault Ste Marie and a surveyor from Lloyds Register (Classification Society) conducted a damage survey.

    The survey found a 70-foot long crease about 3-feet high and 1 to 2-foot deep along the starboard side of the forepeak and ballast tank. Dive survey revealed eight holes ballast tank and subsequent internal examination by crew revealed forepeak hull plating was inset but intact. The forepeak flooding originated from the ballast tank through a 1-foot crack in the collision bulkhead, in way of the hull inset area.

    The collision bulkhead fracture was plugged and space was pumped out, enabling vessel to correct its draft to about 26 feet, 3 inches all around with the number one ballast tank flooded.

    The Apt Mariner then requested permission to transit in this condition to Quebec City where repairs would made. Authorities agreed to this plan and the vessel departed on May 7 after a pilot was brought on board.




    Twin Ports Report

    05/09:
    Two sort-of new boats and several more-common-but-still interesting visitors are scheduled for the DMIR ore docks in Duluth over the next several weeks. Saginaw is now due May 11 and the Rte. Hon. Paul R. Martin is scheduled to take its second cargo from DMIR on May 14. Familiar 1,000-footers include James R. Barker on the 9th, Mesabi Miner on the 16th and the regular Indiana Harbor on May 16 and again the 23rd. In an unusual scheduling move, all three AAA boats from USS Great Lakes Fleet are scheduled to call at the dock within a few days. Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway are due there with stone on May 12 and Arthur M. Anderson is due May 13.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Saginaw Update

    05/09:
    The barge Pathfinder and tug Dorothy Ann arrived in Bay City Monday morning and eased into the Bay Aggregates dock in downtown Bay City. She was docked a few hundred feet behind the John J. Boland, which was discharging a cargo there.

    As the Pathfinder tied up and extended her boom, the Boland completed her work at the dock and bedded her boom. The Boland then pulled away from the dock and proceed upriver toward the Airport turning basin. For a few minutes, two vessels were docked at Bay Aggregates at the same time.

    The Bay Aggregates dock is easily viewed from the Riverwalk Pier on the west side of the river in Bay City. However, the dock is expected to be relocated soon to a less accessible area near the mouth of the river.

    The land in downtown Bay City is to be used for further riverfront development. While Bay City's riverfront development is a marvelous project, it will be sad to see a fine boat watching location disappear. Even with the loss vessels will continue to pass close to the riverwalk pier.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    New Video

    05/09:
    On May 7, 1965, the limestone carrier Cedarville was approaching the Mackinac Bridge in heavy fog when it was struck amidships by the Norwegian freighter Topdalsfjord. The Cedarville's captain tried to run for shallow water, but to no avail. The Cedarville rolled over and sank, taking 10 of her crew with her. To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the sinking, Out of the Blue Productions has released "Tragedy in the Straits: S.S. Cedarville Remembered," a 93-minute long video ($29.95) that includes the vessel's history, underwater footage of the wreck and interviews with eight of the survivors and one of the rescuers. Out of the Blue previously issued videos on the Daniel J. Morrell and Carl D. Bradley sinkings, and also publishes the book "Sole Survivor: The Dennis Hale Story."

    Click here for more information




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 09

    The Saginaw was launched May 9, 1953 as the John J. Boland making way for the keel of the Detroit Edison (2) to be laid.

    On May 9, 1951 the CLIFFS VICTORY arrived at the South Chicago yard of the American Ship Building Co. completing her 37 day, 3,000 mile journey from Baltimore. There her deck houses, stack, masts, deck machinery, rudder and propeller were installed and the floatation pontoons removed.

    The ROBERT C. NORTON (2) was laid up on May 9, 1980 for the last time at the Hans Hansen Dock at Toledo.

    PETER REISS was launched May 9, 1910.

    On 9 May 1864, AMAZON (2-mast wooden brig, 93', 172 t, built in 1837 at Port Huron as a schooner) was carrying coal from Cleveland for Lake Superior when she went out of control in a storm just as she was leaving the St. Clair River for Lake Huron. She was driven ashore near Point Edward, Ontario and was broken up by the wave action. At the time of her loss, she was considered the oldest working schooner on the Lakes.

    May 9, 1900 -- The carferry PERE MARQUETTE (15) began carferry service to Milwaukee.

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

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




    Independent Fit-Out

    05/08:
    Kinsman Independent is expected to depart Buffalo sailing for Duluth some time today.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Sykes on the Move

    05/08:
    On Sunday the Wilfred Sykes arrived in Ludington, MI. She was carrying a load of stone for Laman's.

    The bow of the Wilfred Sykes as she entered port.

    Reported by: Max Hanley




    Mariner Repairs

    05/08:
    Crews are hard at work on the American Mariner at the Toledo Shipyard. The images below show the amount of work that must be completed to refloat the vessel. After refloating The dry dock must free for the arrival of the WW II Liberty ship John W Brown. The Brown is expected to arrive off Port Weller around 6:00 a.m. on May 24.

    Toledo Shipyard crews working to repair the damaged hull.
    Another view.

    Reported by: Teresa Parker




    Get Your Tickets

    05/08:
    On Sunday, 6 August, the World War II Liberty Ship John W. Brown will conduct one of her famous Living History Day Cruises from the port of Toronto. This will be a six hour trip, featuring continental breakfast, full buffet luncheon, afternoon snacks and sodas. This trip will recreate the atmosphere of WW II with a big band, reenactors, an air show featuring an attack by Japanese warplanes. The ship is fully open for inspection, including the engine room, with its great 140 ton triple expansion steam engine.

    All our cruises are sell-outs. The other two Great Lakes Cruises this summer, in Windsor and Cleveland, are already sold out.

    For additional details, call 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit our web site at www.liberty-ship.com




    Grand Haven Update

    05/08:
    On Sunday afternoon a large crowd was treated to the sight of Algoma Central's Capt. Henry Jackman backing out of the channel after unloading while the tug Susan Hannah and Southdown Conquest lingered about 2 miles offshore until the Jackman cleared the channel.

    Reported by: Ken Boerman




    Busy Day in Buffalo

    05/08:
    Sunday was one of the busiest days in recent memory around Buffalo, NY. The Barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted were seen unloading gypsum at the TDX dock along the City Ship Canal at 9:00 a.m. Algoma Central's Algoway came through the South Entrance for Lackawanna at 10:00 a.m. The tug Karen Andrie and barge 397 entered the Black Rock Canal bound for the Marathon dock at Tonawanda at 11:30 a.m. Last but not least the English River was seen unloading cement at LaFarge.

