Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Cedarglen Grounds in St. Lawrence River

06/27
The Cedarglen grounded Wednesday morning on a shoal near Whiskey Island off Kring Point, NY. Coast Guard reports that the vessel scraped the starboard quarter of its hull, but the extent of damage was unknown.

After the incident the Cedarglen went to anchored north of Whiskey Island. The vessel had reported electrical problems prior to the grounding.

Reported by: Marty Elliott

Barker to Return to Service

06/27
After an uncertain start to the 2002 season the James R. Barker will see service this year. The modern 1000-footer did not fit out as it normally would in the spring. The closing of the LTV steel mills and down turn in the economy were to blame for the vessel not returning to service.

Things appear to be picking up with LTV operating under new owners. The Barker is expected to depart her lay-up dock in Sturgeon Bay, Wi. next week and load coal in Superior, Wi. on July 4 for the St. Clair Edison Coal Dock on the St. Clair River.

Reported by: Scott Best

Transfer Visits Manistee

06/27
The Canadian Transfer stopped in Manistee on Wednesday morning on her first ever trip to the port. ULS boats are very rare in Manistee, with the James Norris coming through in 1999 on her only trip to Manistee. The Transfer brought in a load of limestone to the Seng dock. She loaded in Meldrum Bay, Ontario. The vessel arrived at 7:15 a.m. and departed in the afternoon. The Fred R. White Jr. is due Manistee on Thursday at 11:00 p.m.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Crew Member Falls

06/27
Monday a crewman aboard the Adam E. Cornelius fell 5-10 feet from a ladder onto a catwalk at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Marblehead, Oh.

The U.S. Coast Guard Station Marblehead responded and found local EMS and police on scene. A small boat from Station Marblehead took the injured man to a waiting life flight helicopter.

He was then transported to St. Vincent Medical center in Toledo, Ohio with head and possible neck injuries.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Air Lift From the Anderson

06/27
The U.S. Coast Guard was involved with another evacuation late last week from the Arthur M. Anderson. Air Station Waukegan transferred a 44-year old crew man with chest and abdominal pains from the vessel to Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, IL.

The man had been experiencing mild pain for several days. The ship was underway in Southern Lake Michigan, en route Indiana Harbor, when Group Milwaukee received their request for a MEDEVAC after the patient's condition worsened. AN HH-65A rescue helicopter launched and safely transported the patient.

Reported by: Greg Jackson

Marquette Update

06/27
The H. Lee White unloaded stone at Marquette's lower harbor Wednesday. The dock is cleaned and swept as each load of stone and coal is cleaned up.

The Algosteel, Sykes, Lee A. Tregurtha, and Great Lakes Trader are all due in Marquette on Thursday.

H. Lee White unloads.
Truck cleans the dock beneath the unloading boom.
Crewman walking on the boom.
Stern view unloading.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Burns Harbor Unloads in Burns Harbor

06/27
On Tuesday the Burns Harbor was unloading taconite at the Bethlehem side of the port. Also in port was the saltie Goviken was unloading it cargo of steel wire.

Burns Harbor unloading. Note the two obsolete unloaders pointing skyward.
Goviken unloading.

Reported by: Kent Armstrong

Cleveland News

06/27
The St. Marys II and Tug Sea Eagle were unloading at their silo on the river Wednesday afternoon. The David Z. Norton was unloading stone across the river at the Osborne dock at the same time. At 7:00 p.m. she was downbound being towed stern first by the G tug California. The Maumee was unloading stone at the Ontario dock at the mouth of the river, later in the evening she shifted up the old river bed unassisted to complete her unload of stone.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Soo Locks Cruise This Saturday

06/27
Friday, June 28 is Engineers Day at the Soo Locks. On Engineers Day the US Army Corps of Engineers opens the area between the MacArthur and Poe Locks to the public and the ground floor of the Administration Building is open for tours. On Saturday, June 29 a special "Freighter Chasing Cruise" will depart from Soo, Canada aboard the Chief Shingwauk. Time is running out if you would like to reserve your ticket for the cruise.

Departing at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault, Canada and it will be returning at approximately at 9:00 p.m. Cost is only $16.00 U.S. funds or $23.00 Canadian per person. This will include passage onboard for three hours as well as food . Our route for this cruise will take us where ever the ships are. We will pass through the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River chasing freighters. For those wishing to be take the cruise, please send a check or money order payable to : Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises Roberta Bondar Park Dock, P.O. Box 325, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. P6A 5L8 Order by phone: 877-226-3665 Please have your credit card number ready. A boarding ticket will be mailed to you, so please ensure the return address is correct. Space is limited to the first 150 persons. Please feel free to e-mail any questions to: Capt. John M. Chomniak General Manager Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Click here for more details

Today in Great Lakes History - June 27

CANADIAN RANGER was launched in 1967 by Davie Shipbuilding Ltd., Lauzon, Que. as a) CHIMO, C.323030, for the Canada Steamship Lines Ltd.

WILLIAM EDENBORN (steel propeller freighter, 478, 5085 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan on 27 June 1900.

PRETORIA (3-mast schooner-barge, 338', 2790 gt) was launched at J. Davidson's yard (hull #94) in W. Bay City, Michigan on 27 June 1900. Mr. Davidson built her for his own fleet. She was one of the largest wooden vessel ever built and lasted until September 1905 when she sank in Lake Superior.

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

Quedoc Tow Departs

06/26
A group of about 30 people were gathered on the James Street Swing Bridge and on the old Paterson Dock Tuesday evening. The occasion, to witness what may very well be the last time that the old Paterson boat Quedoc, makes a trip across Lake Superior. At 6:30 p.m. the tugs Avenger IV and Point Valour attached lines to the aging boat. The Quedoc has been idle at the Paterson dock since the end of the 1991 shipping season but despite her rough exterior, she still looks great inside.

Her fleet mate, Vandoc was towed to Sault Ste. Marie on June 10 and now it was the Quedoc's turn. As lightning flashed and Thunder rolled across the darkening sky, the tugs prepared their tow. The trio pulled out from the dock with the local tug Point Valour leading the way downstream with a line attached to the stern of the Quedoc. The Purvis Marine tug Avenger IV took up the slack her line attached to the bow of the once proud vessel.

As they moved downstream towards the junction of the Kaministiquia River and the Mission River, the lead tug lost her towline. Her master quickly turned the tug around and picked up the towline off the stern.

The tow reached the junction of the two rivers just as the sun broke out. A bright rainbow appeared in the sky and arched over the Quedoc as she passed the Algosar, who was unloading at the Petro-Can dock. The tow continued with the Point Valour in the lead, passing the Kam River yacht club and the Valley Camp dock. The Quedoc was making her last journey along the same route that the Vandoc took two weeks previous. As they passed the Mission river piers, the Point Valour took stern of the Quedoc out toward Pie Island as the Avenger IV took up the bow towline and attached it tow her stern. She then pulled the bow around and the Point Valour took in her towline.

The Quedoc was now facing her uncertain future and open Lake Superior. It is unknown what will become of the Quedoc at this time. Possible uses will be to cut her down to a barge, partially scrap the vessel and create a floating drydock or scrap the entire ship.

Crews prepare for the tow. John Kuzma

Reported by: Rob Farrow and John Kuzma

Independent Enters Lay-up

06/26
The last active U.S. straight deck bulk carrier, Kinsman Independent entered temporary lay-up at the General Mills Frontier Elevator on Sunday. It is loaded with a storage cargo aboard to be unloaded before fitout in the fall.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Fire Delays Loading

06/26
Due to a electrical fire in the substation at the CSX coal loading facility in Toledo, the Calumet move over to the Midwestern Terminal (Stone Dock) to off load the 18 cars of coal back into the coal cars Tuesday. No word on how long CSX coal loading facility will be down.

The coal belonged to the Reiss Coal Company and was destined to be used in the car ferry Badger.

Calumet dock and unloading.
Stern view.
Coal returned to coal car.
Another view.
Tim Becker( white hard hat),Reiss Coal Company, supervising the off loading of his coal. Next to him in a yellow shirt, a railroad switchman communicating with the railroad engineer on the placement of the coal cars.
The mate from the Calumet directs the amount of coal off loading.

