Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Reserve Ends Dry Spell at Escanaba

07/31
Escanaba has had very little vessel traffic this season, but Oglebay Norton's Reserve made an appearance on July 30. The vessel arrived and unloaded coal at the South Reiss Dock.

Picture by Eric & Sandy Chapman
Reserve heading for Reiss Coal Dock 1 this afternoon.

Reported by: Eric & Sandy Chapman and Rod Burdick

American Canadian Caribbean Line to call in Duluth in 2003

07/31
American Canadian Caribbean Line Inc. says it will add Duluth to its cruise itinerary in 2003.

The 183-foot Grande Mariner is scheduled to call in Duluth four times next August. The vessel will end two trips and begin two trips in Duluth. Charlevoix will serve as the other end of the eight-night cruises. Prices will range from $1,840 to $2,185 per person, depending on cabin class.

Maria Digati, the cruise line's marketing director, said her company has seen mounting interest in cruising U.S. waters, particularly the Great Lakes.

"In view of recent world challenges, many people seem to be more interested than ever in exploring America these days," she told the Duluth News Tribune.

American Canadian Caribbean Line is a familiar sight on the lower lakes, but next year's cruises will mark its first venture into Lake Superior.

Duluth port and tourism officials are pleased that Duluth will be the starting and ending point of cruises because it means extra exposure and more visitors using hotels and restaurants.

This was expected to be Duluth's big year in the cruising industry, with ships making several calls at the port. But the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 put an end to that when American Classic Voyages declared bankruptcy, canceling cruises by its vessel Cape May Light.

This year only the Columbus, a regular visitor the past several seasons, is scheduled to call, arriving Oct. 2. Next year, however, that trade may end. A Duluth port official said the vessel may spend next season in the Baltic instead of the Great Lakes. But officials remain hopeful the Columbus will return to the lakes in 2004.

Reported by: Al Miller

Stelco, union reach tentative contract

07/31
Stelco Inc. says its Hilton Works division in Hamilton, Ontario, has reached a tentative contract settlement with a 4,000-member local of the United Steelworkers of America.

Details of a four-year pact -- which includes higher pensions -- were reviewed by employees Sunday. A ratification vote is scheduled for July 31 -- one day before the current contract expires.

Under terms of the settlement, the pension for a 30-year employee taking early retirement would increase by 44 per cent, the union said in a news release.

"I am pleased to recommend this agreement to our members, who have shown their support for the bargaining committee throughout this difficult set of negotiations," said Warren Smith, president of Local 1005.

Last Monday, a company proposal was circulated in the plant, but it would have left Hilton Works employees well behind employees at the company's plant at Nanticoke, Ont., on Lake Erie.

The company offer would have given a Hilton Works employee a pension of less than $24,000 a year after 30 years' service. The same years of toil at Nanticoke would earn a pension of more than $29,000.

"Our members' strong negative reaction to that document paved the way for the key achievement of these negotiations," Smith said.

Wages at Hilton Works range between $20.56 and $25.88 an hour, depending on job classification. Union members had voted 93 per cent in favor of a strike to back their goals.

Stelco is Canada's biggest steelmaker, active in six provinces and two U.S. states and with annual sales of $2.6 billion.

Reported by: Jordan Grabowski

Twin Ports Report

07/31
J.A.W. Iglehart paid a rare call to the Twin Ports on Tuesday when it tied up alongside the Ford to discharge cement at the Lafarge terminal in Superior. The Iglehart once was a common sight in the Twin Ports but it was pretty much replaced by the Alpena. Still, the Iglehart usually manages to make a couple trips a season to Superior and Duluth.

CSL Niagara was under the chutes at the DMIR ore dock on Tuesday morning. Nanticoke anchored out on the lake to wait for a loading berth at the ore dock. Also anchored out was Canadian Prospector, which was waiting for a berth at Cenex Harvest States elevator. Presque Isle -- which usually loads in Two Harbors -- is scheduled to call at the DMIR dock on Aug. 1.

Elsewhere around the ports on Tuesday, the saltie Virginiaborg was unloading salt at the CLM dock in Superior. The work was being performed by the dock's bridge crane, the last such operating crane in the Twin Ports. Fleet mate Vancouverborg was at the General Mills elevator in Superior to load beet pulp pellets. According to an article in a recent edition of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority's magazine, beet pulp pellets are sticky and best handled in lots of about 5,000 or 6,000 tons, making the "borg" vessels ideal carriers for this cargo.

Pictures by Kent Rengo
Virginaborg unloading her cargo of salt at the Cutler Magner dock in Superior. Note the full hopper of salt underneath the clam shell bucket. They were having a hard time getting enough semi trucks lined up to haul the salt to Duluth.
J.A.W. Iglehart docked at the J.B. Ford at the Lafarge dock in Superior.
Stern view.
Close up of the Iglehart's name, you can see part of her original name (P Amoco) underneath the letters J.A.W.
CSL Niagara loading taconite pellets at DM&IR's dock #6.
American Mariner tied up at Hallett Dock #5.

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw News

07/31
The Agawa Canyon was inbound the Saginaw River Tuesday night passing the Front Range around 7 p.m. She reported that she was upbound for the Valley Asphalt Dock.

On Monday, the Tug Rebecca Lynn and her asphalt barge arrived in the morning at the Bit-Mat Dock to unload. She was outbound very late Monday night.

Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Agawa Canyon upbound clear of Independence Bridge.
Bow shot.
Stern view.
Mississagi downbound approaching the Essroc Dock.
Stern view.
Tug Rebecca Lynn and barge at the Bit-Mat offload.
Mississagi passing the Rebecca Lynn .

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Detroit Traffic

07/31
On Tuesday morning the Canadian Navigator was assisted to the Osborne Dock in the Rouge River by the Gaelic Tugs Patricia & Carolyn Hoey. When the ship arrived at the dock the Wilfred Sykes squeezed passed outbound for the Detroit River after unloading at Rouge Steel. The tugs had to move out of the way to allow the Sykes enough room to pass.
Patricia Hoey and the Canadian Navigator at the Osborne Dock.
Another view.
Bow view of Sykes.
Wilfred Sykes, Canadian Navigator & Patricia Hoey.
Sykes passing.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Lorain Report

07/31
The Middletown was departing Lorain, Oh. Tuesday after unloading at the Pellet Terminal. The American Republic came in and spun around in the harbor and backed in to the Pellet Terminal to load for Cleveland. The highly maneuverable Republic was built for the Lorain to Cleveland taconite shuttle.

Pictures by TZ
Middletown passing the lighthouse.
American Republic turning.
Another view.
Close up.
Turning on a dime.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Buffalo Update

07/31
Arthur M. Anderson arrived Tuesday afternoon with a load of stone. She was unloading in the Gateway terminal in Lackawanna, NY. The Gateway Terminal is the site of the old Bethlehem Steel plant.

Reported by: Tom Miller and Brian Wroblewski

Hamilton News

07/31
The Jean Parisien remained at anchor Tuesday morning in Hamilton Harbor. Later that afternoon, the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin joined the Parisien at Stelco's coal dock to do a coal mix for the manufacturer.

Over at Dofasco, the Montrealais was unloading iron ore pellets. The James Norris remains moored at Pier 11.

Tuesday morning the CSL Tadoussac locked down through the Welland and later that afternoon was seen from the Burlington Ship Canal, approaching Hamilton. Also approaching Hamilton from Toronto was the Hamilton Energy.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto Harbor

07/31
The salty Kapitan Michealis began unloading Tuesday at Pier 51. Hamilton Energy came in and bunkered her, then departed a few hours later for Hamilton.

Federal Saguenay finished unloading at Pier 35 and departed.

The tall ship Empire Sandy departed for Port Weller Tuesday afternoon. She will be chartering out of Port Weller for the next two days and she will head up the Welland Canal on Friday for Port Colborne to participate in the Canal Days festivities.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Captain Guido Gulder

07/31
Captain Guido Gulder, a longtime shipmaster for the Pittsburgh Steamship Company, died July 23 in Duluth at age 94. Captain Gulder started sailing as a deckhand and rose to the rank of master before retiring in 1973. Among his favorite vessels was the steamer James A. Farrell. He was a member of the International Shipmasters Association and the Duluth-Superior Harbor Club.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 31

Sea trials took place for the JAMES R. BARKER this day in 1976. She was to become Interlake's first 1000 footer and the flag ship of the fleet for Moore McCormack Leasing, Inc. (Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio, mgr.). She was built at a cost of more than $43 million under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. She was the third thousand footer to sail on the Lakes and the first built entirely on the Lakes.

On July 31, 1974 as the Liberian vessel ARTADI approached the dock at Trois Rivières, Que. where she damaged the docked GORDON C. LEITCH's stern.

The CEDARBRANCH (2) was damaged and sunk by an explosion on July 31, 1965 several miles below Montreal, Que. resulting in a loss of one life.

On 31 July 1849, ACORN (wooden schooner, 84', 125 t, built in 1842 at Black River, Ohio) was struck amidships by the propeller TROY near West Sister Island in Lake Erie. She sank quickly, but no lives were lost since all hands made it to the TROY.

On 31 July 1850, AMERICA (wooden side-wheeler, 240', 1083 t, built in 1847 at Port Huron, MI) suffered a boiler or steam pipe explosion while sailing on Lake Erie. The explosion immediately killed nine persons and scalded others who died later. The vessel was repaired and sailed for three more seasons.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Coast Guard Festival Parade of Ships

07/30
Four U.S. Coast Guard vessels were expected to line up and cruise single-file into Grand Haven’s harbor yesterday.