    That brought the total to six vessels including the Kinsman Independent and Kinsman Enterprise on the Buffalo River.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Toronto Update

    05/08:
    On Saturday the Toronto marine Historical Society held their annual dinner meeting aboard Jadran. Guest speaker was Clive Dudley, of Thunder Bay, Ontario. He presented a slide show featuring the restoration of the steam tug James Whalen at the lakehead.

    Sunday was Toronto Passenger Vessel Safety Day sponsored by T-MERC, the Toronto Marine Emergency Response Council. The day long event was held at Pier 51 and involved police, fire and ambulance services as well as vessel owners, operators and crews. The vessels listed below all attended the event:
    Wayward Princess (Nautical Adventures Inc.) Yankee Lady III (Greely Goodtime Charters) Jaguar II (Canamac Cruise Line) Showboat Royal Grace (Mariposa Cruise Line) P&P 1 (City of Toronto/Parks & Recreation) and the fire tug William Lyon Mackenzie and police boats attended.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Kingston Update

    05/08:
    The Rt. Hon. Paul J Martin and the CSL Niagara were following each other westbound up Lake Ontario yesterday. The Martin was due at Sodus shortly before midnight with the CSL Niagara following just 35 minutes behind. That should make for good boat watching at the western end of the lake Monday.

    Two hydrofoils, the Katran I and Katran III made their way into the harbor late Saturday night and because of their unique design and draft, spent the night at the former CSL Kingston Elevator wharf in Cataraqui Bay. After refueling, they were expected to depart for their final destination in Toronto.

    Reported by: Ron Walsh and Brian Johnson




    Kingston Cruising

    05/08:
    The Canadian Empress has begun the 2000 cruising season with two short training cruises Saturday May 6 and Sunday May 7. The crew got little chance to relax as they arrived at the Crawford Wharf in Kingston at 2:45 and departed at 7:00 for their first cruise of the season. This is a three day trip to Montreal. The Canadian Empress is run by St. Lawrence Cruise Lines of Kingston and carries up to 65 passengers. The make trips between Kingston and Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. According to the crew, bookings for the 2000 season are up.

    The Island Belle started the Kingston and the Islands Boat lines Thousand Islands season today. They did several harbour cruises. Trips on the Island Queen and Island Star begin next week. The Island Belle has had some modifications done to her interior and new pilot house windows. A new port engine was installed. Business looks god for the line's 2000 season.

    Reported by: Ron Walsh and Brian Johnson




    Algoeast in Halifax

    05/08:
    The Algoeast arrived in Halifax just after midnight on Sunday. Originally she was scheduled to do a compass swing but this was cancelled and she tied up at the AEL dock in Dartmouth. By noon on Sunday there were a number of contractor vehicles on the dock alongside the Algoeast. According to the contractors she had a hydraulic line burst in one of her ballast tanks. The contractors were there with their vacuum trucks and other equipment to clean the tank.

    Theodore Tugboat did not stay long in Halifax. After staying alongside for several hours on Saturday the new tug went for a harbour cruise then sailed for Washington, D.C. before the end of the day. A source at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic said Theodore will eventually work her way down to New Orleans before returning North.

    Reported by: Paul Beesley




    Great Lakes Maritime Academy Graduation

    05/08:
    On Saturday the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, held a graduation ceremony for the academy class of 2000. The function was held at the Waterfront Inn, Traverse City, with a gathering of approximately one-hundred guests and family members of the graduating class.

    Twelve Deck Cadets and four Engine Cadets successfully completed the three year program, and will commence testing for their US Coast Guard licenses on Tuesday, May 9th. Upon completing of the testing phase, graduates will be eligible for employment as Third Mate, Unlimited Tonnage, Near-Coastal, with Great Lakes Pilotage(Deck Graduates), and Third Assistant Engineer, Unlimited Tonnage, Steam and Motor(Engine Graduates).

    Reported by: Keith Schreck




    Mather Opens

    05/08:
    The Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum opened for its tenth season as northeast Ohio's only floating maritime museum on Friday, May 5, 2000. Later in May, the Mather will mark the 75th anniversary of its launching with a yearlong celebration of special programs and events.

    On Tuesday, May 23rd, the actual 75th Anniversary date, all former crewmembers and volunteers are invited to join the Mather's current "crew" onboard from noon to 5 PM for a reunion tour and program. A rededication ceremony at 2 PM will include a historic account of the Mather's launching in 1925. Former crewmembers and volunteers are requested to call (216) 574-9053 for reservations and information.

    On Saturday, May 27, 2000, the historic Mather will be open to the public for touring and special family programming without charge. In addition to areas that have been popular spots to visit over the years, the newly restored Boat Deck and Captain's Quarters (restoration to be completed late summer 2000) will be open to the public. WCLV 95/5 FM will broadcast live on-site from 11 AM - 6 PM, featuring maritime music (classical and folk), crew interviews, and historic vignettes recounting the Mather's 55-year career as a freighter flagship.

    For the first time, the Steamship William G. Mather Museum will be open Wednesday evenings until 9 PM from May 24 through August 30. In addition to touring the Mather, the public is invited to attend the Museum's Wednesday evening heritage program series. The 15-program series will cover such wide-ranging topics as "Great Lakes Cuisine: Steamboat Menus and Recipes" to "Lake Erie Shipwrecks: A Diver's Perspective." Programs will begin at 7:30 PM and last approximately 45 minutes. Weather permitting, each Wednesday evening program will conclude with a spectacular view of Downtown Cleveland's nighttime skyline and a Lake Erie sunset!

    All of the above celebratory programs are in addition to established Mather Museum programs, which include Whistle Pull (July 1 - 4), Air Show Deck Party (September 2 - 4), and Legends of the Lakes V (Friday and Saturday evenings, October 13 - 29).

    The Steamship William G. Mather exemplifies Northeast Ohio's proud heritage as a major industrial and Great Lakes shipping center. The Mather is nicknamed "The Ship That Built Cleveland" since it has had a presence on Cleveland's waterfront for 75 years, first as a working ore freighter and now as a floating maritime museum. The 618-foot long Mather had an exemplary 55-year merchant marine career, and is the site of at least three Great Lakes industrial firsts: its single marine boiler system, installed in 1954; its computer-like, automated boiler system in 1964; and dual propeller bow thrusters also in 1964.