Reported by: Bob Vincent

Ferry Service Disrupted

06/26
Sunday night, the M.V. Jiimaan suffered a mechanical failure on one of her engines. The ferry provides service between Leamington Ontario and Pelee Island in Lake Erie.

The vessel was not able to operate Monday as well and she was replaced by the smaller ferry, M.V. Pelee Islander. On Monday the Pelee Islander is scheduled to run from Leamington Ontario to Sandusky Ohio. It is not know how many people were affected in Ontario but almost a full load of cars were stranded in Sandusky by the decision to pull the Pelee Islander from her regular route. It is not known when the Jiimaan will re-enter service.

Reported by: Doug Roe

Lakes Visitor in for Repairs

06/26
On Sunday the Mackenzie was in Antwerp, Belgium for repairs. The vessel was placed in one of the dry docks at Antwerp Ship services.

Crews were repairing the vessel's propeller. Once work is complete the Mackenzie will load at Antwerp for the Great Lakes.

Mackenzie in Dry Dock.
Bow view.
Stern view.
Profile.
Looking up from the bottom of the dry dock.
Close up of propeller and cort nozzle.
View of the Mackenzie from above.

Reported by: Chris Rombouts

Alpena Report

06/26
The steamer Alpena arrived into port early Tuesday morning to load cement at Lafarge. It left around 9:30 a.m. heading for Green Bay, WI. The J.A.W Iglehart was expected to be in port on Wednesday to load.

The Paul H. Townsend was in Saginaw unloading and will then likely head back to Alpena. The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity was sailing for South Chicago.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw News

06/26
The Mississagi was inbound on the Saginaw River early Tuesday morning. After lightering at the new Bay Aggregates dock in Essexville, the vessel continued up to the GM dock in Saginaw to finish unloading.

This was the Mississagi's second visit to Saginaw since Sunday.

Also calling on Sunday were the Joseph H. Thompson, which delivered a load to the Bay Aggregates Dock, and the Maumee, which arrived in the evening at Saginaw Rock Products.

The Thompson and Maumee had also made quick turn around. Both vessels had returned to the river only about 36 hours after departing last Friday.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Busy Day in Fairport

06/26
Fairport Harbor OH was busy again Tuesday evening. The Canadian Navigator had arrived at 8:00 p.m. Monday and finally finished loading salt at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.

The Calumet arrived at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to unload stone from Marblehead, then was to load sand.

The suction dredge Atchafalaya was working the marina area, above the turning basin. Remaining in port were the Corps derrick McCauley and tug Koziol, plus several barges.

The sand sucker John R. Emery was moved to the west side of the river, next to the Osborne and another unidentified sand sucker, to make room at the sand loader.

The salt mine has not shipped by rail in many months. The entire length of the mine branch is full of stored empty piggyback cars.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

Toronto Update

06/26
The cement ships Stephen B. Roman and English River were both in port Tuesday.

T.H.C. 50 the Port Authority's heavy lift crane barge was back in service Tuesday morning after a lengthy refit. It was dredging the mouth of the Don River that morning and the Port Authority's tug Wm. Rest was hauling the spoils away with Port Authority's dump scows.

The McKeil tugs Atomic and Glenevis have been out of port for the past two days. They have likely gone to Oshawa to assist with vessel dockings there.

The Still Watch, ex-Coast Guard vessel Ville Marie, has been at Pier 28 for quite some time undergoing a new paint job. She now bears the name Vast Explorer, but this is only for the film that she is involved with. The new U.S. vessel Vast Explorer used the same dock about a month ago when it was outbound from the lakes after a lengthly lay-up at Wheatley, Ontario. The film is reportedly about the adventures of Robert Ballard, the Wood's Hole oceanographer who found the Titanic and PT 109. Still Watch reportedly will be at Pier 28 until November for this project.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Quebec Harbor Update

06/26
Three ships were docked in the St. Charles River estuary Tuesday including an unusual visitor.

The Algobay was loading iron ore for Burns Harbor and the large Panama bulker Rubin Peony (69,069 dwt, 740 feet) was unloading alumina from Banbury, Australia.

The unusual visitor was the McKeil Marine barge McCleary’s Spirit and tug William J. Moore loading jet fuel for Hamilton.

Many marine salutes were heard around 6:00 p.m. as the Canadian Coast-Guard Heavy Icebreaker Pierre Radisson departed the Quebec Coast-Guard base at Queen’s Wharf at the foot of the Château Frontenac on its annual trip to the Canadian Arctic. Many onlookers were on site to wish Bon Voyage to its crew. The Pierre Radisson was a beautiful site with its red hull and white upper structure as it moved to mid channel in the brilliant summer setting sun. The Radisson ‘s fleet mate Des Groseilliers will depart on its annual Arctic venture in early July.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Blount-Barker Signs Contract For 120’ Whale Watch Catamaran

06/26
Blount-Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with a B.B.O., LLC of Portsmouth, New Hampshire for the construction of a 120’ Whale Watch Catamaran for operation in Bar Harbor, Maine. The vessel designed by Crowther Multihulls of Sydney, Australia will operate both seasonal whale watch tours and high-speed commuter service.

The 124’ x 36’ catamaran designed with a main, mid and upper deck will accommodate 444 passengers at a loaded operating speed of 40 knots. The vessel’s structure will be designed to DNV Rules and Regulations for the classification of high-speed light craft and built to U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter K Rules and Regulations.

The all-welded aluminum catamaran will be powered by (4) Cummins KTA50-M2 engines, 1,800 HP at 1,900 RPM with ZF 4600D reverse gears driving (4) Hamilton HM651 Jets.

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding is an exclusive licensee for Crowther Multihulls, a leader in worldwide catamaran design. The vessel construction is due to begin immediately with completion scheduled for May 2003.

Reported by: Blount-Barker Shipbuilding

Today in Great Lakes History - June 26

In 1926 the Lemoyne was launched at Midland Shipbuilding Co, Midland Ont. She was 6 feet wider and 4 feet shallower than the largest ship at that time.
1929 the Calcite II was launched at American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain OH
Launched in 1972 was the ALGOWAY (2) at Collingwood

On 26 June 1867, WATERS W. BRAMAN (wooden propeller tug, 89 t, built in 1858 at Boston, Massachusetts for the U.S.Q.M.C. and named RESCUE) was near Pelee Island in Lake Erie when fire started in her coal bunker and quickly spread. Her crew abandoned her in the yawl and were later picked up by the propeller TRADER. She had been sold by the Quartermaster Corps just the previous year and she had come to the Lakes from the East Coast just five weeks before this accident.

On 26 June 1900, one hundred years ago, Boynton & Thompson purchased the wreck of the NELLIE TORRENT (wooden propeller bulk freighter, 141', 303 gt, built in 1881 at Wyandotte, MI) to raised her. She had been destroyed by fire at Lime Island near Detour, Michigan on 22 June 1899.

On 26 June 1882, the Port Huron Times reported that the ARAXES (wooden propeller, 182', 569 gt, built in 1856 at Buffalo, NY) sank in the Straits of Mackinac. She was raised on 6 July 1882 and repaired. She was built in 1856 and lasted until the summer of 1894 when she sank 4 miles off Bay City in Saginaw.

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

Quedoc Scrap Tow - Vandoc Scrapping

06/25
The final tow of former Paterson vessels from Thunder Bay is expected to take place later this week. The Quedoc is expected to be towed from Thunder Bay as early as Wednesday.

Crews from Purvis Marine were expected to depart their dock in the Soo on Monday heading for Thunder Bay.

The Quedoc has been in lay-up at Thunder Bay since the end of the 1991 season. Paterson sold the vessel and the Vandoc to Purvis Marine last month. The vessel is expected to be scrapped at Algoma Steel.

In Sault Ste. Marie, work crews have started removing parts and equipment from the Vandoc near the stern and will concentrate efforts on cutting a large entrance hole for easy access. Once completed, work crews will be able to drive necessary machinery and equipment into the ship for easy removal.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

River Closes Again

06/25
Monday night the US Coast Guard again closed the St. Marys River due to low visibility. The river was closed for a time on Sunday morning due to fog.