The festival’s annual Parade of Ships began about 1 p.m. Ships on had this year were scheduled to be the ice breaker Mackinaw, based out of Cheboygan. It is scheduled for decommissioning in less than four years and replaced by the Mackinaw II.

Also scheduled to arrive are the cutters Sundew, a 180-foot buoy tender from Duluth, Minn.; Bristol Bay, a 140-foot tender based in Detroit; and Buckthorn, a 110-foot aids-to-navigation vessel based in Sault Ste. Marie.

The cutters will be made available for free public tours from Escanaba Park from the evening of July 29 through Sunday, Aug. 4. Ship tour times vary and are subject to change.

Click here for more details
Click here for a live cam

Reported by: Rob Kamberi

Brig Niagara Heading to Duluth

07/30
The U.S. Brig Niagara will sail under the Aerial Lift Bridge Thursday, August 1, and will call Duluth its "home port" until August 5. Public tours of the Niagara will be offered August 2-4.

Celebrating the tall ship arrival, Duluth's Port of Duluth Festival, August 3, (along Harbor Drive) will showcase live entertainment by Shangoya and Wild Ride, concessions, tall ship tours, and numerous maritime activities.

Brig Niagara at full sail.

Click here for more information

Rare Doubles at Marblehead

07/30
The Agawa Canyon was loading limestone at the Lafarge Marblehead gravel dock on Sunday. While the Canyon loaded the barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted was tied up to the pier being loaded with limestone rip-rap using a front end loader and backhoes.

Reported by: Bob Smalling

Twin Ports Report

07/30
Monday in the Twin Ports was characterized by interesting boats in unusual places.

Roger Blough arrived at the DMIR ore docks about 7 a.m. to unload stone into the hopper. Oglebay Norton paid a rare call to the BNSF ore dock to load taconite pellets. Both vessels were tied up end-to-end at the Duluth port terminal for awhile as the Blough fueled and the Oglebay Norton waited for its loading berth to open up. Vancouverborg remained at the Duluth port terminal, where it had unloaded lumber.

In the grain trade, the saltie Peonia was loading at Cenex Harvest States grain elevator in Superior and barge Sarah Spencer was unloading grain at the General Mills elevator in Duluth.

Later in the day, CSL Niagara was due at the DMIR ore dock to load pellets and Canadian Transport was due at Midwest Energy Terminal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

07/30
The Lee A. Tregurtha loaded taconite on Monday at Marquette. The tentative schedule for the next few days is as follows: Tuesday, the C. Beeghly at 4 p.m. Wednesday the H. Lee White at 7 p.m. Thursday the Kaye E. Barker at 10 a.m. Friday the Tregurtha returns at 9 a.m. Saturday the Beeghly is scheduled to return about 6 p.m. with the Great Lakes Trader coming in at 7 p.m. All times and schedules subject to change.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Update

07/30
The Sam Laud arrived into port around noon on Monday to unload coal at Lafarge. The steamer Alpena also came into port at about 1:30 p.m. It loaded cement for St. Joseph. The Laud left at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Alpena.

The J.A.W Iglehart is in Superior, WI and the Jacklyn M barge Integrity is coming back from Milwaukee.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Toledo Update

07/30
The tug James A. Hannah with her barge was at the B-P Dock loading cargo Monday. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge was at the Sun Dock loading cargo. The John G. Munson finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Monday morning. There were no other active vessels in port at the time of this report.

The Joseph H. Frantz and Saturn remain in lay-up. The tugs Mighty Jake, Mighty Jimmy, Prairieland, and Pioneerland with their related barges continue working on the Maumee River dredging project near the Willis B. Boyer museum ship and the I-280 Craig Bridge replacement project.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Catherine Desgagnes late Monday evening scheduled for a 7 a.m. start Tuesday morning, she will be followed by the American Republic and Algomarine on Thursday.

The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Docks will now be the Courtney Burton on Thursday. The Buckeye on Friday, followed by the Reserve on Sunday. The Algosteel is due in at the Midwest Stone Docks located at the CSX Docks on Monday afternoon to unload stone.

Classic Toledo Shipping
American Steamship Company colors approaching the C&O Coal Docks where she will load a coal cargo.
William R. Roesch in Pringle Transit Company colors inbound Maumee Bay bound for the C&O Coal Docks to load a coal cargo.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Update

07/30
The Fred White was outbound Monday at 3 p.m. after unloading stone at Ontario. The H. Lee White was unloading taconite at the Whiskey Island terminal. The Maumee is expected to load salt at Cargill today and transferring 2 loads to the Ontario dock. Workers at Cargill were on strike and no ships have loaded there in quite some time.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Busy Day in Buffalo

07/30
Monday the English River was unloading at the Lafarge cement silo on the Buffalo River . At 2 p.m. the Maumee was inbound and passed the Buffalo Industrial Diving crews working on the new berths for the Naval and Servicemen’s Park. It then squeezed by the Kinsman Independent in temporary lay-up at General Mills. The Captain of the Maumee made it look easy as he proceeded to the sand dock in the City Ship Canal to unload sand from Brevort, Mi.

Reported by: Tom Miller and Brian Wroblewski

Hamilton Report

07/30
Monday evening, the James Norris was moored to the west side of Pier 11 across from the Canamera plant. No activity was seen on board the vessel.

A small ocean freighter was moored on the north face of Pier 14, but with its low profile, the name of the vessel could not be seen.

Monday evening the CSL Laurentien was seen docking at Stelco's iron ore dock. Shortly after, the Hamilton Energy came to refuel the Laurentien.

Transiting the Burlington Ship Canal at 7 p.m. was the Jean Parisien. It entered Hamilton Harbor and went to anchored. She will wait for the Laurentien to finish unloading iron ore before her own cargo of iron ore can be unloaded.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Cleveland to celebrate Coast Guard birthday

07/30
The City of Cleveland and Nautica Entertainment complex will host the United States Coast Guard Band for a free public concert on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m.

The concert is being held in honor of the 212th anniversary of the Coast Guard’s founding as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. It will mark the first visit of the Coast Guard Band to Northeast Ohio in more than ten years.

The Coast Guard icebreaking cutter, Biscayne Bay will be giving free tours from the Nautica boardwalk. Local museums and public agencies that focus on the health and history of Lake Erie and the Cleveland area will be on hand to meet with visitors and provide hands-on activities for all ages. Cutter tours and agency booths will open at 2 p.m.

There is no fee for admission to the festival or concert, and no tickets required. The concert will be held in the newly renovated Nautica Pavilion. Parking will be $2.00 before 5 p.m. Pack a picnic basket and celebrate the Coast Guard’s birthday.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 30

July 30, 1996, a portion of a coal cargo aboard the H. M. Griffith caught on fire while the vessel was approaching Whitefish Point. The burning cargo was dumped into Lake Superior after the vessel's unloading boom was swung outward.

The "News Page" on this site was "Launched" in 1996 reporting a coal fire aboard the Griffith.

The GORDON C. LEITCH (1) was launched July 30, 1952 for the Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont.

The Ice Breaker ALEXANDER HENRY entered service July 30, 1959.

On 30 July 1871, the 162' bark HARVEY BISSELL was carrying lumber from Toledo to Tonawanda, NY. When she was on the western end of Lake Erie, she sprang a leak. Although the crew worked the hand powered pumps constantly, the water kept gaining at a rate of about a foot an hour. The tug KATE WILLIAMS took her in tow, intending to get her to Detroit to be repaired, but this proved impossible. So the BISSELL was towed close to Point Pelee and allowed to sink in 14 feet of water. The WILLIAMS then left for Detroit to get steam pumps and other salvage equipment. On returning, they pumped out the BISSELL, refloated and repaired her. She lasted until 1905.

On 30 July 1872, the Port Huron Dry Dock launched SANDY, a lighter. Her dimensions were 75' x 20' x 5'.

On 30 July 1873, George Hardison of Detroit announced the beginning of a new shipyard in Port Huron, Michigan. It would be located above the 7th Street Bridge on the Black River on land owned by J. P. Haynes, accessible by River Street. Within 30 days of this announcement, the new yard had orders for two canalers three-and-aft rig for delivery in the Spring of 1874. Their dimensions were to be 146' overall, 139' keel, 26' beam and 11'6" depth.

On 30 July 1866, CITY OF BUFFALO (wooden propeller, 340', 2026 t, built in 1857 at Buffalo as a side-wheeler) was unloading 72,000 bushels of wheat at the Sturgis Elevator at Buffalo, NY when arsonists set fire to the complex. The fire destroyed the wharf, the elevator, several businesses and the ship. The arsonists were caught. Incidentally, the CITY OF BUFFALO was converted from a passenger side-wheeler to a propeller freighter during the winter of 1863-64. After the conversion, she was dubbed "the slowest steam-craft on the Lakes".

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Lake Ontario wreck is old sidewheeler

07/29
A recently discovered shipwreck about 80 meters off Hamilton's Confederation Park appears to be that of a sidewheel steamer.

The wreck was spotted from the air last year and thought to be the remains of a schooner. After examining the wreck, however, experts say it appears to a pre-Confederation sidewheeler about 45 meters long.

"It's a wonderful find," Peter Engelbert, a marine archeologist with the Ministry of Culture, told the Toronto Star. "It's a real treat because it wasn't what they thought it would be."

Sidewheel steamers played an important role in Hamilton's marine economy in the mid-1800s. They ferried passengers and cargo to Toronto and across the lake to American ports.