    The Steamship William G. Mather arrived at its East Ninth Street Pier berth in 1990 and was the first "new attraction" to emerge on Cleveland's developing North Coast Harbor. Two and one-half years of intensive work in restoration and development preceded the Mather's arrival. In May 1991, the Steamship William G. Mather Museum opened and took its place as one of only four Great Lakes freighter museum ships in existence. To date, the Greater Cleveland community has invested more than 2.5 million dollars and 250,000 volunteer hours in "The Ship That Built Cleveland."

    Museum Hours and Fees. In 2000, the Steamship William G. Mather Museum is open May 5 - October 29. During May, September, and October, the Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays (10 AM to 5 PM) and Sundays (Noon to 5 PM). The Museum is open daily Memorial Day through to September 1 (Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday noon to 5 PM) with extended evening hours to 9 PM on Wednesdays from May 24 - August 30. On September 2, 3, and 4, only a portion of the Museum will be open for National Air Show viewing at neighboring Burke Lakefront Airport due to FAA restrictions (reservations required due to limited capacity). General Admission is $5/adult, $4/senior citizen, and $3/student (ages 5 to 18). Children under 5 years are free. Due to its historic nature, the Museum has limited accessibility.

    Click here for more information




    Captain Harold J. Hogan

    05/08:
    A fitting tribute was paid to Kingston's own "Seaway Ambassador" on Sunday morning aboard the M.V. Island Queen III. Family, relatives and friends of the late Captain Harold J. Hogan departed Crawford Wharf at 10:30 for a memorial cruise in honor of Captain Hogan who passed away on February 15. He was 72.

    As the early morning sky framed the city, the Island Queen III stopped engines and, after a short period of silence, the Master's salute was sounded on her whistle as four "Tim Horton" coffee cups were tossed by Harold's coffee buddies in honor of his now empty seat at their favorite meeting place every morning.

    Captain Ken White delivered a touching eulogy on the top deck. The stories which followed were touching but filled with humor for Ken had served with Harold for over 21 years as his First Mate aboard the ferries Wolfe Islander and Wolfe Islander III. Upon retiring from the Wolfe Island Ferry Service, Captain Hogan served as Senior Captain of the Island Queen III.

    His last trip was as master, taking the Wolfe Islander III to Hamilton for her major midlife refit at Heddle Marine last October.

    Captain Hogan was a member of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit, The Great Lakes Maritime Institute, The Toronto Marine Historical Society and the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston. A memorial fund is being set up in his honor and anyone wishing to learn more may contact Mr. Maurice Smith, Executive Director of the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston. mmuseum@qucdn.queensu.ca

    Reported by: Brian Johnson




    The Winner Is

    05/08:
    The latest winner in the weekly drawing was Rich Egan of Webster, New York. Rich will have his pick of the prizes listed on the User Survey page.

    Included in the prizes are the new books donated by the Marine Publishing Company.

    Click here to enter, you could be our winner next Monday.




    Trip Raffles

    05/08:
    One of the most common questions asked is "How can I get a ride on a freighter?" A cruise aboard a lakes freighter is only available to the shipping company's customers and some family members. The only chance for the public to enjoy a once-in-a-life-time cruise is through trip raffles held by non-profit associations. Below is a list of current trip raffles, good luck!

    Algoma Central Marine Vessel
    Cuyahoga
    Lee A. Tregurtha
    USS 1000-footer





    Today in Great Lakes History - May 08

    COLUMBIA STAR was christened May 8, 1981.

    EDGAR B. SPEER was launched May 8, 1980, after long delay because of labor strife.

    The FRED R. WHITE, JR. was christened May 8, 1979 and was named for Oglebay Norton's then vice-chairman of the board.

    On May 8, 1979 the ASHLAND struck the north entry pier of the Duluth Ship Canal while outbound loaded. Thick ice blowing in from Lake Superior had interfered with her maneuverability. She dropped her anchor to lessen the impact but drifted over the flukes ripping a two by five foot hole in her bottom port side forward. She was inspected and repaired at the Duluth Port Terminal. One anchor was lost.

    The CHAMPLAIN's starboard side was damaged when she side swiped the Swedish steamer BROLAND near the lower end of the St. Clair River cut-off, May 8, 1963.

    May 8. 1936 -- The Pere Marquette Railway Co. announced plans to construct a new million dollar ferry dock at Milwaukee.

    The 3 mast wooden schooner FRANK C. LEIGHTON was launched at 10:30 a.m. on 8 May 1875 at Dunford & Leighton's yard in Port Huron, eight months after work on her began. She was launched complete except for her mizzen mast which was just about ready to go in position. She was named for Capt. Leighton's son. Her dimensions were 138' keel, 145' overall, 26' beam and 12' depth. She cost $20,000 and was owned by Dunford & Leighton.

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

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




    Salties Ground Update

    05/07:
    The Dora departed the Carbide Dock sometime late Friday or early Saturday morning. There was no update on the status of the Apt Mariner.

    In other news, the Adam E. Cornelius arrived at the Carbide dock Saturday to discharge a cargo of Stone.




    Toledo Update

    05/07:
    The dredge Buxton with the tug Muskegon has been dredging the channel near the CSX # 4 dock for over a week. With the lower water conditions in this area the dredge will probably be working around the docks for several more weeks.

    The American Mariner remains in drydock, she will be at the Toledo Shipyard for some time as there is a lot of steel work to be done on her after the accident in the Lake Huron Cut. Crews plan to finish the hull repairs below the water line and refloat the vessel. After refloating the work above the water line will be completed. This will free the dry dock for the WW II Liberty ship John W Brown. The Brown will be sailing from the east coast and plans to spend six weeks in the dry dock under going rivet replacement.

    There appears to be fitout activity on the Sam Laud as her stern cabins are lit up at night. This is a sure sign that her engine room crew is aboard the vessel.

    Reported by: Jim Hoffman




    Lake Erie Traffic

    05/07:
    On Saturday the J.A.W Iglehart was at the LaFarge Dock in Cleveland unloading. In Ashtabula the Halifax was loading coal. Over in Conneaut the Atlantic Erie was behind schedule for her 9:00 p.m. arrival to load Coal.

    Reported by: Mike Madigan and Mike Madigan, Jr.