The river was closed Monday from Mud Lake junction buoy to the Soo Locks. The George A Stinson was upbound at Six Mile Point and the Buckeye was downbound at Gros Cap.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Dry Spell in Goderich

06/25
Goderich's busy salt mine dock is on a three week production shutdown. Crews are moving and repairing the conveyor belts and apparently will not be sending any salt out of the mine. There may mean no boat traffic in Goderich for three weeks unless the port receives visitors into the grain terminals.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Wenonah II in Service

06/25
The new cruise vessel Wenonah II entered regular service on May 18 and, along with Segwun is providing cruises through all three Muskoka lakes, sailing from either Gravenhurst or Port Carling in Ontario.

Wenonah II is beautifully designed to resemble a traditional inland lake steamer and, with her length of 129-feet, resembles both Cherokee (1907) and Sagamo (1906) . Along with Segwun, the steam yacht Wanda III, Wenonah II is owned by the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society who are proud of Segwun being the oldest ship under Canadian registry while Wenonah II is the newest.

The new ship has an interior of restrained elegance, with a 84-seat dining room and a 80-seat lounge, both of which should permit passengers to enjoy the Muskoka scenery from April to November over many future years.

Click here for more information

Reported by: Dr Gordon C. Shaw

Detroit Traffic

06/25
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River Sunday.
Goldeneye (Greece) at the Morterm Dock in Windsor.
John D Leitch backing down from Sterling Fuel to the Ojibway Salt Dock.
Stern view.
Tug Wyoming upbound for the Rouge River to assist the Jean Parisien from the Rouge Steel Slip.
Stern view.
Recently arrived in Detroit, the tug Maine upbound behind the Wyoming.
Stern view.
Tug Magnetic downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Federal Asahi (Hong Kong) upbound off Zug Island.
Stern view.
Sam Laud downbound off Zug Island.
Stern view.
Canadian Transport downbound with coal for Zug Island in the Rouge Shortcut.
H Lee White upbound off Zug Island.
Canadian Transfer unloading salt at the Osborne Dock in the Rouge River.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Fairport Traffic Jam

06/25
Fairport Harbor, OH was busy Monday evening. The Cuyahoga was loading salt at the mine. The Canadian Navigator backed in at 8:00 p.m. and tied up to the stone dock across from the salt dock waiting to load salt.

The Cuyahoga cleared at 8:40 p.m. followed out by the suction dredge Atchafalaya.

Also in port were the Corps derrick McCauley and tug Koziol, plus several barges.

The sand sucker John R. Emery remains docked on the east side of the river, boarded up.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

More News

06/25
I'm still having a problem processing pictures for the page, I hope to update the news with pictures early this week.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 25

1927 the B.F. Affleck was launched at Toledo Shipbuilding Co.

On June 25, 1938, the William A. Irvin began her maiden voyage, leaving Lorain, Ohio for Duluth to load iron ore.

INDIANA HARBOR set a then record cargo on June 25, 1993 loading 71,369 tons of western low sulfur coal at Superior (WI) Midwest Energy Terminal and transporting it 50 miles to Silver Bay, MN.

The ALGOBAY collided head-on with the steamer MONTREALAIS in foggy conditions on the St. Clair River June 25, 1980 causing extensive bow damage to both vessels. Repairs to the ALGOBAY were made by Herb Fraser & Associates, Port Colborne, Ont. at an estimated cost of $500,000. She returned to service by mid August, 1980.

At 1:00 AM on 25 June 1878, the 161', 3-mast wooden schooner PESHTIGO and the 143', 3-mast wooden schooner ST. ANDREW collided and sank near Cheboygan, Michigan and the Straits of Mackinac. Newspapers of the time claimed that forest fire smoke hampered visibility. Both vessels sank quickly. Two of the crew of PESHTIGO were lost, but the rest were rescued by the schooner S.V.R. WATSON. The entire crew of ST. ANDREW was rescued by the Canadian propeller OCEAN.

On the afternoon of 25 June 1885, the tug NIAGARA had the schooner MOUNT BLANC in tow while coming rounding to pick up the schooner REINDEER near Stag Island on the St. Clair River. The MOUNT BLANC struck the wreck of the tug B. B. JONES. The JONES had exploded in Port Huron on 25 May 1871 and the wreck was towed to the head of Stag Island where it was abandoned. After striking the wreck of the JONES, the ore laden MOUNT BLANC sank. She was later recovered and repaired and lasted until 1901.

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

River Closed

06/24
The US Coast Guard closed the St. Marys River early Sunday morning due to low visibility from Mud Lake junction buoy to the Soo Locks. Upbound vessels included the Courtney Burton, CSL Tadoussac and Lee A Tregurtha. They were allowed to tie at the lower lock pier. The downbound Cedarglen and Armco docked at the locks.

The Federal Welland was underway upbound from the export dock at Algoma Steel for Thunder Bay.

The river was reopened later that morning.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Dean Wins Tug Boat Race

06/24
Saturday the 26th annual International Freedom Festival Tug Boat Race was held on the Detroit River. The overall winner of the event was the tug Elmer Dean.

The weather was perfect for the event and crowds lined the Windsor waterfront to watch the tugs race for the finish line. Absent from the races this year were tugs owned by the Gaelic Tugboat Co. After weeks of preparing the tug Acushnet, the tug and its owners were stuck inside the Rouge River due to power outage that kept the bridges over the river closed.

Below are the official race results by class:
1st overall
Elmer Dean

2000+ horsepower
No tugs in this class

1001-2000 horsepower
1st - Elmer Dean
2nd - Demolen

351 - 1000 horsepower
1st - Dover
2nd - Neptune III

176-350
1st - Julie Ann
2nd - Sinbad

Under 175 Horsepower
1st - Bay Taz
2nd - Junior C

Non-displacement
1st - J.W. Westcott II
2nd - Joseph J. Hogan

Smallest tug
Enterprise

Best dressed
1st - Enterprise
2nd - Bay Taz

Race Commendation
Acushnet

Judge's Appreciation
Demolen - best safety program

Flags flying the Joseph J. Hogan departs the Westcott Dock.
Tug Isabelle.
Joan V and the Demolen prepare for the start.
Bay Taz converted the pilot house into a giant Stanley Cup this year.
Dover, Neptune III and Junior C II.
Close up Neptune III and Junior C II.
Enterprise with a purple octopus on the pilothouse roof.
Sinbad lines up for the start.
Capt. of the Demolen.
Capt. Sam Buchanan of the J.W. Westcott II discusses race strategy.
Onboard the Westcott II in the tense moments before the race starts, Capt. Sam Buchanan and deck hand Dave Tozer pose for a picture.
Field prepares for the start.
Lining up.
The start.
Field starts to spread out.
Close up.
Elmer Dean speeds into the lead.
New USACE tug Demolen showed its impressive speed taking 2nd overall.
Powering by.
Stern view.
Joseph J. Hogan during the race.
Through the other tug's wake.
Another view.
Dover from Goderich.
Racing up river.
Neptune III.
USCG Bristol Bay, the finish line in Windsor.
Impressive performance by this unnamed vessel.
The tugs head for the Detroit side on a parade lap.
View from Windsor. T. Parker
Elmer Dean crossing the finish line. T. Parker
Demolen. T. Parker
Westcott II and Joseph J. Hogan race to the finish line. T. Parker
Junior C. II and Sinbad. T. Parker
J.W. Westcott II heads for Windsor. T. Parker
Westcott II crew docks in Windsor for the awards luncheon.
Departing Windsor for the Westcott Co. Dock.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss and T. Parker

Marquette Update

06/24
A rainy, foggy day in Marquette on Sunday saw three ships at the upper harbor. The Charles M. Beeghly arrived first and unloaded coal, then backed out so the Courtney Burton could come in and load ore. The Beeghly waited in the fog for her turn to return to the dock to load. The Lee A. Tregurtha came in on the north side of the dock and began loading ore.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Hamilton Report

06/24
There were a fair number of vessels in Hamilton Harbor Saturday evening. The Frontenac was unloading iron ore pellets at Stelco, while over at Dofasco, the Algocen was doing the same.

At Pier 26, the James Norris was being loaded with slag with the Hamilton Energy refueling her. Across the way at Pier 23, the Regina Oldendorff was unloading steel products.

Over at Heddle Marine, the barge McAsphalt 401 is out of drydock and is connected to its tug the John Spence.