Several sidewheelers sank near Hamilton during that time, including The Queen of the West, which burned in 1853, nearly destroying Hamilton's entire waterfront.

But Howlett thinks The Queen of the West, at more than 60 meters long, is not the mystery wreck. He's looking closely at a sidewheel steamer called The City of Hamilton, later renamed The City of the Bay, built in 1850. It disappeared in 1878.

Reported by: Al Miller

Goderich News

07/29
The John B. Aird arrived at the salt mine Thursday afternoon. She was scheduled to leave about 10 p.m. that night, bound for Ogdensberg, NY. Friday afternoon brought the Canadian Navigator into the mine and the Flinterdun to the grain elevators.

The small Flinterdun was gone the next morning, which is an unusually short stay for a saltie. The Algoway was spotted at the mine early Saturday morning, and departed into the haze over the lake at 3 p.m. that afternoon.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Detroit Traffic

07/29
Buffalo downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Tug Evans Mc Keil & Salty Dog 1 upbound at Grassy Island.
Tug Evans Mc Keil.
Stern view of tug.
Halifax upbound at Grassy Island bound for the Blue Circle Cement Dock in the Rouge River.
Stern view.
CSL Laurentien downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Happy crew members of the Diamond Jack. Left to right, Betty, Jerry, Brad & Dave.
Algoeast downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Norton in Erie

07/29
Erie's flurry of activity continued Sunday. The David Z. Norton arrived at Erie Sunday afternoon with stone from Stoneport. After unloading at the Old Ore Dock, the vessel departed at 7:35 p.m. This is the second visit to Erie by the Norton this year, which has accounted for all of the cargos hauled into Erie by Oglebay Norton in 2002, and is the third load Erie has received from Stoneport.

Norton Outbound.
Stern view.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Toronto Update

07/29
Canadian Mariner has been shifted by McKeil tugs again. Saturday the Mariner was moved to Pier 52 to accommodate Federal Saguenay, which is now unloading at Pier 35. Stephen B. Roman also came into port again Saturday.

The French tall ship Bel Espoir II remains in port. She departed Sunday for Port Colborne's Canal Days celebrations.

Work continues on the Port Authority's ferry Maple City, which is ashore under the Atlas crane.

The rebuilding of the former tug Glenmont continues at a snail's pace. The new bridge has been plated, but as yet, no windows have been cut.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding Awarded Contract For M/V Essex Conversion

07/29
Warren, R.I. (July 17, 2002) - Blount-Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract on April 15th with Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) to convert the M/V Essex to passenger only service. The 100' open deck passenger/auto ferry with single ended propulsion will be converted to increase the maximum capacity from 149 to 600. Modifications include a conversion to double ended propulsion, enclosing the main deck and providing a steel canopy to cover the upper deck. The vessel will be converted for inspection and certification as a small passenger vessel in accordance with the requirements of 49CFR Subchapter K.

The M/V Essex was originally built by Blount Marine Corporation in 1981 for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company. It operated as an auto/passenger ferry under USCG Subchapter T requirements for 20 successful years. The vessel, acquired by the DPRA in 2001 will be renamed the M/V Freedom and will service the Delaware River between Camden and Philadelphia.

The M/V Freedom will be powered by 2 Caterpillar 3406C DITA engines producing 322hp at 1,800 rpm. The diesel engines will be coupled to Twin Disc 3:1 ratio MG-514C gearboxes and drive two 4-bladed 44"x 30"p Kahlenberg propellers. Twin 55 kW Northern Lights generators will provide the vessel's electrical needs.

The M/V Essex was redesigned and engineered by Bristol Harbor Marine Design, a naval architecture and marine engineering company located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Reconstruction for the vessel began in mid-April with completion scheduled for October 2002.

Reported by: Blount Barker Shipbuilding

Museum looking for help

07/29
Gaelic Tugboat Company has completed construction of a 500 pound display base for a 1,500 pound paddle wheel hub from a mid 19th century Great Lakes steamer. The paddle wheel hub was found by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers some years ago and given to the Dossin Museum.

The museum has had it in storage until recently when John Polacsek from the museum and Bill Hoey discussed how the hub could be displayed at the museum. Mr. Polacsek and the museum volunteers will build the wooden paddle wheel on the hub in the museum to complete the display.

At this point, with the hub mounted on the base, the museum is in need of the donation of the use of a truck mounted hydraulic boom truck that could transport the 2,000 pound unit from Gaelic Tugboat yard to the Museum (about 10 miles) and unload it there. If you have such a truck in the Detroit area, or would like to donate the funds to rent one, (tax deductible) please call the Dossin Museum 313-852-4051 or Gaelic Tugboat Co.

Gaelic fleet engineer Jim Storen fitting mounting bolts to the unit.
Gaelic welder Gary Qualls working on the mounting plates.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Today in Great Lakes History - July 29

The OTTERCLIFFE HALL cleared Lauzon July 29, 1969 on her maiden voyage as the last "straight deck" Great Lakes bulk freighter built with a pilot house forward.

While at the Manitowoc Ship Building Co. for general repairs and engine overhaul, the CITY OF SAGINAW caught fire on July 29, 1971 and destroyed her upper deck and forward section. Damages were estimated from $450,000 to $750,000 and were not repaired. The CITY OF SAGINAW 31 was sold to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne, Ont. for scrap.

On July 29, 1974 the W.W. HOLLOWAY grounded in Lake St. Clair off the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club running downbound with stone. Lightering into the J.F. SCHOELKOPF,JR. was necessary before she was freed by four tugs on July 31st.

ENDERS M. VOORHEES departed River Rouge on her maiden voyage July 29, 1942 bound for Duluth, MN to load iron ore. She was the second of five "Supers" for the Pittsburgh fleet to enter service.

July 29, 1974 - The "PERE MARQUETTE 21" was towed to Milwaukee on July 29, 1974 and reduced to a barge.

July 29, 1971 - A fire broke out on the City of Saginaw 31, destroying her cabin deck and rendering her useless for further use. The blaze was caused by an acetylene torch, and caused over $1 million in damage.

The steam barge MARY ROBERTSON burned near Mackinac on 29 July 1872. Her crew escaped to a schooner-barge they were towing.

The MATERIAL SERVICE foundered in a heavy summer gale in 1936 off the South Chicago lighthouse. She was a canal motor barge not designed for open-lake use.

The side-wheel river steamer DOMINION burned to the water's edge at her dock in the Thames River near Chatham, Ontario on 29 July 1875. She was built in 1867 at Wallaceburg, Ontario.

Data from: Jerry Pearson, 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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Bridge Delays Virginiaborg

07/28
Saturday morning the Ogden Street Bridge opened to allow a cruiser to make a westbound passage. As the bridge tender was closing the bridge, power was lost and the bridge was stuck half way closed.

At this time the saltie Virginiaborg was inbound for K&K Warehouse west dock. The Virginiaborg was just coming around the corner to line up for the bridge when the problem occurred.

The Virginiaborg first asked permission to come along side the Catherine Desgagnes which was unloading pig iron along the William H Donner, the Virginiaborg also considered docking behind the Donner but fears of shallow water kept them from docking.

The Virginiaborg proceeded to back up in the channel and hold in the channel until the bridge was repaired. After a two hour delay the bridge was operational and the Virginiaborg was able to pass through.

The Virginiaborg will begin unloading at 5 a.m. Sunday and should depart Sunday evening for Superior to unload its cargo of salt. The Catherine Desgagnes is expected to depart Sunday morning for Toledo, Ohio.

Stuck bridge that delayed Virginiaborg.
Virginiaborg waiting in the channel.
Virginiaborg passing Catherine Desgagnes and W.H. Donner.
Virginiaborg inbound for K&K dock with wood pulp.
Stern view heading up river.

Reported by: Scott Best

Twin Ports Tonnage

07/28
Taconite tonnage shipped through Duluth-Superior in the first six month of this year was up 3.7 percent from the same period a year ago, but coal and grain shipments are down, according to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Overall, the ports have shipped 5.4 million tons of taconite this year compared to 5.1 million tons a year ago. One mining industry official attributed the increase to improving demand for steel.

Shipments of coal through Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior this was down 5.2 percent compared to last year. The decline was blamed largely to mild weather earlier this year.

The Twin Ports biggest hit came in grain shipments -- the ports' third-largest cargo. Tonnage this year was 709,619 metric tons, which was 21.2 percent below last year's pace. The decline was been reflected -- or caused -- by the noticeable decline in the number of salties in port this season.

The importance of coal as a cargo for the U.S.-flag lake fleet is evident in the schedule for Midwest Energy Terminal. Four 1,000-footers -- the Paul R. Tregurtha, James R. Barker, Walter J. McCarthy Jr. and Indiana Harbor -- are scheduled for dedicated service to the coal trade in August. Each vessel will be making more or less weekly trips from the terminal, and several other 1,000-footers will make one or more trips.

Click here for more information on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Reported by: Al Miller

Detroit Traffic

07/28
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River Friday and Saturday.