    U.S. Navy to Stop in Quebec

    05/07:
    On Tuesday the U.S. Navy vessels USS Defender and USS King Fisher are scheduled to stop in Quebec City's old port at piers 21 and 22. Both vessels will spend the summer touring the Great Lakes open to the public for tours.

    Visit the Calendar of Events page for a schedule.

    Reported by: J.F. Boutin




    Theodore Tugboat arrives in Halifax

    05/07:
    The East Coast weather was beautiful Saturday morning for the arrival of the Theodore in Halifax harbour. The Theodore is a life-size working replica of the TV character Theodore Tugboat. The eyes of Theodore move exactly as the eyes of the TV character move. Theodore will be secured at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic before embarking on a goodwill tour of the Eastern Seaboard.

    Reported by: Paul Beesley




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 07

    On May 7, 1965, the Cedarville was struck by the ocean vessel Topdalsfjord in the Straits of Mackinac during dense fog. The Cedarville sank about forty minutes after the collision with the loss of ten crewmembers.

    ALGOPORT was launched May 7, 1979

    The HUTCHCLIFFE HALL entered service on May 7, 1954.

    A.M. BYERS was launched May 7, 1910.

    May 7, 1903 - The Benton Harbor, Coloma & Paw Paw Lake Railway was purchased by the Pere Marquette Railroad.

    May 7, 1929 - The Pere Marquette notified Ludington it was interested in buying the frontage on Pere Marquette Lake that had been used by the Monroe Body Company. The city council asked $25,000 for the property, and the railroad agreed. Work on the No. 3 slip began a few months later.

    On 7 May 1874, the schooner JENNIE MATHEWS was launched at Hardison's yard in Port Huron. The launch started very slowly but with the help of men pulling on ropes, the vessel slid into the Black River nicely. Her first skipper was Capt. McGifford and her owner was Mr. Hardison.

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

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




    Salties Ground

    05/06:
    The Dora and the Apt Mariner both grounded early Friday morning in the St. Marys River. The Sault Ste. Marie Evening News reports that the Apt Mariner struck an obstruction near the entrance to the Neebish Rock Cut on the West Neebish Channel at 4:08 a.m. This is the same area where the James R. Barker grounded last month. The damage to the Apt Mariner is very similar to that of the Barker with flooding reported.

    25 minutes later the Dora ran aground a few miles upstream off Six Mile Point. The vessel was upbound in ballast and did not appear to suffer any damage.

    The newspaper reports that heavy fog in the area forced U.S. Coast Guard officials to close the river from the Soo Locks to Mud Lake, including the areas where both vessels grounded. It was unknown if fog or low water levels were factors in either grounding.

    Check back for updates.

    Reported by: Roger LeLievre




    Toronto Update

    05/06:
    The saltie Loc Rajeshwari arrived early Friday morning with a cargo of rolled steel. The vessel was assisted to a berth at Pier 52 by the McKeil tugs Atomic and Lac Como.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Margaretha Green

    05/04:
    Below is an image of the Margaretha Green in the evening mist Friday nearing crossover 10 miles west of Brockville. She is heading for an upper lakes port.

    Margaretha Green.

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Lee Murdock in Concert

    05/06:
    Lee Murdock returns to Detroit for a concert on Saturday, May 13, 2000, at 8 p.m.
    Where: "MAMA'S Coffeehouse" (Michigan Acoustic Music Assn.)
    Birmingham Unitarian Church,
    651 N Woodward
    BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI Info: 248-542-2131

    Open to public the concert will feature songs from his tenth CD, including ghost story-song about the lighthouse keeper at St Martin Island (Green Bay) & the Prins Willem II shipwreck; Also songs about the SS Badger carferry, The Wreck of the Erie Bell off Kincardine, and many other new songs.

    Visit www.leemurdock.com for more information




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 06

    On May 6, 1984 the CANADIAN RANGER sailed from Port Weller on her maiden voyage to load coal at Toledo, OH.

    In 1944 the HILDA (2) and the barge MAITLAND NO.1 started the rescue operation of freighter GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (1) which sank in a collision with the D.M. CLEMSON (2) in the Straits of Mackinac.

    This day in 1923 the EDWIN E. SLICK was struck by the steamer J. LEONARD REPLOGLE in the ice on Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior.

    The HARVEY D. GOULDER entered service on May 6, 1906.

    On May 6, 1934 the ROYALTON (1) helped rescue the steamer TEN which had lost power in a Lake Superior ice field and required a tow to safety.

    On May 6, 1975 while unloading iron ore at Conneaut, OH, a leg and bucket from no.2 Hulett gave way and fell into the RALPH H. WATSON's cargo hold. A crane was rigged to remove the wreckage. A nine by twelve foot patch was required on her port side tank which was holed in the accident.

    On 6 May 1847, CUBA (wooden schooner, 89', 139 t, built in 1844 at Peninsula, NY as a brig) was carrying wheat near Point Breeze, NY in Lake Ontario when she was run down and sunk in a collision with the steamer GENESEE CHIEF. No lives were lost.

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

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




    Saginaw to Duluth

    05/05:
    The recorded message for the DMIR ore docks now lists the Saginaw as arriving at the dock on May 10. No word on whether it's to deliver stone or load ore.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Saginaw Fan Club

    05/05:
    The Saginaw arrived at the GM dock in Saginaw on Thursday to unload. The vessel was outbound at 8:00 p.m. from the turning basin in Saginaw. The local "S.S. Saginaw Fan Club" was waiting for vessel as she passed through Zilwaukee. The Saginaw sounded the fan club a salute and the captain came out on the wing of the bridge to wave.

    In other news, the E.M. Ford has been moved to her normal berth alongside the Lafarge dock.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    Independent Fit-Out

    05/05:
    Spring fit out of the Kinsman Independent is almost complete and the straight deck bulk carrier should be sailing for Duluth in the next week.

    The Independent is the last U.S. straight decker sailing in the grain trade.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Salty in Menominee, MI.

    05/05:
    On Thursday the Munksund arrived with the assistance of the tug Jimmy L. The vessel is tied up where the McKee sons was but will shift to Great Lakes Pulp and Fiber to load once the dock is ready.

    Reported by: Scott Best




    World War II Liberty Ship to visit Lakes

    05/05:
    S.S. John W. Brown, one of two surviving WW II Liberty Ships from the original fleet of over 2700, will visit Lakes Ontario and Erie this spring and summer. The Brown, operated by an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, Project Liberty Ship, will transit the Seaway inbound approx. 24 May. She will drydock at Toledo Ship Repair Company from 27 May to 14 July for routine repairs and for the replacement of 14,000 original rivets in her underwater hull.