There were two salties moored at Pier 14. The Fraser was unloading steel beams and the Federal Polaris was unloading steel beams and steel coils. A small pleasure craft was also seen on the Federal Polaris as deck cargo.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto News

06/24
Saturday saw the arrival of the Bulgarian salty Okolchitza with sugar for Redpath. She was assisted into her berth by McKeil's tugs.

The mega yacht Valkyrie departed after her previously damaged propeller was returned.

The 14th Annual Dragon Boat Festival began Saturday on Toronto Island. The side-paddlewheel steam ferry Trillium was put into service to help carry the large crowd of spectators. The Dragon Boat Festival continued on Sunday.

The hobby tug On Duty was in port Saturday as part of regatta. She is the ex-Ministry of Environment tug James Auld. Also in the regatta, which was welcomed into port by a water cannon display by the firetug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie, was a small naval auxiliary vessel named Crossbow 197.

The salty Olympic Miracle was unloading at Pier 35 Saturday. She arrived on Friday. It is probable that Canadian Mariner will be shifted back to Pier 35 once Olympic Miracle departs.

Early Friday morning the "Party Barge" Island Sauvage and its attendant tug King Fish 1 returned to Toronto from Hamilton.

Work continues in the Port Authority's yard on a rigging overhaul for the heavy lift crane barge T.H.C. 50. The C. & C. Marine tug Patricia D. and barge Rock Prince are out of port taking part in the Bronte Waterfront Festival. The barge is being used as a fireworks platform anchored off Coronation Park in Bronte. The schooner Empire Sandy is also participating in the Waterfront Festival, which ended Sunday night.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Soo Locks Cruise

06/24
Friday, June 28 is Engineers Day at the Soo Locks. On Engineers Day the US Army Corps of Engineers opens the area between the MacArthur and Poe Locks to the public and the ground floor of the Administration Building is open for tours. On Saturday, June 29 a special "Freighter Chasing Cruise" will depart from Soo, Canada aboard the Chief Shingwauk. Time is running out if you would like to reserve your ticket for the cruise.

Departing at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault, Canada and it will be returning at approximately at 9:00 p.m. Cost is only $16.00 U.S. funds or $23.00 Canadian per person. This will include passage onboard for three hours as well as food . Our route for this cruise will take us where ever the ships are. We will pass through the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River chasing freighters. For those wishing to be take the cruise, please send a check or money order payable to : Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises Roberta Bondar Park Dock, P.O. Box 325, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. P6A 5L8 Order by phone: 877-226-3665 Please have your credit card number ready. A boarding ticket will be mailed to you, so please ensure the return address is correct. Space is limited to the first 150 persons. Please feel free to e-mail any questions to: Capt. John M. Chomniak General Manager Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Click here for more details

Shipping Merchandise Moving Sale.

06/24
Force 5 Promotions is offering all Boatnerd.com viewers some great savings. Force 5 is moving and needs to clean out the warehouse.

They will not be able to attend the Soo Festival this year so make sure you buy early. These prices will never be lower. Just a few examples, Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping hats $5.50, Paul R Tregurtha polo shirts, $12.00.
Click here to view

Weekly Updates

06/24
The weekly updates have been uploaded. Click here to view

More News

06/24
I'm still having a problem processing pictures for the page, I hope to update the news with pictures early this week.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 24

On June 24, 1971, a fire broke out in the engine room of the ROGER BLOUGH killing four yard workers and extensively damaging her Pielstick diesel engines. Extensive repairs, which included replacement of both engines, delayed the launch for nearly a year.

The RIDGETOWN was launched June 24, 1905 as a) WILLIAM E. COREY, the first flagship for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.

CANOPUS (2-mast wooden brig, 386 t, built in 1855 at Huron, Ohio) was carrying 16,500 bushels of wheat when she collided with the bark REPUBLIC between 3:00 and 4:00 AM on 24 June 1865. The CANOPUS sank in about 20 minutes off Clay banks on Lake Erie. No lives were lost.

The wooden scow MYRA of Ashtabula was lost in a terrible squall on Lake Erie off Elk Creek on 24 June 1875. Three lives were lost.

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

Today in Great Lakes History - June 23

In 1926 the Lemoyne was launched at Midland Shipbuilding Co, Midland Ont. She was 6 feet wider and 4 feet shallower than the largest ship at that time.

1929 the Calcite II was launched at American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain OH

Launched in 1972 was the ALGOWAY (2) at Collingwood.

The first whaleback, BARGE 101, was launched along the shore of St. Louis Bay near Duluth, MN on 23 June 1888. Captain Alexander McDougall, the inventor and designer, was there along with his wife, her sister-in-law and several hundred spectators. As the vessel splashed in to the bay, Mrs. McDougall is supposed to have muttered, "There goes our last dollar!"

On 23 June 1900, one hundred years ago, the 450 foot steel steamer SIMON J. MURPHY was launched at Wyandotte, Michigan for Eddy Brothers of Bay City.

On 23 June 1873, B. F. BRUCE was launched at Crosthwaite's yard in East Saginaw, Michigan. She is not properly a schooner, but what is known as a "three-and-after" in nautical terms. Her capacity was 50,000 bushels of grain (800 tons) and the building cost was $50,000.

Data from: Jody Aho, Joe Barr, Matthew Daley, 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

Saginaw Update

06/22
The Joseph H. Thompson was outbound from Saginaw in a heavy thunderstorm early Friday afternoon after calling at the Wirt stone dock. The vessel had delivered part of her load at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City on Thursday evening and continued up to Saginaw during the night.

The Maumee entered the river at about 6 p.m. Friday and was upbound during the evening for the Wirt dock at Saginaw.

The tug Undaunted, with barge Pere Marquette 41, was outbound from the Sargent dock at Saginaw during the early morning hours on Thursday after completing unloading about midnight on Wednesday.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Busy Port Stanley

06/22
The port is fairly busy these days with the launching of two sailboats built by the local yacht builder, Kanter Yachts of St Thomas, Ontario. Both were built at a cost in excess of a million dollar each for American Ports.

The harbor is filled with vessels from Nadro Marine services of Port Dover who are working with drill barge Time Saver II. Time Saver is working offshore in the gas fields under Lake Erie approximately 6 miles off Port Stanley. The work boats on scene include the large tug /workboat Ecosse and the Intrepid 111 as well as the Vac. The tug Welland was dock on the west wall near the lift bridge on Wednesday.

The fishing fleet is busy at this time fishing for perch and pickerel as there quotas allow.

Reported by: Dave James

Tug Race Today

06/22
Saturday June 22 is the International Freedom Festival Tug Boat Race on the Detroit River. Starting at 1:00 p.m., tugs line up below the Ambassador Bridge and finish off Dieppe Park in Windsor. The best viewing spot for spectators is from the Windsor water front.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 22

The DAVID Z. NORTON (2) was Launched and christened as the WILLIAM R. ROESCH on June 22, 1973 for the Union Commerce Bank, Ohio (Trustee) and managed by the Kinsman Marine Transit Co., Cleveland, OH.

June 22, 1957 - W.L. Mercereau, known as the "Father of the Fleet", died. Mercereau developed the Pere Marquette fleet of carferries into the "largest in the world".

On 22 June 1853, CHALLENGE (wooden propeller freighter, 198', 665 t, built in 1853 at Newport, Michigan) was bound from Chicago for Buffalo with barreled pork and oats on one of her first trips. However, her boiler exploded off Cheboygan, Michigan. She burned and sank. Five died. The schooner NORTH STAR heard the blast ten miles away and came to the rescue of the rest of the passengers and crew.

On 22 June 1875, the Port Huron Times reported that "the Northern Transportation Company's fleet of 20 propellers, which have been idle all the season owing to difficulties between the Central Vermont and the Ogdensburg & Champlain Railroad Companies, have passed from the control of the Central Vermont Railroad Company and will commence regular trips as soon as they can be fitted out."

Data from: 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

Captain Remembered

06/21
Earlier Thursday morning the Paul R. Tregurtha anchored just short of the Duluth Ship Canal upon her arrival, taking pause for a memorial service for her recently deceased master, Mitch Hallin. The Arizona flag (Capt. Hallin's home state), Interlake Steamship Co. flag, and the Tregurtha's christening pennant were flying at the bow. During the afternoon as the Tregurtha loaded coal at Midwest Energy, the U.S. Coast Guard's Sundew made a short trip up the river from her base on Park Point, carrying a considerable number of people on her buoy deck. They may have made a visit to the Tregurtha to pay respects as well.