American Mariner upbound at Grassy Island loaded with coal for Zug Island.
Stern view.
Barge A 390 & tug Maribeth Andrie downbound off Zug Island, turning into the Rouge River bound for Marathon.
Maribeth Andrie.
Stern view.
Tug W N Twolan upbound above Grassy Island towing two stray bundles of lumber back to the Motorcity Intermodal Dock.
Close up.
Dimitris Y (Malta) unloading at Nicholson's.
Arthur M Anderson upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
U.S. Corps of Engineers tug Demolen tied up at BASF in Wyandotte.
Stern view.
Lee A. Tregurtha heads for the Rouge River.
Stern view.
American Mariner waits to enter the Rouge River as the Lee A Tregurtha turns in.
American Mariner with the Maine & Wyoming.
Wilfred Sykes outbound the Rouge River at the Gaelic Tugboat Co. Dock Friday.
Stern view.
Crewboat David Allen tied up alongside the Patricia Hoey at the Gaelic Tug Dock. She is traveling from Port Maitland, ON to Sault Ste. Marie under command of Captain John P. Wellington.
Departing.
heading for the Detroit River.
On the Detroit River.
Oakglen at the ADM Dock in Windsor. She departed shortly after the picture was taken loaded with soya pellets bound for Three Rivers, QC.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Erie Update

07/28
After ten days without any cargo vessels in port, Erie had two visits on Saturday. The barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted finished unloading her stone cargo at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The pair departed by 10:45 a.m. and the Agawa Canyon entered port a short time later. The Canyon was inbound with stone from Thessalon, Ontario for the Mounfort Terminal. She turned around to the north of the outer buoys and backed in, an unusual maneuver for most boats since Presque Isle Bay has a large turning basin, but the bay was filled with a the large number of pleasure boaters. The Agawa Canyon was backed into the harbor and tied up at the Mounfort Terminal by 1:30 p.m.

The stone cargo onboard the Agawa Canyon was originally to be carried by the Algorail. The Algorail suffered a mechanical breakdown last week and was being repaired in Sarnia as the Agawa Canyon arrived.

With the Agawa Canyon's arrival all major U.S and Canadian fleets with the exception of Canada Steamship Lines have delivered cargo to Erie in 2002.

Crews began bright and early Saturday morning preparing the J.S. St John for sand dredging on Lake Erie. The vessel had been at Port Weller Dry Docks for repairs. They had finished the work by 5:20 p.m. and the St. John gave a security call departing the harbor, her first since leaving Erie on June 18.

This is the second time this season that two vessels have visited Erie on the same day. On July 8 the John J. Boland and Cuyahoga visited Erie.

Crews begin work on the J.S. St. John.
Pere Marquette 41 outbound.
Stern View.
Agawa Canyon backs in.
Bow View.
Another view.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Welland Canal Traffic

07/28
On Saturday, the saltie Helena Oldendorff was secured at Wharf 2 for some type of repairs by Fraser Ship Repair. C.S.L.'s Pineglen was downbound at Lock 3, with fleetmate Oakglen following behind at Lock 7. Also heading down the canal was the Gordon C. Leitch and saltie Federal Yoshino, which was sailing in ballast, due to the lack of cargo to be shipped. Above Lock 7 upbound was her fleetmate Federal Rhine.

Pictures by Alex Howard
Helena Oldendorff at Wharf 2.
Stern view.
Oakglen downbound.
Stern view.
Gordon C. Leitch.
Stern view.
Federal Yoshino in ballast.
Close up.
Federal Rhine.
Stern view.

Pictures by Roger LeLievre and Dave Wobser
Gordon C. Leitch passing Yankcanuck in Port Colborne. Yankcanuck was unloading gypsum from Ashtabula.
Oakglen down bound at Lock 8.
Canadian Leader passing Helena Oldendorff at Wharf #1.
Saginaw down bound at Glendale Bridge.

Reported by: Alex Howard, Roger LeLievre and Dave Wobser

Niagara in Bayfield

07/28
The Tall Ship Niagara arrived at Bayfield, WI. on Friday. The tall ship is in port to offer guided tours through today.

Reported by: Harvey Hadland

Today in Great Lakes History - July 28

ALGOWEST passed Detroit, Mich. downbound on July 28, 1982, she had departed on her maiden voyage July 26 from Thunder Bay, Ont. to Quebec City with a 27,308 tonne load of barley.

b) ADAM E. CORNELIUS was christened July 28, 1973 at AmShip by Mrs. Roger Kyes as the a) ROGER M. KYES

COASTAL CANADA was launched July 28, 1952

The JOHN T. HUTCHINSON was delivered on July 28th to the Buckeye Steamship Co. (Hutchinson & Co., mgr.), Cleveland. The JOHN T. HUTCHINSON was part of a government program designed to upgrade and increase the capacity of the U.S. Great Lakes fleet during World War II. In order to help finance the building of new ships, the U.S.M.C. authorized a program that would allow existing fleets to obtain new boats by trading in their older boats to the Government for credit. The JOHN T. HUTCHINSON was the ninth Maritimer and fourth of the six L6-S-Al types delivered. "L6" meant the vessel was built for the Great Lakes and was 600 to 699 feet in length. The "S" stood for steam power and "Al" identified specific design features.

On 28 July 1854, BOSTON (wooden propeller, 134', 259 t, built in 1847 at Ohio City, Ohio) was bound from Chicago for Ogdensburg, NY with pork, corn, whiskey and produce. On Lake Ontario, about 20 miles off Oak Orchard, NY, she collided with the bark PLYMOUTH and sank in about 20 minutes. No lives were lost. The crew and passengers made it to shore in three lifeboats. The boat that the captain was in sailed 50 miles to Charlotte, NY.

In 1900, the freighter PRINCETON was launched at Lorain, Ohio for the Pittsburgh Steamship Company.

On 28 July 1862, CONVOY (2-mast wooden schooner, 130', 367 t, built in 1855 at Buffalo) was sailing down bound on a dark night on Lake Erie with 18,000 bushels of wheat when she collided with the empty bark SAM WARD and sank quickly in 12 fathoms of water. Her wreck drifted along the bottom and during the shipping season several vessels collided with her.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

J.S. St. John Departs Port Weller

07/27
The sand dredge J.S. St. John departed Port Weller Dry Docks in St. Catharines Friday. She had been at Port Weller Dry Docks for nearly a month for work on a leaky shaft seal. This is the second attempt to fix the seal.

She was observed departing Lock 7 Friday upbound, heading for her home port in Erie, PA. The St. John was built as a tanker at Pensacola, FL in 1945 for the U.S. Navy. In 1967 the tanker was converted to a sand dredge and now works Lake Erie sucking sand from the bottom of the lake.

Her return comes at the right moment, the sand piles at Erie Sand appear to be down to one load of the St. John, or about 650 tons.

Work continues on the remains of the Fort Henry at Lock 3, with only a skeletal frame remaining of the upper bridge deck and the bow section now completely removed.

Pictures by: Alex Howard
J.S. St. John upbound above Lock 7.
Stern view.
Remains of the Fort Henry pilothouse.
View from behind.
Upper bridge removed.
Another view.

Reported by: Alex Howard and Jeff Thoreson

Twin Ports Reports

07/27
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced Friday that iron ore tonnage shipped from Duluth-Superior in June passed coal tonnage for the first time since November 2000. Before that, iron ore had been the ports' dominant cargo for more than a century.

One reason iron ore tonnage may be up is the parade of boats -- mainly Oglebay Norton and American Steamship vessels -- calling at the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

For many seasons now, the ore dock in Allouez has operated at an almost sleepy pace, serving the Stewart J. Cort, Burns Harbor and George A. Stinson along with the occasional Canadian laker.

Since the closing of LTV Steel Mining Co. and the emergence of International Steel Group, the BNSF ore dock has handled significantly more vessels. Consider this lineup: Middletown and Burns Harbor on Friday; Stewart J. Cort and rare visits by Columbia Star and Oglebay Norton set for Sunday; Courtney Burton scheduled for Monday; a rare call by David Z. Norton set for Tuesday; American Mariner returning on Tuesday -- its second visit in two weeks following a seven-year hiatus here; and Adam E. Cornelius, George A. Stinson, Halifax and Burns Harbor all scheduled for Wednesday.

No official figures are available, but this could be the most traffic through Superior Entry in many years.

In another rarity that may become commonplace, Great Lakes Fleet's Roger Blough is at the Duluth DMIR dock on Monday afternoon to unload limestone. This will be the Blough's second trip to the stone hopper in the past couple weeks. In years past, the fleet's AAA boats and the Presque Isle have handled the stone trade, but this season that trade seems to be falling to the AAA boats and, at least for now, the Blough.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

07/27
The Charles M. Beeghly loaded taconite at Marquette's ore dock on Friday while many boatwatchers spent time on the shoreline. The H. Lee White is due Saturday morning with the Sykes due late Saturday night. The Herbert Jackson is expected in on Sunday afternoon, with the Lee A. Tregurtha making a coal/ore run on Monday.

Beeghly loading.
The dock crew kicks open a gate and the ore flow down the shoot.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Port Huron Traffic

07/27
Friday evening the Wilfred Sykes was passing Port Huron upbound. Across the river in Sarnia, the Canadian Transfer remains in lay-up and Algorail is docked in the North Slip undergoing repairs.

Wifred Sykes upbound.
Heading for the Blue Water Bridges.
Buffalo fueling at the Shell Dock in Corunna, Ont. south of Sarnia.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Fairport Report

07/27
Friday afternoon the Saginaw was loading at the salt mine. The Earl W. Oglebay was unloading stone at Sidley's by the Coast Guard station. The dredge Atchafalaya has been docked the past few days, not dredging the harbor.

Saginaw loading.
Stern view.
Earl W. Oglebay.
Wide view.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

Erie Update

07/27
The Tug Undaunted and barge Pere Marquette 41 paid their first ever visit to Erie Friday. The barge was loaded with three different grades of stone from Sault Ste. Marie for the Mounfort Terminal. The pair arrived in Erie at about 10:25 a.m. The tug and barge attempted something that has not been done before, they turned at the Mounfort Terminal and docking facing outbound. That is something that only the smallest of vessels can attempt, since the space between the dock and the channel buoys is not much wider than the combined length of the pair.