    After completion of the drydocking the Brown will visit nine ports ~ Toledo, Windsor, Erie, Cleveland, Buffalo, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. The ship will be open to the public in each port. Admission $5 for adults, children under 12 free. Three of the ship's famous Living History Day Cruises will be conducted, in Windsor, Cleveland and Toronto. Tickets remain only for the Toronto cruise. The others are sold out. Tickets are $100. The cruise is a six hour day trip, during which the atmosphere of WW II is recreated with a big band, reenactors, an air attack and more. For additional details, contact us at 410 558-0164, fax 410 558-1737 Visa/MC accepted. Visit our web site at www.liberty-ship.com




    Twin Ports Report

    05/05:
    Callers in Duluth on May 4 included Alpena at LaFarge Cement and Canadian Century at DMIR ore dock.

    Alpena unloading
    Close up of the Alpena
    Canadian Century Loading
    Close up of the Canadian Century

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Marquette Update

    05/05:
    Late Wednesday night the Herbert C. Jackson arrived at Marquette's upper harbor and departed early Thursday morning.

    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew docked in Marquette overnight Wednesday after a day of buoy tending in and around Marquette. The vessel continued working in the area Thursday and was expected to depart for her home port of Duluth today.

    Below is a list of vessels that have not been seen in Marquette's harbor this shipping season (the numbers indicate number of visits last year):

    Upper Harbor
    Algowest(17)
    Canadian Transfer(15)
    Adam E. Cornelius(8)
    Algosoo(8)
    Mesabi Miner(6)
    Algorail(5)
    Agawa Canyon(4)
    Algobay(2)
    Buckeye(2)
    James R. Barker(2)
    Middletown(2)
    Reserve(2)
    Algolake(1)
    Armco(1)
    Canadian Century(1)
    Earl W. Oglebay(1)
    John B. Aird(1)
    Sam Laud(1)

    Lower Harbor
    Adam E. Cornelius(2)
    U.S.C.G. Bramble(1)
    U.S.C.G. Katmai Bay(1)
    c. Columbus (not yet on the lakes, due in Aug.) (1)

    Reported by: Art Pickering




    Milwaukee Update

    05/05:
    The Port of Milwaukee resembled the good old days on Thursday, May 4. The Canadian Prospector was loading grain, the Jacklyn M/Integrity was discharging cement, the Sea Eagle II/St. Marys II was loading into the St. Marys I, and the John B. Aird was taking on a load of sand.

    Late in the afternoon the Agawa Canyon arrived and waited outside for the Jacklyn M to clear. They then proceeded in to unload salt. At about the same time the G-tugs California & Virginia were shifting the loaded St. Marys I barge back up the river to the Blue Circle Cement dock.

    Reported by: Andy LaBorde




    Toronto Report

    05/05:
    Most of the harbor tour and charter boats are now in operation. The charter boat Nelvana was relaunched on April 28th. On the 29th, Wayward Princess came off the Toronto dry dock and the following day she made her way back to her summer berth.

    The Seaflight 2000 hydrofoil Seaflight 1 has made a few trips across the lake without passengers. Service is scheduled to begin from Toronto to Port Dalhousie on May 13th. The company's two new hydrofoils are currently on their way to Toronto from Quebec, where they wintered.

    On Thursday, May 4 Empress of Canada and Northern Spirit 1 were out for afternoon charters. Yankee Lady III moved from her winter berth in the Turning Basin to her summer berth.

    The charter boat River Gambler is being readied for her first charter of the season, due out on Saturday night.

    The venerable sidewheel steamer Trillium, now in her 90th year, is being readied for Coast Guard inspection next Thursday. She already has several charters booked for this season.

    On April 13th Canadian Ranger was towed into port from Hamilton by the McKeil tug John Spence; she was assisted at Toronto by the tug Lac Como working astern. The Ranger was rafted to Canadian Mariner at Pier 35. Montrealais departed Toronto on Easter Monday.

    On April 26th actor Sean Connery paid a visit to the ferry docks. He's in Toronto filming a new movie in a waterfront location.

    On April 30th, Thorsriver was in at Pier 52. The tall ship Empire Sandy is on her way back to Toronto for the summer. She wintered in Nassau again. The sandy was in Boston last weekend and will be in Halifax this weekend. On the 30th, the ferry Sam McBride was taken over by a film crew shooting scenes for "Laughter On The 23rd Floor" a spoof of the Sid Caeser show. The McBride was made into a Staten Island ferry for the day. Also on the 30th, Agawa Canyon came in with a load of stone.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 05

    WILLIAM CLAY FORD (1) was launched May 5, 1953.

    The MERCURY (2) collided with the bulker ERNEST T. WEIR on May 5, 1964 near the mouth of the St. Clair River. The tanker suffered severe bow damage, the result of her faulty steering gear.

    On May 5, 1980 the SHARON grounded in the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River. She was freed on May 7th and proceeded to Monroe, MI and was laid up there on May 8, 1980. No repairs were made and she never sailed again.

    On May 5, 1914 the GEORGE F. BAKER was traveling downbound in Lake Superior in dense fog with 10,500 tons of iron ore from Ashland, WI. She ran hard aground on Sawtooth Reef off Eagle River, on Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. May 5, 1914 - An unusual cargo, two "Jack Johnsons" (Navy guns) were hauled by the Pere Marquette 17.

    The small schooner ST. PETER was loaded with grain when she sank 35 miles from Milwaukee on 5 May 1874. The crew reached shore in the yawl.

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

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




    American Mariner in Drydock

    05/04:
    The American Mariner was moved into the Toledo Shipyard dry dock No. 2 on Wednesday morning for repairs to damage suffered in the accident last week. She was assisted in by the tugs Louisiana and Montana.

    Reported by: Michael Hornyak and Jim Hoffman




    McKee Sons Arrives at Bayship

    05/04:
    Under the tow of a Selvick tug, the barge McKee Sons crossed the waters of Green Bay and entered Sturgeon Bay sailing for Bay Shipbuilding. She arrived shortly after noon Tuesday and was immediately placed in the graving dock, with assistance from other Selvick tugs and the yard tug, Bayship.

    It is believed that the barge is at Bayship for modifications needed to pair with the new tug.