The Capt. Ralph Tucker made her second trip in as many weeks to the Twin Ports, arriving late Wednesday night to discharge dissolved calcium chloride at Hallett #6. After a quick trip to the Murphy Fuel terminal on her way downriver, she departed through the Duluth piers under sunny mid afternoon skies, passing the inbound Joseph L. Block just outside of the canal. The Tucker is the first powered tanker to visit the Twin Ports in many years.

Reported by: Eric Holst and Jim Zeirke

St. John Arrives

06/21
The sand sucker J.S. St. John has returned to Port Weller Dry Docks for shaft seal work. Noticeably absent from the deck of the vessel is large boom used to pump sand.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and Jeff Thoreson

Algosar Departs

06/21
The Algosar got underway early Thursday morning after spending several days under going engine repairs. The vessel anchored in the Seaway after it developed problems with a cylinder liner.

Reported by: Walt Statham and Kent Malo

Windoc damage dispute may go to court

06/21
The dispute over damages to the Windoc may wind up in Canada's federal court after N.M. Paterson & Sons and St. Lawrence Seaway Management were unable to negotiate a financial settlement.

Windoc was severely damaged last summer when a lift bridge operated by the Seaway lowered its span onto the passing ship. The loss of the Windoc left Paterson with just three operating ships, which have now been sold to Canada Steamship Lines.

At the heart of the dispute is who is liable for the accident and the amount of the damages, said David Marler, the lawyer representing Paterson.

Marler says a videotape of the incident clearly shows the bridge span coming down on the passing vessel. The Seaway Corporation maintains the case is going to court because Paterson has refused requests to document its losses, an assertion that Marler denies.

Since the accident the Windoc has been sold to Groupe Ocean.

Reported by: Alan Kennedy

Algoville in Sarnia

06/21
The Algoville has been on the South wall of the Sarnia Government Docks since Wednesday. Not much action is visible on the outside with the exception of some commercial pickup trucks parked on the dock.

The Sarnia Government Dock has the fences closed and no one is allowed along side the vessel with the exception of a small section of the stern that is beyond the fenced area.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Goderich Update

06/21
The tug Mark Hannah and barge E63 were docked on the north side of the salt mine Monday evening. It unloaded its cargo for the dust control company and was seen the next day heading north up the lake.

On Tuesday the Agawa Canyon came in to the salt mine, loaded, and then departed overnight Fischer Harbour, Ontario. Two ships were in on Wednesday - first was the Algoway that morning followed by the Algorail Wednesday evening. The Algoway loaded all day in hot calm weather and was leaving about 7:30 pm for Milwaukee. The Algorail turned herself around outside the harbor and backed unassisted into the dock on the north side of the mine to wait her turn.

The tug Dover was seen along side the Algorail and likely helped maneuver the vessel into loading position. The Algorail was still at the salt mine dock at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Toronto Report

06/21
Early Tuesday morning the Stephen B. Roman departed the harbor. That afternoon the English River finished unloading and departed.

The McKeil tugs Atomic and Glenevis shift Canadian Mariner from Pier 35 to Pier 52 on Wednesday.

The schooner Empire Sandy was scheduled to depart at midnight for a weekend at the Bronte Harbor Waterfront Festival.

McNally Marine has moved more equipment on the Burlington water pipe project. Derrick No. 1, and No. 4 have been joined by another spoil barge and the tugs Manistique, Whitby and Bagotville.

Reported by: Gerry O.

More News

06/21
I'm having a problem processing pictures for the page, I hope to update the news with pictures over the weekend.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 21

On June 21, 1942, the Alpena--formerly the Leon Fraser--entered service as the largest vessel on the Great Lakes. The former U.S. Steel bulk freighter, originally 639'6" long, retained at least a tie for that honor until the Wilfred Sykes entered service on April 19, 1950.

Also on June 21, 1942, the U.S. Steel bulk freighter Eugene J. Buffington ran hard aground on Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan and broke in two. The vessel was subsequently recovered and, after a long career with U.S. Steel, was finally sold for scrap in 1980.

The M/V RANGER III was side launched at Christy Ship (Bay Ship), Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 21st, 1958. The vessel was custom designed by R.A. Stearns (Bay Engineering) also of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for the National Park Service, Isle Royale National Park.

On June 21, 1986, during a severe thunderstorm (and unofficial observations of a funnel cloud) in the Duluth area, the Joshua A. Hatfield broke loose from Azcon Scrap Dock in Duluth and was blown across the harbor and ended up hard aground on Park Point (Minnesota Point). She remained stuck for nearly 3 weeks when a storm with east winds pushed the Hatfield free and she blew most of the way back across the harbor back to the scrap dock. Tugs were dispatched in time to safely guide the Hatfield back to the scrap dock. (June seems to be a bad month for U.S. Steel in accidents, with the June 7, 1977 accident involving the William A. Irvin, the June 15, 1943 collision between the D.M. Clemson and the George M. Humphrey, and the June 21, 1942 grounding of the Eugene J. Buffington on Boulder Reef.)

June 21, 1916 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 5, after departing the shipyards in Milwaukee on June 21, 1916 where 3 buckets (blades) were replaced on her starboard propeller, arrived Manistique. While maneuvering around in the harbor she struck the rocky bottom and broke off the same three blades off her starboard propeller.

June 21, 1994 - The Ludington Daily News reported a planned sale of the CITY OF MIDLAND 41 to Contessa Cruise lines of Minnesota. The deal included an option to sell the Spartan and Contessa was prohibited from competing against Lake Michigan Carferry, but it fell through.

The 3-mast wooden schooner GEORGE MURRAY was launched in Manitowoc, WI on 21 June 1873. At the time, she was billed as the largest vessel ever built on Lake Michigan. Her dimensions were 299' x 34' x 14', with the capacity to carry 50,000 bushels of grain. She was built by G. S. Rand for J. R. Slauson of Racine, WI.

On 21 June 1900 the wooden bulk freighter R. C. BRITTAIN was raised at Toledo, Ohio. She was then brought to Sarnia where repairs were made and the engine of the tug F. A. FOLGER was installed in her. She had previously sunk at Toledo and remained there for several years before being raised. She lasted until 1912 when she burned at Sarnia.

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

Taconite Harbor to receive cargo

06/20
It's nothing like the old days, of course, but Taconite Harbor on Minnesota's North Shore is scheduled to see vessel traffic next week.

Paul R. Tregurtha is scheduled to load 30,000 tons of low-sodium coal June 25 at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior for delivery to the Minnesota Power generating plant at Taconite Harbor. The Duluth-based utility purchased the power plant last year after the closing of LTV Steel Mining Co.

Taconite Harbor was the loading port for taconite pellets produced by LTV Steel Mining Co. in Hoyt Lakes. The power plant originally was built to provide power to the mine.

After making the delivery to Taconite Harbor, the Tregurtha will return to Midwest Energy Terminal on June 27 to take a full load of coal for the WE Energies generating station at Presque Isle near Marquette.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algosar Repairs

06/20
Wednesday the Algosar remained anchored 3/4 of a mile above CIP 6/7 on the American side of the Seaway with engine problems. Crews are repairing the vessel and were expected to resume their trip early this morning.

The vessel was up bound at the time she encountered engine problems and boatwatchers reported plumes of black smoke emitting from her funnel just minutes before going to anchor.

Reported by: Walt Statham and Kent Malo

Probe of Rouge spill examines oil reclamation business

06/20
Investigators were expected to continue searching a Dearborn, Mich., oil reclamation business seeking information about last spring's oil spill in the Rouge River.

Last April about 60,000 gallons of used oil leaked into the river and floated two miles downstream to the Detroit River. Some small patches of oil reached Lake Erie. Vessels were delayed while the Rouge was closed for cleanup. Cost of the cleanup effort topped $2 million.

Investigators from the FBI, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and the Michigan Attorney General's Office spent Monday and Tuesday executing a search warrant at Comprehensive Environmental Solutions, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Reported by: Hugh Jackson

More News

06/20
I have an early start at my real job Thursday morning, check back later in the day for more news updates.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 20

The WILLIAM P. COWAN cleared Lorain on her maiden voyage in 1918

In 1903 the twin screw rail car ferry GRAND HAVEN was launched for the Grand Trunk Carferry Line, Milwaukee, WI.