The captain's wife and two German Shepards were waiting for the vessel on the South Pier, and the captain got the dogs to start barking as he passed and came out of the pilothouse and called for the dogs.

While the pair made many trips to Conneaut in 2000 to load gypsum for Nanticoke, this is the first time they have visited the port of Erie.

Tug and barge inbound.
Close Up.
Close Up of the tug.
Stern View.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Today in Great Lakes History - July 27

On 27 July 1884, ALBERTA (steel propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 264', 2282 gt, built in 1883 in Scotland) collided in fog ) 6 miles NNW of Whitefish Point on Lake Superior with the JOHN M. OSBORNE (wooden propeller "steam barge", 178 ft., 891g , built in 1882 at Marine City. The OSBORNE had two barges in tow at the time. ALBERTA stayed in the gash until most of OSBORNE's crew scrambled aboard, then pulled out and the OSBORNE sank. ALBERTA sank in shallow water, 3 1/2 miles from shore. 3 or 4 lives were lost from the OSBORNE, one from ALBERTA in brave rescue attempt while trying to get the crewmen off the OSBORNE. This was ALBERTA's first year of service. She was recovered and repaired soon afterward. She was the sister of the ill fated ALGOMA which was lost in her first year of service. The wreck of the OSBORNE was located in 1984, 100 years after this incident.

On 27 July 1900 the steel freighter RENSSELAER was launched in Cleveland, Ohio for the Pittsburgh Steamship Company.

On 27 July 1884, JOHN M. OSBORNE (wooden propeller steam barge, 178', 891 gt, built in 1882 at Marine City, MI) was carrying iron ore from Marquette to Ashtabula with two barges in tow when she was run into by the steel propeller passenger steamer ALBERTA (264', 2282 gt, built in 1883 at Scotland) in heavy fog off Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. The ALBERTA stayed in the gash while most of the OSBORNE's crew scrambled aboard. 4 or 5 lives were lost from the OSBORNE and one from the ALBERTA. The OSBORNE then sank and the ALBERTA made it to shallow water before she too sank. ALBERTA was recovered and put back in service. The wreck of the OSBORNE was located in 1984, 100 years after the accident.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Ste. Claire Restoration

07/26
Restoration work is moving along aboard the former Bob-lo boat Ste. Claire. Most of the outside decking on the passenger steamer has been replaced and covered with new canvas. The decks that were sagging have been repaired and refitted with new wood.

The lifeboat davits were stabilized and are now in good working order. The lifeboats have all received a new coat of white paint. Repairs to the steel on the main deck will start next week, after they are done painting will begin on the external areas of the boat. The Ste. Claire is scheduled to be moved in August by tugboat to an area near the Museum ship Willis B. Boyer.

After many years of lay-up the Ste. Claire was sold last fall and towed to Toledo. The vessel is undergoing a multi million dollar refit and will be open as a restaurant or other no-working attraction.

Towed from Detroit last fall

Reported by: Capt. Sam Buchanan

Tug and Barges on the Saginaw

07/26 The tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons was inbound the Saginaw River Thursday morning with a split load for Bay City and Saginaw. She lightered at the Bay City Wirt Dock before departing during the afternoon for the Saginaw Wirt Dock to finish unloading. The pair departed Saginaw Wirt, turned in the 6th Street Turning Basin and was downbound for the lake late in the evening.

The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity were inbound passing through Bay City around 6 p.m. They were headed to the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton to unload cement overnight.

The tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader was outbound from Saginaw early Thursday morning after unloading at Saginaw Rock Products. The vessel had arrived on Wednesday.

Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Tug Jacklyn M./Barge Integrity upbound approaching Wheeler's Landing.
Another view.
Tug Jacklyn M.
Stern view at Liberty Bridge.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Cliffs to buy bigger share of Hibbing Taconite

07/26
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. said Wednesday that it will buy a bigger share of Hibbing Taconite as part of its long-term plan to restructure the domestic iron ore trade.

Cliffs will increase its ownership in Hibbing Taconite from 15 percent to 23 percent. In return, Cliffs will take on about $6 million in long-term plant liabilities.

Bethlehem Steel, now operating under bankruptcy protection, has long owned 70.3 percent of the taconite mine and processing plant located near Hibbing, Minn. Stelco Inc. owned 14.7 percent. Bethlehem announced a year ago that it wants to sell its stake in Hibbing Taconite, and Cliffs has says it still wants to acquire majority ownership in the operation.

John S. Brinzo, Cleveland-Cliffs chairman and chief executive, said the deal is part of a company strategy to be a leader in restructuring the domestic iron ore business.

Hibbing Taconite is expected to produce 7.5 million tons of taconite pellets this year, an increase of about 700,000 tons from a previous forecast. Hibbing Taconite ships its pellets through the Burlington Northern Santa Fe ore dock in Superior, Wis. Much of that tonnage is carried by the 1,000-footers Stewart J. Cort and Burns Harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Calumet and Wolverine Load

07/26
The Wolverine and Calumet were in Conneaut on Thursday, both to load coal. At 3:30 p.m. the Calumet was loading and the Wolverine was tied up waiting at the stone dock. The Wolverine was scheduled to load after the Calumet and was destined for Charlevoix.

The Yankcanuck was due in at 9:45 p.m. to load gypsum for Port Colborne. Friday the Philip R. Clarke is due with ore from Two Harbors at 8:30 a.m.

Wolverine at the Stone Dock.
Stern View.
Calumet loads.
Another View.
Stern View.
Another View.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Cliffs to become sole pellet supplier to Rouge

07/26
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc announced Wednesday that it will become the sole supplier of taconite pellets to the Rouge Industries steel mill.

In addition, Cliffs said it has loaned $10 million to Rouge on a secured basis, with a final maturity in 2007.

"Cliffs has a long and valued relationship with this important customer," said John S. Brinzo, Cliffs' chairman and chief executive officer. "Sales to Rouge, which were less than 1 million tons in 2001, are expected to approximate 1.3 million tons in 2002. Rouge is expected to purchase in excess of 3 million tons per year beginning in 2003, and has annual minimum obligations through 2007."

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

Rouge Steel owns about 40 percent of Evtac, a taconite producer near Eveleth, Minn. Generally, Rouge's share of Evtac's production is traded with another steel company for fluxed pellets from Cliffs' Tilden mine. Cliffs said there is no word yet on whether its new agreement with Rouge will affect Evtac's continued operation. Evtac ships its pellets through the DMIR ore dock in Duluth.

Reported by: Kenneth Borg, Al Miller, Lee Rowe and Ed Schipper

Marquette Update

07/26
The Lee A. Tregurtha loaded pellets at Marquette's ore dock on Thursday, beginning with cloudy weather, and ending in a downpour. Dock workers continued quickly loading the Lee A. after donning weather gear. The Charles M. Beeghly is due on Friday.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Busy End of the week for Green Bay

07/26
After a quiet week in port, ship traffic has picked up in Green Bay. The Alpena brought cement to Lafarge Wednesday and left Thursday morning. The Stolt Aspiration was rumored to have loaded at Anamax and departed early Wednesday morning.

The Catherine Desgagnes was unloading pig iron at the Fox River Dock and is due to depart Friday morning.

Calumet and Earl W. Oglebay are scheduled to visit in the next few days. On Sunday the Algoway is expected to arrive at the Fox River Dock to unload salt.

Reported by: Jason Leino

Aerial Views

07/26
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over lower Lake Huron Thursday and sent in the pictures below. All photographs are available for purchase. Don's company, Great Lakes Aerial Photos, is available for hire for any aerial photography need.

Wilfred Sykes downbound on Lake Huron, east of Port Sanilac.
Stern view.
Another view.
Bow on view.
Stern.
St. Clair.
Philip R. Clarke.
Paul R. Tregurtha (1,013'6") dwarfs the saltie Johanna C (295-feet).
Close up Johanna C.
Earl W. Oglebay.
Algoway.

Other recent Images
Construction at the Turtle Island Lighthouse in Maumee Bay, Lake Erie.
Another view.
Goderich, Ontario.
Another view.
Looking to Lake Huron.
Willowglen.
Wide view.

Toledo News

07/26
The Gordon C. Leitch was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. There were no other active vessels in port at the time of this report. The Joseph H. Frantz, and Saturn remain in lay-up at there respective dock sites.

The tugs Mighty Jake, Mighty Jimmy, Pioneerland, and Prairieland with there barges are presently working on the Maumee River dredging project near the Willis B. Boyer museum ship and on the I-280 bridge replacement project.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the American Mariner on Friday. The Algomarine on Saturday. The John G. Munson, and Reserve on Sunday followed by the Catherine Desgagnes on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Docks will be the Courtney Burton on Friday, followed by the Reserve and Buckeye on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Lorain Update

07/26
The Saginaw arrived in Lorain Thursday and headed up the Black River to lighten part of a cargo of stone and then departed for Cleveland to finish unloading. The Buffalo came in to the Pellet Terminal to lighten also then will head to Cleveland to unload at ISG.

Pictures by TZ
Saginaw inbound.
Passing the lighthouse.
Buffalo at dock.
Buffalo departs.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Fairport, Ohio News

07/26
On Wednesday the Calumet was unloading stone at the Osborne South Dock, on the west bank of the turning basin. The sailboat Saint Paul, which has sailed 24,000 miles from Russia by a husband and wife team was also in port. The dredge Atchafalaya remains in port dredging the harbor.