    Reported by: Paul Graf




    George A. Sloan Grounds Near Alpena

    05/04:
    On Tuesday the George A. Sloan touched bottom while in bound to Alpena, MI. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the grounding was caused by a navigation error. The Sloan immediately freed itself and continued into Alpena. There was no damage to the vessel.




    The Great Lakes Towing Company Purchases Tug Triton

    05/04:
    Cleveland - May 3, 2000 - The Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio purchased the 4,000 horsepower tug Triton, formerly owned and operated by Merce Transportation Company of Sylvania, Ohio. The tug was dry-docked in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to undergo minor repairs and improvements required to class the vessel with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and to convert the tug to The Towing Company's traditional red and green colors.

    The Towing Company plans to position the 4,000 horsepower Triton in Detroit until operational plans are finalized, and is currently considering new names for the tug. The Company's tugs are all named after U.S. states, except for the tug Superior, which is named after one of the Great Lakes.

    Name suggestions are encouraged and can be E-mailed to glt@thegreatlakesgroup.com. The TRITON will be the highest horsepower tug on the Great Lakes not utilized with an integrated tug/barge unit.




    Steam Up on the Lake Michigan Carferry

    05/04:
    The Lake Michigan Carferry Badger came back to life Tuesday night as her boilers were lit for her annual boiler test. The fires will be allowed to go out after the test and will be re-lit a few days before the start of the sailing season on May 12th.

    Click here for an image of the Badger's stack as the boilers were lit.
    On Wednesday crews were busy painting the hull.

    Reported by: Max Hanley




    Twin Ports Report

    05/04:
    Absent from Wednesday's DMIR schedule is the Saginaw. The vessel was scheduled to load at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth on May 8.

    Canadian vessels were out in May 3 in the Twin Ports. Algocen was loading at St. Lawrence Cement and Canadian Enterprise was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal. Canadian Voyager was scheduled to make its first visit to the Twin Ports this season, calling at the Peavey elevator in Superior later in the day.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Cement in Milwaukee

    05/04:
    The G-tugs California & Virginia shifted the empty St. Marys Cement I barge from the Blue Circle Cement dock to Milwaukee's outer harbor Wednesday. The tug Sea Eagle II/St. Marys Cement II had arrived earlier. They will load the St. Marys I barge and Great Lakes Towing will then shuttle the barge back to the Blue Circle dock.

    Reported by: Andy LaBorde




    Toledo Update

    05/04:
    The J.A.W. Iglehart is now sailing after her bow repairs were completed at Toledo Shipyard. There has been no activity on the Sam Laud. With her purchase by American Steamship Company fitout will begin soon with a tentative sailing date of 17 May.

    Reported by: Jim Hoffman




    Iroquois Lock Update

    05/04:
    Below is an image Luckyman passing through the Iroquois Lock. The vessel visited Cleveland, Toledo and Milwaukee and is now sailing off the lakes.

    Luckyman in the lock.

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Slight Increase in Superior Coal Loadings

    05/04:
    Coal loadings at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, totaled 1,573,126 net tons in April, an increase of 50,000 tons compared to a year earlier. However, the impacts of declining water levels are quite apparent. SMET's largest cargo for the month totaled 61,846 net tons, whereas in April of 1999, the dock's top loading was 63,994 n.t. Turn the clock back to April of 1997, before the Lakes started this dramatic fall, and SMET's largest loading was 66,842 n.t.

    For the season, loadings at SMET stand at 2,153,918, again an increase of roughly 50,000 tons compared to the same point in the 1999 season.

    Visit the Lake Carriers' Association home page for complete Details.




    Great Lakes Towing Updates

    05/04:
    The Neuman Cruise and Ferry Line's M.V. Commuter was dry-docked at the Great Lakes Towing Company shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio on Monday May 1, 2000 to complete its five (5) year U.S. Coast Guard inspection. The Ferry is used to transport vehicles and passengers from Marblehead Island to Kelly's Island, Ohio. The Towing Company's shipyard will also clean and coat the hull of the Commuter and perform other routine underwater repairs.

    The yard is also making U.S. Coast Guard steel repairs to the underwater hull of one (1) of the Holy Moses water taxis. The water taxis transport visitors and partygoers across the Cuyahoga river in the Cleveland Flats area.

    For more information on the shipyard facilities and the Towing Company visit their website at www.thegreatlakesgroup.com.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 04

    On May 4, 1958, the John Sherwin entered service. If the Sherwin remains laid up until May 28, 2005, not counting the winter lay-ups the vessel has experienced, she will have been in lay-up for half of her life on the Great Lakes. She last sailed on November 16, 1981.

    On her maiden voyage May 4, 1976, the ST. CLAIR (2) departed Sturgeon Bay for Escanaba, MI to load 39,803 gross tons of iron ore pellets for Indiana Harbor, IN arriving there on May 5th.

    The OREFAX ran aground on May 4, 1963 way off course near Manistique, MI. She was lightered and pulled off by the Roen Salvage Co. and made her way to Toronto, Ont. where she discharged her cargo and left for repairs.

    The tanker VENUS (2) suffered an explosion on May 4, 1972 when the crew were cleaning tanks while at anchor waiting for the fog to lift about seven miles west of the Eisenhower Lock in the Seaway. Two explosions rocked the ship killing her skipper, Captain Stanley, and injuring three crewmen.

    On 3 May 1840, CHAMPLAIN (wooden side-wheeler, 225 t, built in 1832 at Chippawa, Ontario) was carrying general merchandise when a storm drove her ashore four miles south of St. Joseph, Michigan. Although abandoned, she was later recovered and rebuilt.

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

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




    Saginaw For Duluth

    05/03:
    Saginaw, formerly the John J. Boland, is scheduled to return to Duluth on May 8 to load at the DMIR ore dock. The Saginaw was towed from Superior on Oct. 24, 1999 for refit in Sarnia after being purchased by Lower Lakes Towing.

    Reported by: Al Miller, Rod Burdick and David French




    American Steamship Buys Laud

    05/03:
    The lease held by American Steamship Company (ASC) on the Sam Laud expired at the end of April as the vessel sat idle in Toledo, still in winter lay-up. ASC was able to buy the vessel and expects to return the Sam Laud to service on May 17.

    The Laud was built in 1975 by the Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI. at a cost of $13.3 million. The vessel has sailed for ASC its entire career.