On June 20, 1953, the Canada Steamship Lines bulk freighter Burlington collided with and sank the Scotiadoc in Lake Superior.

On June 20, 1959, the Seaway Queen began her maiden voyage. The vessel was appropriately named, as at the time she was the largest Canadian vessel on the Great Lakes, the 2nd largest on the Great Lakes overall (behind the Edmund Fitzgerald), and she entered service the same week that Queen Elizabeth II and President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally dedicated the St. Lawrence Seaway. To this day, she remains one of the more popular and classic looking vessels on the Great Lakes.

June 20, 1936 - The PERE MARQUETTE 21 was blocked in Manitowoc following an accident which disabled the Manitowoc Tenth Street Bridge, making it impossible to raise the structure.

June 20, 1993 - The BADGER struck the Ludington breakwall while arriving Ludington. She was sent to Sturgeon Bay for repairs. 10 days operations and 21 sailings were lost.

The 230' wooden freighter JAMES DAVIDSON was launched at J. Davidson's yard in W. Bay City on 20 June 1874.

The MINNEHAHA, a wooden "clipper" schooner, was launched at James A. Baker's shipyard in Oswego, NY on 20 June 1857. Her dimensions were 110' keel, 125 overall, x 25'6" x 10'6". She could carry 13,000 bushels of grain. Mr. James Navagh, her master builder, received a gold watch and chain worth $200 in appreciation of his fine work on this vessel.

On Wednesday night, 20 June 1877, the schooner EVELINE (wooden schooner, 118', 236 gt, built in 1861 at Litchfield, MI) was struck by lightning about sixty miles out from Alpena, Michigan. The bolt shattered the mainmast, throwing three large pieces over the vessel's sides. The large spar was split perpendicularly in two and the lightning bolt followed the grain of the wood in a circular manner until it reached the main boom jaw, which is enclosed in a band of iron fastened by a large bolt. This bolt was literally cut in two. The mate, George Mayom, had the left side of his body blistered and the skin burned off from the shoulder to the foot. His right leg, hands and arm were also severely burned, and he suffered internal injuries and bled freely. The vessel made it to port and she was repaired. She lasted until September 1895 when she sank off Kewaunee, Wisconsin.

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

Mississagi Stops in Sarnia

06/19
The Mississagi stopped in Sarnia Tuesday for some type of repairs. The vessel was docked on the South Wall of the Government Docks with the bow ballasted down in the water while repairs were being done to the propeller area. She departed around 5:30 p.m., downbound for the Shell Dock for fuel.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Acushnet prepared for Tug Races

06/19
The Detroit River International Freedom Festival tugboat race is scheduled for this Saturday, June 22 at Windsor. On the Nicholson Drydock in Ecorse Michigan is the former U.S. Navy tug Acushnet. The hull looks to be in first class condition and has been pressure washed. Several 55 gallon drums of a car wax material is on hand to be applied to the hull to reduce the water resistance.

Captain Brian Williams, owner and captain of the vessel has high hopes of winning the "Capt. William Hoey Jr." trophy for first across the finish line.

Stern view of the Acushnet on the Drydock.
Bow view.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Algosar Stops for Repairs

06/19
The Algosar has stopped at CIP 7 above Valleyfield in the Seaway for about three days now. The vessel reportedly has a defective cylinder liner which is being replaced. The Algosar is expected to be repaired and get underway some time today.

The vessel was up bound at the time she encountered engine problems and boatwatchers reported plumes of black smoke emitting from her funnel just minutes before going to anchor.

Reported by: Walt Statham and Kent Malo

Sykes Loading at Port Inland

06/19
The classic steamer Wilfred Sykes tied up to the loading dock on Monday morning after the departure of the Great Lakes Trader. It took on load of stone for Saginaw and was expected to leave around 4:00 a.m. At anchor was the barge Pere Marquette and tug Undaunted which will load after the Sykes.

Sykes loading.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Rigel Shipping Joins Canadian Shipowners Association

06/19
Mr. Donald N. Morrison, President, Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA), is pleased to announce that Rigel Shipping Canada joined the CSA. The CSA Board of Directors approved the company’s membership application at a recent meeting.

Rigel Shipping, headed by President Brian Ritchie and based in Shediac New Brunswick, operates a fleet of three, double-hulled tankers providing petroleum and chemical tanker shipping services to Canadian petroleum and petrochemical industries. The company is ISO 9002 and ISM certified and has been in operation in Canada since 1993.

The Canadian Shipowners Association represents the interests of the Canadian companies that own and operate Canadian-flag vessels on the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Waterway, the Arctic, and the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada. These companies include: Algoma Central Corporation, Canada Steamship Lines, Groupe Desgagnés Inc., Oceanex (1997) Inc., Rigel Shipping Canada Inc., Seaway Marine Transport, Shell Canada Products and Upper Lakes Group Inc.

The Canadian fleet provides communities and industries with reliable, economic and environmentally sustainable transportation. Quietly effective, the domestic marine transportation industry plays an essential role in Canada’s industrial, petrochemical, agricultural and natural resources economy.

Reported by: Canadian Shipowners Association

Twin Ports Report

06/19
Courtney Burton marked its return to service by loading taconite June 18 at the BNSF ore dock. It was a busy day there, with Halifax and George A. Stinson due later the same day.

Elsewhere in port, Kinsman Independent was loading at General Mills S elevator in Superior. Rio Glory continued to load at Cenex Harvest States and Vancouverborg was loading at General Mills in Duluth.

The Duluth DMIR dock was busy with Presque Isle unloading stone during the day. Frontenac was due at the dock later in the day to load taconite pellets.

American Mariner, an infrequent caller in the Twin Ports, will be making a pair of appearances here. It's scheduled to load at DMIR on June 19 and again June 24.

The DMIR dock in Two Harbors continues with its new semi-regular callers. Indiana Harbor was expected there in the evening of June 18; St. Clair is due on the 20th, and the Joe Block is due on the 21st.

Reported by: Al Miller

Paul R. in Marquette

06/19
Big Paul Tregurtha brought a load of coal to Marquette's Presque Isle Power Plant Tuesday. The 1000-footers back into the dock so their unloading booms can reach the coal hopper at the plant.

The John Boland and Charles Beeghly are due in Marquette some time today.

Inbound at the break wall.
Turning in the harbor.
Approaching the ore dock.
Backing past the hopper.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Sturgeon Bay update

06/19
Below are images of Sturgeon Bay, WI. taken from the tour vessel Fred A. Busse. The Busse is a former Chicago Fire Boat.

Fred A. Busse at dock.
$15 million dollar yacht Anson Bell under construction.
Edward L. Ryerson in lay-up.
Profile of bow.
Close up of the forward cabins.
James R. Barker at Bay Ship with boom extended.
Southdown Conquest/Susan Hannah at the ship yard for unknown repairs.
Susan Hannah shows her heritage "Lady Elda".
The Lighthouse "Big Red" On the Lake Michigan side of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. It was built in 1882, the year the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal was completed.
Coast Guard Station (Lake Michigan side of the Canal).
Sherwood Point Light House (built 1882 and automated in 1972).
Tug John A. Selvick (built 1898).

Reported by: Dick Lund

Alpena Update

06/19
The Paul H. Townsend came into port Monday morning to load cement at Lafarge. It departed around 3:30 p.m. heading for Saginaw. At anchor in the bay was fleet mate Alpena. It waited until the Townsend cleared the channel and passed, each ship exchanged salutes. The Alpena loaded cement for Green Bay, WI.

Passing on the bay.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw Update

06/19
Three vessels were visiting at docks at Saginaw within a few hundred yards of each other on Tuesday morning.

The Joyce L. Van Enkevort/Great Lakes Trader had arrived during the night to deliver a split load at the Sargent dock and at Saginaw Rock Products. The Algoway arrived early in the morning at the GM dock in Saginaw, while the cement carrier Paul H. Townsend was secured alongside the E.M. Ford almost directly across the river.

The Joyce L./Great Lakes Trader completed work at Saginaw Rock about 9:30 a.m. and was outbound after turning. The Algoway cleared her dock shortly after the Great Lakes Trader passed and was outbound from Sixth Street about 12:30 p.m.