Calumet unloading.
Close up of her stack.
Russian sailboat St. Paul.
Another view.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

Toronto Update

07/26
The French tall ship Bel Espoir II arrived in Toronto on Tuesday and will remain in port for the weekend.

McKeil's tugs Atomic and Lac Como returned from Oshawa early Thursday morning. The tug Everlast and barge Norman McLeod were unloading in Oshawa Thursday.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 26

The ALGOWEST sailed on her maiden voyage in1982 from Thunder Bay, Ont. to Quebec City with a 27,308 tonne load of barley.

On July 26, 1943 the BRUCE HUDSON caught fire while loading gasoline at East Chicago, IL and four persons lost their lives.

The CONALLISON departed Windsor, Ont. on her first trip for Johnstone on July 26, 1981.

WILLIAM A. McGONAGLE (2) sailed light on her maiden voyage from the shipyard on July 26, 1916 to Duluth, MN to load iron ore.

On 26 July 1877, CUMBERLAND (wooden side-wheeler, 205', 629 gc, built in 1871 at Port Robinson, Ontario) struck bottom at the Rock of Ages Reef off Isle Royale in good weather and sank in relatively shallow water. Later she was broken up by waves and her wreckage washed up on shore on what is now known as "Cumberland Point."

On 26July 1885, ISLE ROYALE (wooden propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 92', 92 gt, built in 1879) sprang a leak near Susick Island near Isle Royale on Lake Superior. She sank but her passengers and crew made it to the island. She was owned by Cooley, Lavague & Company of Duluth. She was originally built as the barge AGNES.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Algorail Towed for Repairs

07/25
The Algorail dropped anchor about 9 p.m. Tuesday night in the St. Clair River off the Dow Chemical Dock in Sarnia. The vessel suffered a mechanical failure and was stopped in the river, unable to proceed. Wednesday morning about 11 a.m. the tug John Spence arrived to tow the Algorail up river to Sarnia's North Slip.

The tug Menasha assisted the tow into the North Slip and docked the vessel at the south end of the slip. Wednesday evening the Algorail remained docked under going repairs.

Reported by: Bob Mattson and Jamie Kerwin

Mackinaw to welcome Grand Haven visitors

07/25
The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, the Great Lakes’ largest and oldest cutter, is scheduled to join the cutters Sundew, Bristol Bay and Buckthorn for a parade of ships in Grand Haven’s harbor at 1 p.m. Monday, July 29.

But that’s just the beginning of Mackinaw’s involvement in the 2002 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, which runs from July 26 through August 4 - the 212th anniversary of the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, precursor to the Coast Guard. Mackinaw’s crew will be available at scheduled times throughout the week to guide visitors on tours of the 290-foot icebreaker, a perennial favorite with Great Lakes ship buffs.

Last year, Coast Guard men and women - including members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the service’s civilian volunteer branch - guided more than 12,000 guests through the ship some call “The Queen of the Lakes.”

During the tours, visitors can meet many of Mackinaw’s 75 officers and crew and learn about how the ship - the most powerful icebreaker in the world when it was commissioned in 1944 - helps extend the Great Lakes shipping season with its unique icebreaking design.

Grand Haven’s ties to the Coast Guard run long and deep. The city was the homeport of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba - originally designed as a Great Lakes icebreaker - which was torpedoed and sunk while on convoy escort duty during World War II. All but two of the 103-man crew were lost. Shocked by the tragedy, area citizens responded by raising more than $1 million in war bonds to help replace the lost ship.

Today Grand Haven, by act of Congress, proudly bears the official designation “Coast Guard City, USA.” Its residents celebrate with a 10-day festival each year, and in return, the officers and crew of Mackinaw are honored to cap their summer with a stop there.

Sykes Loads

07/25
The Wilfred Sykes came in to Marquette very early on Wednesday morning and quickly began loading taconite pellets. The Sykes is headed for Rouge Steel in Detroit.

The next ship due in Marquette is the Lee A. Tregurtha on Thursday afternoon, the Beeghly tentatively scheduled for Friday and a return of the Sykes with the H Lee White and Herbert C. Jackson on Sunday.

Sykes loading Wednesday morning.
Another view.
Bow view.
Close up.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Oglebay Norton reports earnings decline, but expects improvement this year

07/25
Second-quarter earnings fell for Oglebay Norton's mineral and Great Lakes shipping operations, but signs are promising for the remainder of the year.

Oglebay Norton reported Tuesday that revenues for its Great Lakes Minerals segment declined to $46.9 million from $50.9 million in the second quarter. Company officials attributed the drop primarily to the timing associated with the start of the shipping season on the Great Lakes.

Overall, Oglebay Norton's revenues for the quarter were $112.6 million compared to $119.5 million in the year earlier period. Revenues for the six-month period were $174.9 million compared to $185.3 million in the prior year six-month period.

The fleet's cargo volume and revenue were down nearly 24 percent in the second quarter, mainly because of the loss of iron ore shipments to bankrupt LTV Steel Co., said Michael D. Lundin, Oglebay Norton's president and chief operating officer.

However, the bad news was offset by signs of a promising future.

Both coal and stone shipments have remained stable this year, and operating income for the Great Lakes Mineral segment improved by nearly $1 million quarter over quarter. Revenue was aided by cost reductions at company limestone operations, higher water levels on the Great Lakes, and efficiencies from Oglebay Norton's vessel pooling agreement with American Steamship Co.

"Stone demand to remain solid," Lundin said. "We will continue to realize synergies from both the pooling agreement and its integration with our limestone operations, and we will continue to explore strategic partnerships and alliances."

Oglebay Norton also is benefiting from the start of steel production by International Steel Group, which purchased the steelmaking assets of LTV.

Oglebay Norton negotiated a 15-year agreement with Cleveland Cliffs to transport taconite pellets from Cliffs-operated mines to ISG mills in Gary and Cleveland through its pooling agreement with American Steamship. ISG hopes to produce 5 million to 6 million tons of steel a year, but production should be less than that amount this year.

In addition, Oglebay Norton has secured a deal to handle the transfer of all pellets in the Cleveland area. They will be moved across Oglebay's Cleveland Bulk Terminal facility. Financial benefits of this operation should be reflected in third-quarter earnings.

The agreement with Cliffs fits into Oglebay Norton's efforts to secure long-term shipping contracts. Lundin said 80 percent of the fleet's business is composed of multi-year contracts to haul coal, limestone and taconite pellets.

Lundin said Oglebay Norton's marine operations will continue to focus on its pooling agreement with American Steamship Co.

With the pooling arrangement, Oglebay Norton expected to have two to three vessels laid up this season. But due to efficiencies resulting from agreement and changing market conditions, only the steamer Joseph H. Frantz remains in lay-up.

Lundin also said the company remains "on track" in its "due diligence" to buy Erie Sand & Gravel, which operates the vessel Richard Reiss. Due Diligence refers to the last stage of the buying process. Included in the deal is the Reiss, which has been in lay-up this season and is not expected to sail.

Oglebay Norton Company, a Cleveland, Ohio-based company, provides essential minerals and aggregates to a broad range of markets, from building materials and home improvement to the environmental, energy and metallurgical industries. Building on a 149-year heritage, its vision is to become the premier growth company in the industrial minerals industry. The company's website is located at www.oglebaynorton.com.

Reported by: Al Miller

Norton Loads in Lorain

07/25
The David Z. Norton arrived in Lorain, Oh. Wednesday to take on a load of taconite for the ISG Steel Mill in Cleveland. The Norton entered port in high winds making the tricky entry look easy.

The Pellet Terminal in Lorain is schedule to be shut down and moved to Cleveland later this year. Currently, large vessels carry the taconite from the upper lakes and unload in Lorain. The smaller vessels then reload the cargo for delivery up the winding Cuyahoga River.

Pictures by TZ
David Z. Norton entering Lorain.
Crew members prepare for docking.
Backing to the dock.
Close up as the bow thruster is used.
Backing to the Pellet Terminal.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Thunder Bay interested in buying the Keewatin

07/25
City officials in Thunder Bay, Ontario, once again are expressing interest in buying the retired passenger steamer Keewatin and moving it from Saugatuck, Mich., to their Lake Superior port to serve as a tourist attraction. The Keewatin was built for the Canadian Pacific Railroad and carried passengers between Port McNicoll and Thunder Bay -- then known as Fort William and Port Arthur -- until retired in 1965. The steamship was purchased in 1967 by R.J. Peterson, who docked it in Saugatuck to serve as a museum.

Thunder Bay officials said the 95-year-old vessel could be used for display and possibly as a small convention center. City councilors recently authorized spending up to $20,000 to investigate buying the vessel.

"It's very preliminary, but certainly it represents an exciting prospect," Robert Petrie, Thunder Bay's acting city manager, told The Grand Rapids Press.

"The first step is to have a look at it and see what kind of condition it's in and what it would take to get it up here," Petrie said.

Peterson said he would consider an offer from Thunder Bay. However, he would likely keep the vessel in Saugatuck if efforts succeed bringing more attractions and visitors to the Keewatin's current berth at Peterson's marina. The Keewatin currently draws about 25 to 100 visitors a day.

Thunder Bay expressed interest in the Keewatin several years ago but the discussion went nowhere. Among the reasons reportedly was that moving the Keewatin would require considerable dredging to get the vessel to the channel in Saugatuck harbor.

Saugatuck-area leaders said they do not want to lose the ship.

"R.J. and his wife have done a super job of presenting it to the public," Paul Cook, president of the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the newspaper. "It would be conspicuous by its absence. It's part of the landscape, the harborscape."