    Tight Passing in the Menominee River

    05/03:
    The barge McKee Sons was towed down the Menominee River Tuesday morning. It was a tight squeeze as the barge was moved by a Selvick tug through the Ogden Street Bridge between Marinette, WI and Menominee, MI. pass the Dora unloading at the Marinette Fuel and Dock.

    The images below were taken from the WeldAll Marine Dock/K&K warehouse at Menominee, MI. From left to right the barge McKee Sons under tow by a Selvick tug, the saltie Dora with a load of pig iron, and the William H. Donner's cranes can be seen unloading the pig iron.

    McKee Sons approaching bridge.
    McKee Sons passing through the bridge.

    Report and images by: John Krueger




    Heavy lift ship Sails Through Quebec

    05/03:
    On Tuesday the heavy lift ship Happy Buccaneer arrived in the Seaway from the Netherlands. The vessel waited for low tide and took on a 6 degree starboard list so the ship's two huge deck cranes would clear the Quebec City bridges. The Mammoet owned vessel with a mustard colored hull was an unusual site.

    A local radio station reported that the 479-foot Happy Buccaneer was en route to the port of Trois-Rivières to pick-up a cargo of granite.

    Click here for more information on the Mammoet heavy lift fleet.

    Reported by: Frederick Frechette




    Enterprise Moved

    05/03:
    The Kinsman Enterprise has been moved from the Buffalo Port Terminal "B" on the outer harbor to the General Mills Frontier elevator on the Buffalo Ship Canal for unloading. This should make for an interesting passage when the Myron C. Taylor heads up to the Founder's sand dock at midnight on the 3rd.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Port Stanley update

    05/03:
    On Friday the tanker Gemini managed to churn its' way into Port to unload fertilizer at the Top Notch quonset huts. It took the better part of an hour for the ship to back very carefully out of the harbor, rubbing the west dock twice on the way.

    The depth at the entrance to the harbor is very shallow and even the fishing tugs are finding it difficult to navigate if the water is the least bit rough. Two of the pleasure boat marinas in port will remain closed this year because there is not enough depth in the creek to moor anything with a draft of greater than 4 feet.

    If the harbour is not dredged the port faces losing three major industries. The grain elevators and fertilizer quonsets, the Lakes Terminals and Warehousing which handle salt and coal docks and possibly the McAsphalt Industries. The McAsphalt tug and barges have also had a tough time navigating into port.

    Reported by: Joan Wilton




    Badger Prepares for New Season

    05/03:
    Crews are busy getting the Lake Michigan Carferry Badger ready for the start of the 2000 sailing season, which begins May 12th. Crews were busy painting both onboard on touching up the hull. The boilers were scheduled to be lit last night for the annual boiler test.

    Click here for an image of the Badger as crews prepare to paint the hull.

    Reported by: Max Hanley




    Twin Ports Report

    05/03:
    Due at the DMIR ore dock this week are Canadian Century on May 4; and Cason J. Callaway with stone, and Armco, May 5.

    Two Harbors continues its steady run of GLF boats. The lineup at the DMIR there is: Edgar B. Speer, May 3; Presque Isle, May 5; Cason J. Callaway, May 6.

    Philip R. Clarke was scheduled to make a rare call May 2 in Erie, Penn., with cargo -- presumably salt -- from Fairport.

    Charles M. Beeghly is due back at Midwest Energy Terminal, and Middletown is now scheduled to call at the dock, apparently as a substitute for Reserve, which had been due there this week. Here's the lineup: Paul R. Tregurtha and Walter J. McCarthy Jr., May 2; Canadian Enterprise, May 3; Middletown, May 4; Algolake, Oglebay Norton, Algobay and Charles M. Beeghly, May 5.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Iroquois Lock Update

    05/03:
    Below are images of vessels in the Seaway passing through the Iroquois Lock.

    Quebecois sailing for Trois Rivieres.
    Canadian Provider in the lock.
    Federal Fuji heading to Oshawa. A radar gun used by the Seaway can be seen in the foreground.
    tug Evans McKeil and barge locking through for a Nova Scotia Port.

    Reported by: Peter Carter




    Diamond Jack’s Expands to Wyandotte

    05/03:
    Beginning June 1, 2000 the motor vessel Diamond Jack will begin 2 hour narrated tours out of Bishop Park near Oak St in Wyandotte. The vessel will depart the dock at 1pm and again at 3:30pm Thursday through Sunday until Labor Day. To see the historic areas in the lower Detroit River tickets can be purchased onboard the vessel for $12 Adults, $11 Seniors, $9 Children under 16. For the latest information please call 313-843-7676. If you would like to charter the Diamond Jack for a few hours or for the day please call 313-843-9376.

    The Diamond Queen will take the place of the Diamond Jack touring the upper Detroit River out of Hart Plaza. The Diamond Belle will continue the large private parties.

    Visit www.diamondjack.com for more information.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 03

    On May 3, 1959, the first large saltwater vessel to transit the new St. Lawrence Seaway arrived at Duluth. The Ramon de Larrinaga took the honors as the first saltie, passing under Duluth's Aerial Bridge at 1:16 p.m., followed by a saltie named the Herald sixteen minutes later.

    In 1922 the Pere Marquette 16, as the barge Harriet B. collided with the steamer Quincy A. Shaw, and sank off Two Harbors, Minnesota.

    On 3 May 1840, CHAMPLAIN (wooden side-wheeler, 225 t, built in 1832 at Chippawa, Ontario) was carrying general merchandise when a storm drove her ashore four miles south of St. Joseph, Michigan. Although abandoned, she was later recovered and rebuilt.

    Data from: Al Miller, Max Hanley, Jody Aho, Joe Barr, David Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

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




    Mariner Arrives

    05/02:
    The American Mariner arrived in Toledo at the CSX slip #2 at Monday afternoon. She was assisted to the dock by a tug from Great Lakes Towing. It is unknown when repairs will begin on the vessel.

    Reported by: Jim Byrne




    Algoeast Returns to Service

    05/02:
    The Algoeast, Algoma's rebottomed tanker is back in service. The tanker was heading upbound in the Welland Canal for Nanticoke on April 28.

    The 432-foot tanker entered Port Weller Dry Docks in December for the conversion from a single-hulled tanker to double-hulled construction. To reduce the risk of environmental pollution, federal legislation requires that all petroleum product tankers must be double-hulled by 2008.