Pictures by: Stephen Hause
Great Lakes Trader outbound from Saginaw on Tuesday.
Approaching E.M. Ford and Paul H. Townsend.
Joyce L. passing Ford and Townsend.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Amherstburg Traffic

06/19
Cuyahoga upbound at sunset Monday.
Setting sun.

Reported by: David Cozens

Erie News

06/19
The Sam Laud was in Erie early Tuesday, unloading gravel at the Old Ore Dock. The vessel arrived at 5:30 a.m. and departed at 10:30. Before coming into Erie, the vessel talked with the Canadian Navigator and they agreed to pass on 1 whistle.

Laud outbound.
Another View.
Stern View.
Locomotives scheduled to be shipped from Erie sometime this week.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Trip Raffle Winners

06/19
Below is a list of the winners in the Children's aid Society of Huron County trip raffle.
Mr. Joseph M. Duffer - Trip for two on a great lakes freighter - Leechburg, PA Ticket purchased through this web site.
Ms. Joyce Easterly - holiday for two on a great lakes freighter - Grayling, MI
Mr. D. Keillor - BBQ & cruise for 12 on the Donald Bert, - Goderich Bayfield, ON
Mr. Donald McGinness -round trip passage for two and vehicle across Lake Michigan - Dover Plains, NY
Mr. Keith Rowston - passage for two and vehicle crossing - Georgian Bay Blyth, ON
Mr. Jack Hoffmeyer - narrated Detroit River cruise for four - Goderich, ON
Mr. Joe Freeman - narrated Detroit River cruise for four - Goderich, On
Mr. Ken Crowley - 30,000 Island cruise for two - Gibraltar, MI
Mr. John White - Kempenfelt Bay Cruise for two - Goderich, ON
Mr. Raymond Haller - cruise for two out of Port Huron - North Olmstead, Ohio
Mr. J. Scrimgeour - 30,000 Island Cruise family pass - Milverton, ON.
Mr. Jack Riddell - Luck Tour family pass - Clinton, ON
If you weren't one of the luck winners there are more opportunities to win a once in a life time trip. Click here for details.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 19

1954 the George M. Humphrey (named for President Eisenhower's Secretary of Treasury) launched at American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, OH.

In 1978, the Algobay was launched at Collingwood.

On 19 June 1836, DELAWARE (wooden passenger/package freight side wheeler, 105', 178 t, built in 1833 at Huron, Ohio) was carrying general merchandise and passengers in a storm on Lake Michigan when she was thrown ashore off Niles, Illinois. She broke in two and was wrecked. No lives were lost.

On 19 June 1900 the wooden schooner THOMAS L. HOWLAND was raised and towed to Buffalo for repairs. She had been sunk by the ice off Windmill Point in the Detroit River early in the season.

At 5:30 PM, on 19 June 1872, the wooden package freight/passenger propeller MONTANA (236', 1535 gt) was finally afloat at Port Huron, Michigan. She was unsuccessfully launched at the Port Huron Dry Dock Company on Saturday, 15 June, but she got stuck in the mud. The tugs VULCAN, PRINDEVILLE, BROCKWAY and BURNSIDE were all employed to free her and the MONTANA's engines were also going. It took four days of pulling, hoisting and dredging to free her. The effort to get her free and afloat cost Alexander Muir, her builder, over $3,000 (in 1872 dollars). She lasted until 1914, when she burned near Alpena, Michigan.

Data from: Jody Aho, Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, 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

Rare Stop for Leitch

06/18
On Monday the John D. Leitch made a rare stop at Wharf 6 Industrial Dock in Thorold. Her captain placed the bow against the west wall, then slowly brought the stern around until she could be lined up to back in to the dock. The Leitch is scheduled to be there for three days for interior repairs. It is believed to that her visit is several firsts, the largest vessel to visit the dock and the John D. Leitch`s first visit. The Leitch is loaded with ore from the lower St. Lawrence.

Pictures by Alex Howard
John D. Leitch arriving.
Preparing to turn.
Stern swinging out.
Turning.
Stern coming around.
Preparing to back.
Backing to Wharf 6.
Stern along side the dock.
Along side the dock.
Another View.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and Alex Howard

Earl W. Unloads

06/18
Earl W. Oglebay arrived early Monday morning to discharge her cargo of coal at the Cemex Cement Plant in Charlevoix Michigan. She departed late afternoon the same day. The next boat due into Charlevoix is the Southdown Challenger on Wednesday.

Reported by: Dustin Sadowski

Townsend In Detroit

06/18
After opening the 2002 season for ILM early in the year, and then going into layup in Muskegon shortly after, ILM's Paul H. Townsend is back out sailing. On Sunday it took a load of cement to Detroit. The Townsend is the vessel that is first to enter lay-up when demand for cement is low. Continued high demand should see the Townsend running for the rest of the season.

Reported by: Nathan Nietering and Michael Koprowicz

Marquette Update

06/18
The Lee A Tregurtha loaded taconite at Marquette's upper harbor on Monday. The vessel reportedly took on 361 train cars for about 26,000 tons of ore.

Lee A. ready to depart.
Turning in the harbor.
Outbound.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Goderich Update

06/18
The Agawa Canyon docked at the salt mine last Wednesday evening. It loaded and left during the night for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Friday, the Canadian Transfer loaded salt, and then the Algomarine on Saturday. The Algomarine arrived in the pouring rain at 4:00 p.m., backing into the dock with the help of the tugboats.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Amherstburg Traffic

06/18
Sunday evening the tug Everlast and barge Norman McLeod were passing upbound in the lower Detroit River.

Upbound light.
Close up.

Reported by: David Cozens

Toledo Report

06/18
The Algosteel was unloading stone at the midwest terminal stone dock, when finished unloading stone she shifted over to the CSX Coal Docks to load coal. The Armco is due in later on Monday evening at the CSX Docks, she will then follow the Algosteel loading coal. There are no other active vessels in port at the time of this report.

The American Republic remains in drydock at the Shipyard undergoing survey/repairs. The Joseph H. Frantz, Saturn, and the tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remain in layup at there respective dock sites.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Lee A. Tregurtha on Thursday, followed by the McKee Sons on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Adam E. Cornelius on Thursday, followed by the Armco on Monday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto News

06/18
An unidentified mega yacht was in port on Monday. The vessel is U.S. registered classic yacht. The Valkyrie remains in port, probably waiting for the damaged prop to be repaired and returned. The dredge that the tug Sandra Mary brought in Sunday from Hamilton is the John Holden. McNally's Hamilton yard is full and they have to store equipment in Toronto until the cooling water project begins.

The tug Salvor departed, possibly for Hamilton, after docking the Metis. The Stephen B. Roman came in late on Monday to Section 34-3 the Essroc north slip. Metis is in the south slip. Pomorze Zachodnie arrived Monday afternoon and was assisted my McKeil's tugs into the Redpath Sugar slip.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Today in Great Lakes History - June 18

In 1949 the Wilfred Sykes was launched at American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, OH. At the time she was the largest and most powerful vessel on the lakes. The Sykes was also the first boat to have a poop deck.

1964 The Saguenay was launched at Davie Ship Building Ltd., Lauzon, Quebec.

1968 the Algocen was launched at Collingwood.

On 18 June 1869, a little less than a week after being launched, Capt. Luce sailed the schooner DAVID A. WELLS on her maiden voyage from Port Huron for Menominee.

On 18 June 1858, the steamship CANADA left the Lakes via the St. Lawrence rapids since she was too large for the existing locks. She had been built by Louis Shickluna at the Niagara Drydock Company in 1853 at a cost of $63,000. She was sold for ocean service after the Depression of 1857. Her hull was rebuilt and she was renamed MISSISSIPPI. She foundered in a gale in the South Atlantic on 12 August 1862.

The venerable side-wheel passenger ferry Trillium was launched June 18, 1910 by Polson Iron Works in Toronto.

Data from: Gerry O., 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

Courtney Burton Returns to Service

06/17
The Courtney Burton departed her lay-up berth at the CSX Docks in Toledo Saturday and is now upbound headed for Superior, Wisconsin to load cargo.

This leaves the Joseph H. Frantz as the only vessel in the Oglebay Norton fleet not sailing this season.