Reported by: Al Miller, Roger LeLievre and Jim Fahlstedt

Twin Ports Report

07/25
Vessel traffic in the Twin Ports was slow on Wednesday, but the vessels that appeared were interesting. Armco made an unusual visit to the BNSF ore dock to load taconite pellets and Mesabi Miner made one its occasional visits to the DMIR dock in Duluth to load pellets. John G. Munson, always a welcome sight, was scheduled to arrive early Thursday to load at DMIR.

Several vessels from Duluth-based Great Lakes Fleet, including the Roger Blough, are hauling stone this week. The Blough, which was built to haul pellets, is scheduled to load another stone cargo Friday at Cedarville. Earlier this month it made a rare trip to carry stone to the DMIR ore dock in Duluth. Also carrying stone are Arthur M. Anderson, scheduled to unload in Buffalo on Friday; Cason J. Callaway, which is set to unload part of its cargo Saturday at Duluth's Hallett 5 dock and the other half at DMIR in Duluth.

The power plant at Taconite Harbor is generating several cargoes of coal this summer. James R. Barker called at the North Shore port last weekend and is due there again about August 1 or 2.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update

07/25
Wednesday the Gordon C. Leitch was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator loading grain. The Algosteel was unloading stone at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock when finished unloading stone she shifted over to the CSX Dock to load coal. The Adam E. Cornelius was at the Torco Ore Dock unloading ore.

The tug Rebecca Lynn with her barge were loading at the B-P Dock. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge were at the Sun Dock loading cargo. Both tug and barge units finished loading cargo and departed late Wednesday afternoon.

The Algobay was inbound Toledo Ship Channel late Wednesday afternoon for an unknown dock site

The Joseph H. Frantz, and Saturn remain in layup at there respective dock sites.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will now be the American Mariner on Friday. The Algomarine on Saturday, followed by the John G. Munson, and Reserve on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Docks will be the Courtney Burton on Friday, followed by the Reserve, and Buckeye on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Unloading in Oshawa

07/25
Wednesday the saltie Dimitris Y was in Oshawa unloading a cargo of steel rebar. The vessel finished unloading and departed Oshawa about 4 p.m. bound for Detroit.

Dimitris Y unloading.
Rebar lifted from the cargo hold.
Tugs Atomic and Lac Como ready to pull Dimitris Y into position for departure.
Outbound.
Bow passing.
Stern view heading onto the lake.
Lac Como departs.

Reported by: Jim Gallacher

Seaway Traffic

07/25
Below are images of traffic passing Brockville, Ontario Wednesday.

Mecta Sea.
Mecta Sea with the Toro following close behind.
Stern view of the Mecta Sea.
Close up of the Toro.
Stern view.

Reported by: Peter Carter

Today in Great Lakes History - July 25

The bow section of the ROGER BLOUGH was floated into the new Lorain dry dock on July 25, 1970 and was joined with the 421 foot stern section. The launch of the completed hull was scheduled for July, 1971 but a fire broke out in the engine room on June 24, 1971 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 CANADA MARQUIS (c) FEDERAL MACKENZIE) was upbound at Detroit, Mich. on July 25, 1983 on her maiden voyage.

July 25, 1983 - A wedding was held aboard the Badger during the sailing of "Love Boat II". Chris Gebhart and Pat Sroka of Ludington were married by Rev John Christensen.

The wooden lumber tug CYGNET, which worked on the Shiawassee and Bad Rivers and Lake Huron, was destroyed when her boiler exploded in "Blow-up Bayou" on the Shiawassee River.

The wooden bulk freighter D. C. WHITNEY was launched at Langell's shipyard in St. Clair, Michigan on 25 July 1882. Her dimensions were 229' x 40' x15', 1090 gross tons.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Mississagi Visit

07/24
Lower Lakes Towing's Mississagi visited the small northern Lake Michigan port of Brevort, MI, for two straight trips this week. The vessel loaded sand for Fisher Harbor, Ontario on Sunday and again on Tuesday. Fisher Harbor is located on eastern Georgian Bay.

Lower Lakes Towing and Grand River Navigation vessels have been normal visitors to Brevort this season.

Reported by: Rod Burdick

US Steel Reports Profit

07/24
US Steel Monday reported better-than-expected profits and reversed a year-ago loss, cashing in on price hikes that followed new tariffs on imports and the shutdown of competing steel producers.

U.S. Steel, the nation's largest integrated steelmaker, said income during the second quarter rose to $27 million, compared with the loss of $30 million for the same period last year.

"Clearly there had to be some impact from the drop in imports, but I think it's the closure of some of their competitors that really made the difference," said Chuck Bradford, a steel analyst with Bradford Research.

Earlier this year, President Bush imposed tariffs of up to 30 percent on a range of steel imports to help revive an industry that has been in crisis since 1997 when Asia's financial problems sparked a sharp rise in shipments to the United States.

More than 30 steelmakers, including Bethlehem Steel Corp., have filed for bankruptcy since then.

Now with the tariffs, a weaker dollar and the shutdown of extra capacity, the steel industry is showing signs of a revival. Bethlehem Steel on Monday posted a narrowed loss of $118.9 million in the second quarter.

In its flat-rolled steel business, which feeds the automotive and appliance industries and is a key indicator of the company's health, shipments rose 13 percent from a year ago to 2.6 million tons. Prices also showed signs of rising, although many of U.S. Steel's sales are based on longer term contracts. The company said prices rose to an average of $402 a ton, up $25 from earlier this year.

Shipments are expected to increase slightly in the third quarter, the company said, and reach about 10.1 million net tons for the year.

Prices may also continue to rise as some of the longer-term contracts with customers expire, paving the way for the company to renegotiate more profitable deals with automakers, construction companies and manufacturers.

Reported by: Lisa Flint

Group ready to being restoring DeTour Reef Lighthouse

07/24
A group that hopes to restore the 71-year-old DeTour Reef Lighthouse has gathered nearly $1 million in grants and is almost ready to begin work.

The Soo Evening News reports that the nonprofit DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society has devised a two-part plan to restore the exterior and interior of the light located about 1 1/2 miles off DeTour and Drummond at the mouth of the St. Marys River. Money for the work will come from a $705,000 grant from the "Clean Michigan" bond fund and $241,500 from the federal and state transportation departments.

Plans call for a contract to be awarded this summer to a contractor to do the exterior work. The project, which may begin yet this year, will include installation of new metal windows, doors and shutters, replacement of the original copper roof, repainting the entire structure and masonry work on the concrete caisson.

Work on the light's interior will make up the plan's second phase. Items on that work list include restoring the keeper's quarters on the second floor and reinstallating the lighthouse's foghorns.

The society hopes to eventually staff the lighthouse with a caretaker who would guide visitors around the structure. The group is exploring the possibility of having a local operator provide boat service to the light.

Reported by: David Wren

Lake Survey

07/24
The Canadian Coast Guard Research vessel Limnos made a brief appearance in Erie, Pa Tuesday to collect water samples. The vessel arrived in port about 12 noon and had departed by 1 p.m., headed to a work site east of Long Point.

The Limnos and her American counterpart Lake Guardian have been searching Lake Erie for a so-called dead zone, or an area deprived of oxygen. They are now focusing on the eastern basin, which is located east of Erie. That part of the lake recently turned itself over and went from 78 to 58 degrees in water temperature.

Limnos inbound.
Stern View.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Marquette Update

07/24
The Wilfred Sykes is expected to load at Marquette Wednesday morning, the H. Lee White is due on Thursday, followed by the Charles M. Beeghly on Friday.

Sunday will be a busy day at the dock, with the Sykes and H. Lee White returning and the Herbert C. Jackson also coming in to load.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Goderich Update

07/24
The Capt Henry Jackman was loading at the salt mine mid-afternoon on Thursday, July 18th. On Saturday, the Algomarine was seen loading at 11:30 p.m. and departed early the next morning. The Agawa Canyon came in through strong winds on Monday, loaded all afternoon, and was gone by late evening.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Toledo News

07/24
Tuesday the Canadian Olympic was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge departed from her layup dock and was loading cargo at the Sun Oil Dock. The Joseph H. Frantz and Saturn remain in layup at there respective dock sites.

There was an Andrie tug and barge unit at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. The tugs Mighty Jake, Mighty Jimmy, Prairieland and Pioneerland are still working the Maumee River dredging project now located near the Willis B. Boyer museum ship, and on the I-280 replacement bridge project.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algosteel on Wednesday followed by the H. Lee White on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will now be the Courtney Burton on Friday. The Reserve on Saturday, followed by the Buckeye on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Tall Ship H.M.S. Detroit to be Launched Aug. 17

07/24
The first phase of the H.M.S. Detroit's construction is complete. The replica tall ship that served as Canada's flag ship will be launched on Aug. 17th at 8 a.m. at Hike Metal Ship Yard in Wheatley, Ont.

H.M.S. Detroit, named in honor of the capture of Fort Detroit in the War of 1812 played a significant role in the development of Canada and the United States.

As the largest Tall Ship on the Great Lakes she will serve as an "Ambassador of Friendship," an educational forum and tourist attraction.

In Celebration of this event, the tall ship Niagara will moor in Amherstburg, home port of H.M.S. Detroit, August 24 & 25 open for public dockside tours 10a.m. - 5p.m.