    Reported by: Skip Gillham




    Goderich Update

    05/02:
    The week of April 24 was a busy one for the port of Goderich. The following vessels loaded at Sifto Salt: Canadian Navigator, John B Aird. The Algoway and Algorail are due in some time this morning. The Algorail was at anchor waiting for water and weather conditions to improve off Kingsville.

    Sunday afternoon the salt water vessel Oslo arrived to load soybeans at the Goderich Elevator. The Oslo was turned in the harbor basin by the tugs Debbie Lyn and Donald Bert and assisted to the number two elevator. The destination of the Oslo after loading is unknown.

    On Saturday the tug Dover departed Goderich for Windsor to assist the work tug Emerald L and her barge from the Ambassador Bridge to 3 miles off Goderich Harbor. The Emerald L and her barge were heading for South Hampton.

    Reported by: Mac Donald Marine LTD.




    Coast Guard Activity off Buffalo Update

    05/02:
    The activity reported off Buffalo last week was a search and rescue effort. The Rescue Coordination Center Trenton requested assistance in search for canoeist overdue from a day trip on April 24th, but not reported overdue until April 27th. Surface vessels from three U.S. Coast Guard Group Buffalo units assisted Canadian aircraft in a search for 41-year-old missing male that covered much of eastern Lake Erie. The U.S. units were released when news coverage of the search generated a reporting source who had found the overturned 17-foot red canoe Tuesday near Pt. Abino, Ontario, Canada.

    There was no update on the status of the man from the Coast Guard.

    Reported by: Brian Wroblewski




    Dinner cruises to start on the Keweenaw Waterway

    05/02:
    Keweenaw Excursions Inc. plans to operate a new dinner and sight-seeing cruises on the Keweenaw waterway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Keweenaw Excursions has purchased a 110-foot dinner cruise boat from Charleston, SC. The boat is currently on its way up to the Keweenaw, at last report the boat was in Kentucky. Keweenaw Excursions plans on naming the boat the Keweenaw Star.

    Reported by: Kraig Funkey




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 02

    The CORT created a sensation as she passed Detroit/Windsor on mid-day on May 2, 1972 amid throngs of people lining both sides of the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, whistling acknowledging salutes on her upbound maiden run.

    ADAM E. CORNELIUS (1) was launched May 2, 1908.

    On 2 May 1874, the steamer 8TH OHIO was chartered by Magner & Company to carry their circus to various Great Lake ports throughout that season.

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

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




    Integrity and Jacklyn M. Enters Bayship

    05/01:
    The Jacklyn M. departed Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay late Sunday pushing the Lafarge barge, Integrity. A crane was earlier observed lifting a replacement engine into the tug. This was a quick turn around and the tug and barge return to business. The pair arrived early Friday morning.

    Reported by: Paul Graf




    E.M. Ford Moved

    05/01:
    The E. M. Ford has recently been moved from the Lafarge dock on the Saginaw River approximately 600 yards to the former Oglebay Norton docks. This is the first time the vessel has been moved since she was towed to Saginaw to be used for storage. It is unknown why the Ford was moved.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause




    First Saltie

    05/01:
    The first saltie of the season has called on Marinette, WI. The DORA loaded with pig iron for the Waupaca Foundry arrived earlier Sunday with the aide of Selvick tugs.

    Reported by: Chad Michaels




    Twin Ports Report

    05/01:
    USCG Cutter Sundew was scheduled to depart Duluth on April 30 to work buoys off the Keweenaw Peninsula.

    Burns Harbor departed BNSF ore dock in Superior on April 30. Frontenac is due to make an unusual call there May 1. In the North Shore taconite trade, James R. Barker was loading at Taconite Harbor on April 30. St. Clair is due at Silver Bay on May 1.

    Myron C. Taylor unloaded cargo at Gladstone on April 30. It's due in Brevort on May 1 to load sand for Buffalo.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    New Tug for Quebec

    05/01:
    The Tug H9901 departed Halifax for Quebec City Sunday. The tug's expected to arrive at the Canso Lock early this summer and arrive in Quebec City on May 3. The H9901 was built at Isles aux Coudres shipyard. Rather than take the chance that the tug would be damaged in the ice she was sent to Halifax for the winter.

    Reported by: Paul Beesley




    The Winner Is

    05/01:
    The latest winner in the weekly drawing was Frank Nagy of Centerville, Ohio. Frank will have his pick of the prizes listed on the User Survey page.

    Included in the prizes are the new books donated by the Marine Publishing Company.

    Click here to enter, you could be our winner next Monday.




    Today in Great Lakes History - May 1

    The EDMUND FITZGERALD collided with the Canadian steamer HOCHELAGA at the mouth of the Detroit River, May 1, 1970, suffering slight damage at hatches 18 and 19.

    The STEWART J. CORT departed Erie on her maiden voyage at 0400 May 1, 1972. She was delayed by fog in western Lake Erie and then created a sensation as she passed Detroit/Windsor mid-day on May 2nd amid throngs of people lining both sides of the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, whistling acknowledging salutes on her upbound maiden run.

    Scrapping began on the CHICAGO TRADER May 1, 1978.

    JOHN T. HUTCHINSON was launched May 1, 1943.

    The IRVING S. OLDS sustained an eight foot long crack across her spar deck and eight inches down one side in a storm on Lake Huron May 1, 1963.

    LIGHTSHIP 103 (HURON) was launched May 1, 1920.

    SOO RIVER TRADER brought the first shipment of bulk cement to open the $18 million St. Lawrence Cement distribution dock at Duluth on May 1, 1982.

    May 1, 1903 -- The ANN ARBOR NO. 1 sighted a burning vessel about 15 miles out of Sturgeon Bay Ship canal, the Str. JOHN EMORY OWEN. The crew had already been picked off after the fire started, so the ANN ARBOR NO. 1 put out the fire with her fire hoses. The NO.1 then towed the abandoned steamer to Sturgeon Bay and tied her up at the west end of the canal.

    On 1 May 1875, CONSUELLO (wooden schooner, 103', 142 Gt., built in 1851 at Cleveland) left Cleveland with a load of black stone for Toledo. Near Kelly's Island, a storm caused the cargo to shift and the ship capsized and sank. When she hit bottom, she jerked upright so the tops of her masts were above the water. Two of the crew, Fred Donahue and James King, were able to cling to the masts and they were rescued after about an hour and a half. Five others, including the captain and his wife, were drowned.

    Data from: Jody Aho, Joe Barr, 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



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