Pictures by Michael Koprowicz
Courtney Burton fit out on Saturday.
Stern view.
Frantz in lay-up.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman, Nathan Nietering and Michael Koprowicz

Highlander Sea Arrives in Port Huron

06/17
The Tall-Ship Highlander Sea arrived at the Port Huron Seaway Terminal, its new home port, about 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The Ship was purchased by Acheson Ventures earlier this year.

Reported by: Bruce Hurd

Amphibious Bus Taking on Water

06/17
Sunday night an amphibious bus operated by Beaver Tours called for help on its marine radio reporting that it was taking on water and adrift in Kingston Harbor. There were no passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

With assistance from the CCGC Bitern and its small tender the bus was towed and pushed near shore. A line was transferred to shore and a large tow truck pulled the vessel from the water.
Beaver Bus Tours

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Wolverine Unloads

06/17
Saturday afternoon the Wolverine arrived at Calcite to load stone for Detroit Lime. The Wolverine was scheduled to load at Stoneport but had a change of orders Saturday morning due to other traffic at the Stoneport dock. At 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning the Wolverine was ready to depart for Detroit.

Stern view at the loading dock.
Deck view loading stone at Calcite.
"Brett" checks out the Wolverine near the Engine room.

Reported by: Scott Best

Windy II at the Soo

06/17
The tall ship Windy II, based in Chicago, visited the twin Soo's over the weekend during the Dragon Boat races. The 155-foot sailing vessel departed the Carbide Dock Saturday afternoon upbound through the American Soo Locks for a tour of the upper river. With a reported draft of eight feet ten inches the tall ship was able to transit the Canadian Soo Locks downbound, with inches to spare.

Windy II entering the lock.
Stern view.
Departing the lock

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Twin Ports Report

06/17
Cason J. Callaway steamed into Duluth early Sunday under clear skies. The vessel was to unload limestone before proceeding to Two Harbors late in the day to load taconite pellets. The Callaway was expected to cap an unusually busy day in Two Harbors. The Edgar B. Speer and Edwin H. Gott were both expected to load there on Sunday.

Elsewhere in Duluth, Oglebay Norton arrived in late morning to load at Midwest Energy Terminal. Rio Glory was the only saltie in port. It was sitting at Cenex Harvest States waiting to start loading today.

A pair of unusual callers are scheduled to visit western Lake Superior today. Buckeye is due at BNSF ore dock in Superior and Adam E. Cornelius is due at Silver Bay.

Midwest Energy Terminal is expecting a steady stream of vessels this week. The lineup includes: Paul R. Tregurtha on June 17 to load for Marquette; Algowood, June 18; Walter J. McCarthy Jr., June 19; Paul R. Tregurtha and Canadian Enterprise, June 20; Columbia Star and Oglebay Norton, June 21; and Canadian Progress, June 22.

Reported by: Al Miller

Hamilton Update

06/17
Sunday afternoon was a busy time in Hamilton Harbor. The Federal Welland was moored at Pier 10 unloading a bagged bulk cargo. Over at Pier 14, the Goviken was moored with no unloading activity seen.

At Pier 23, the Stolt Aspiration was unloading some a chemical/tar based product while just moored north of her is the Spar Garnet unloading steel billets from the rear hold and steel slabs from the forward hold.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toledo Report

06/17
The H. Lee White was at the Torco Ore Dock unloading ore. There are no other active vessels in port at the time of this report. The American Republic remains in drydock at the shipyard undergoing survey/repairs. The Joseph H. Frantz, Saturn, and the tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remain in lay-up at there respective dock sites.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algosteel and Armco on Monday. The Lee A. Tregurtha on Weds. followed by the Canadian Navigator, McKee Sons, and John G. Munson on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Docks will be the Adam E. Cornelius on Thursday, followed by the Armco on Monday 24 June.

Classic views of Toledo Shipping
A.S. Glossbrenner with the tug Patricia Hoey assisting her headed upbound the Maumee River bound for one of the grain elevators to load grain. She was renamed Algogulf (1) in 1987, then was converted to a self unloader in 1990 and renamed Algosteel.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto News

06/17
Sandra Mary brought another McNally dredge (possibly the John Holden) into port yesterday and berthed it behind Mister Joe. Later in the day Salvor & Metis came in to Essroc.

The salty Gunay-A continues unloading at Pier 52.

The mega yacht Valkyrie of George Town, Cayman Islands, is moored next to the harbor police station, probably waiting for her damaged prop to be repaired and returned before she moves on.

Reported by: Gerry O.

New Discussion Boards

06/17
To better handle traffic to the discussion areas of this site two new boards have been added. The latest is a board dedicated to Industry Issues and meant to be used by those working in the shipping industry. Click here to view

The other is a Regional Discussion Board for off topic and regional discussion that did not fit on the Information Search board.

The Information Search Page is the original board and dedicated to shipping questions & answers and less personal discussion.

Soo Locks Cruise

06/17
Friday, June 28 is Engineers Day at the Soo Locks. On Engineers Day the US Army Corps of Engineers opens the area between the MacArthur and Poe Locks to the public and the ground floor of the Administration Building is open for tours. On Saturday, June 29 a special "Freighter Chasing Cruise" will depart from Soo, Canada aboard the Chief Shingwauk. Time is running out if you would like to reserve your ticket for the cruise.

Departing at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault, Canada and it will be returning at approximately at 9:00 p.m. Cost is only $16.00 U.S. funds or $23.00 Canadian per person. This will include passage onboard for three hours as well as food . Our route for this cruise will take us where ever the ships are. We will pass through the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River chasing freighters. For those wishing to be take the cruise, please send a check or money order payable to : Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises Roberta Bondar Park Dock, P.O. Box 325, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. P6A 5L8 Order by phone: 877-226-3665 Please have your credit card number ready. A boarding ticket will be mailed to you, so please ensure the return address is correct. Space is limited to the first 150 persons. Please feel free to e-mail any questions to: Capt. John M. Chomniak General Manager Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Click here for more details

Shipping Merchandise Moving Sale.

06/17
Force 5 Promotions is offering all Boatnerd.com viewers some great savings. Force 5 is moving and needs to clean out the warehouse.

They will not be able to attend the Soo Festival this year so make sure you buy early. These prices will never be lower. Just a few examples, Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping hats $5.50, Paul R Tregurtha polo shirts, $12.00.
Click here to view

Weekly Updates

06/17
The weekly updates have been uploaded. Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - June 17

The SCOTT MISENER (2) was christened on June 17, 1951. She was the first vessel built at Port Weller.

The PATERSON (1) collided with the steamer EDMUND W. MUDGE in 1957 in fog on the St. Clair River opposite Marine City, MI.

The WILLIAM A. IRVIN was towed back to Duluth on June 17, 1986 by the tugs SIOUX and DAKOTA to be on station as a museum ship at the new $3 million convention facility.

June 17, 1998 - The tug/barge PERE MARQUETTE 41/UNDAUNTED arrived Ludington from Sturgeon Bay after the remainder of the conversion there.

The propeller OWEN SOUND was launched at Collingwood, Ontario on 17 June 1875. She measured 900 tons and could carry 30,000 bushels of grain.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, 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

Dry Dock Reopens

06/16
Buffalo Industrial property off Ganson St. has been the site of activity in recent weeks. Crews have been digging out the old Buffalo Dry Docks. Buffalo Industrial Diving has officially opened one of the old dry dock slips to begin immediate construction of work barges for their fleet. Once complete, they will begin building barges for other interests as orders come in.

This news is unprecedented. They are reopening a yard that had been closed and filled in for almost 40 years, but has a shipbuilding history going back to the mid 1800's.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

New Logos on Oakglen

06/16
The Oakglen is now sporting new Company logos on each side of her name on the front cabins. The Canadian Steamship Line Flag emblems were painted on some time during the last trip to Thunder Bay. They are the same emblems as her fleet mate Mapleglen sports on her front cabins. The Oakglen departed Thunder Bay on Friday while the Mapleglen remains at the Keefer dock in Temporary lay-up.

At United Grain Growers "m" elevator on Thursday.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Marquette Report

06/16
The Charles Beeghly loaded taconite at Marquette's upper harbor on Saturday.

The Armco arrived at Marquette's upper harbor to load taconite Friday evening. Also due Friday was the John J. Boland.

Pictures by Lee Rowe and Levin King
Beeghly loading on Saturday.
Armco inbound using bow thruster to line up for the dock.