Reported by: Al Jackman

Keewatin History Published

07/24
Bob and Cindy Zimmerman have published the book "Ninety-Five Years Young: The Story of the S.S. Keewatin, 1907 to the Present." The book tells the story of this steamer from its construction in 1907 in Scotland, its operation on the Great Lakes for the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1907 to 1967 and its present use as a privately-owned marine museum in the Douglas/Saugatuck, Mich. area. Included are many rare photos and the stories of many who worked aboard the vessel during its long career.
Click here for more information

Today in Great Lakes History - July 24

The ALGOSOO (2) was Launched July 24, 1974 for Algoma Central Railway, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The BURNS HARBOR sea trials were conducted on July 24, 1980 during which she performed an emergency stop in 3,160 feet loaded to a depth of 25/26 feet. She was the third thousand footer built for Bethlehem and the tenth on the Great Lakes.

ST.CLAIR (2) was launched July 24, 1975

The WILLIAM G. MATHER (2) left the River Rouge on her maiden voyage July 24, 1925 for Ashtabula, OH to load coal for the Canadian lakehead at Port Arthur/Fort William, Ont.

The wooden steamer OSCAR TOWNSEND was launched at 2:20 PM at E. Fitzgerald's yard in Port Huron on 24 July 1873. The launch went well with a few hundred spectators. She was built for use in the iron ore trade by the Lake Superior Transportation Co. Her dimensions were 210' overall, 200' keel, 33'10" beam and 15' depth. She had three masts and was painted deep green.

On 24 July 1847, CONSTITUTION (wooden passenger/package freight side-wheeler, 141', 444 t, built in 1837 at Charleston, OH) struck a pier in Sandusky harbor, stove a large hole in her bow and sank. Her machinery was later recovered and installed in J. D. MORTON.

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

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

Algomarine Assists in Rescue

07/23
Six people were safely rescued after their 44-foot sailing vessel capsized near White Shoal Light north of Grays Reef Passage. The vessel was participating in the Chicago to Mackinac Race when strong winds caused the vessel to capsize throwing all six people into the water.

The crew of the sail boat launched a flare that was seen by the Algomarine. The Algomarine contacted Group Sault Ste Marie and located the capsized vessel.

U.S. Coast Guard Station St Ignace launched a rescue vessel. The Algomarine provided illumination as the nearby yacht Kokamo O recovered all the people from the water. The sailing vessel will be removed by commercial salvage.

Reported by: Glen Young

Lake Huron Ports

07/23
Early Monday morning the Sam Laud delivered coal into Lafarge. It left around 9 a.m. Waiting at anchor in Thunder Bay on Lake Huron was the Wolverine. It came into Lafarge to unload more coal after the Laud departed. The Wolverine left around 4 p.m.

The steamer Alpena is due into port on Tuesday afternoon. The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity is in Detroit.

The classic steamer Herbert C. Jackson arrived at Stoneport around noon on Monday. It was taking on a load of stone bound for Chicago. It was scheduled to leave at midnight. At anchor was the Great Lakes Trader which will load after the Jackson.

Jackson loading.
Great Lakes Trader anchored off shore.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Toledo Update

07/23
The Canadian Olympic was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator. 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 Algosteel on Wednesday, followed by the H. Lee White on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Adam E. Cornelius on Tuesday, followed by the Armco on Friday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Instructor receives spot with merchant marine

07/23
An instructor at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College has been appointed to a federal merchant marine committee.

Mike Surgalski is one of 18 members of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee, which sets education standards for the maritime industry.

He was named to the position by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta.

Surgalski has been an instructor at Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College for seven years. He said he has sought the appointment for some time.

"I applied for this five years ago, and I re-applied every year, and it is just a matter of persistence paying off," he said.

Surgalski's term expires Jan. 31, 2004, but he has been asked to serve another two-year term after that. The committee advises the Department of Transportation on training, qualification, certification, documentation and fitness standards for the Merchant Marine.

The committee meets twice a year, with one session held in Washington, D.C., and the other in a U.S. city of the committee's choosing. Surgalski's first meeting will be in September in Cleveland, Ohio.

Surgalski said his background as a professional mariner until 1995 gave his application punch. He is the only representative from the Great Lakes district. "I have never had a letter from a cabinet officer, so that is exciting," Surgalski said.

Reported by: D. Kohls

Today in Great Lakes History - July 23

The Keel for the TEXACO CHIEF (2) was laid July 23, 1968.

CANADOC (2) sailed on her maiden voyage July 23rd.

The RED WING (2) was christened on July 23, 1960 as the first all-welded vessel to emerge from Port Weller Dry Docks.

On 23 July 1878, H. R. PRESTON (wooden quarter-deck canal boat built in 1877 at Oneida Lake, NY) was carrying 250 tons of ashes from Picton, Ontario to Oswego, New York in tow of the tug ALANSON SUMNER along with three other canal boats when they encountered a storm on Lake Ontario. About 15 miles from Oswego, the PRESTON broke her towline and was taken alongside the SUMNER with some difficulty. About a mile out of port she lost her hold tarps and began to sink quickly. She was cut loose from the tug and her two crewmen were saved by the Oswego tug WM. AVERY. Though she was lying heavily on the bottom in 50 feet of water, her wreckage came ashore near 4 Mile Point in early September.

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

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

Ryerson tours termed "outstanding success"

07/22
More than 1,200 people took the rare opportunity to tour the steamer Edward L. Ryerson this past Saturday and Sunday in Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. The event, organized by and a fund-raiser for the Door County Maritime Museum, was called an "outstanding success" by museum spokesperson Annie Lempert.

Saturday's weather was pleasant throughout most of the day, although a gusty wind kept exhibitors on the dock busy finding new ways to keep their wares secured. Early thunderstorms Sunday morning gave way to heat and humidity Sunday afternoon as visitors were guided through the Ryerson in groups of 15.

Among former crewmembers stationed on board ship was retired Ryerson Chief Engineer Dave Hunt, who explained the intricacies of his former domain to visitors. Also on hand were Lee Barr, fleet operations manager of Central Marine Logistics (operator of the Ryerson), and his wife, Annie, both of whom could be found holding down the fort in the passenger lounge.

As the event wound down, there was talk of a return engagement, although nothing official was announced. The Ryerson, built in 1960, has been inactive since 1998. Her lack of self-unloading gear is the chief reason the vessel remains on the sidelines. There was no word given over the weekend about the Ryerson's future.

Pictures by Roger LeLievre
Ryerson from the tour boat Fred A. Busse (bow).
Stern view.
Sign says Ryerson tours "Sold Out".
Shipkeeper Dave Thompson puts up the Ryerson's christening pennant.
Inland Steel houseflag and christening pennant fly from the forward mast.
Waiting for a tour.
Lots of activity on the dock.
Door County Maritime Museum volunteers greet ticket holders.
Tour heads up the Ryerson's ladder.
Tour heads up the Ryerson's ladder (another view).
Climbing up to the pilothouse.
Leaving the aft cabin heading forward.
Leaving the aft cabin heading forward (another view).
Pausing before entering forward superstructure.
Heading up the main deck.
Pilothouse, inside.
Volunteer guide explains workings of pilothouse.
Pilothouse, inside (another view).
Andy Vervelde takes a turn at the wheel.
Young visitor samples the comforts of the passenger lounge.
Retired Ryerson Chief Engineer Dave Hunt holds forth in the engine room.
Ryerson shipkeeper Dave Thompson (left) and Lee Barr, fleet operations manager, Central Marine Logistics. Without the cooperation of these two individuals, the tours would not have been possible.
Docents wait for next tour.
Door County Marine Museum's Jan Johnson sells books dockside to benefit the museum.
Photographer Chris Winters shows pictures from his book-in-progress, "Sleeping Giant," a collection of Ryerson photos.
Boatnerds Rob Farrow (Thunder Bay), Ric Woodard and Glenn Blasziewicz (Duluth) wait for their tour.
Great Laker magazines and Chris Winters' photographs on display in the passenger dining room for a private reception Friday night.
Sunset from the Ryerson's stern.

Pictures by Eric, Sandy and Jon Chapman
Looking forward on deck.
Another view.
View inside.
Looking aft.
Galley.
View from the pilothouse.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Gillen Party

07/22
On Friday night the Edward Gillen Company, a Milwaukee based marine construction firm, hosted a party for employees, guests and customers. The party took place on one of the company's material handling barges which had been decorated for the occasion with tables, chairs and a tent. This year’s theme was red, white & blue. Each guest was provided with a sailors cap to add to the mood. Food and drinks were provided.

Just before 7:00 PM the tug Edward Gillen III's Captain John Jorgenson eased the barge away from the dock. Guests were treated to an evening of cruising around Milwaukee's inner and outer harbors, as well as a short excursion up the Milwaukee River. The evening culminated with a trip back to the outer harbor to watch a fireworks display provided by 'Festa Italiana', one of the cities many ethnic festivals.

Barge ready for guests.
Guests boarding.
Departing.
Cruising.
Tug Edward E. Gillen III.
Fireworks over the harbor.

Touring the river along side the Ryerson Saturday was an Amphicar. Made in the1960's in Germany, the Amphicar is powered by a 43 HP, 4 cylinder Triumph engine. It has two propellers and is maneuvered in the water by the front wheels which act as rudders. 3500 were manufactured and it's estimated 500 have survived.
Amphicar.
Cruising past the Ryerson.
Close up.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Saginaw Update

07/22 The Herbert C. Jackson was inbound the Saginaw River Sunday night. The Jackson made her first visit to the new Bay Aggregates Dock near the mouth of the river arriving around 8:00pm. The stockpiles of stone at the old Downtown Bay City location continue to dwindle and before long will be non-existent.

With the arrival of the Herbert C. Jackson on Sunday, it leaves the following 1