Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw gets new commander

07/25
On Wednesday the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw received a new commanding officer during a ceremony in the cutter's home port of Cheboygan, Mi.

Commander Joseph McGuiness relived Commander Jon Nickerson as the ship's commanding officer. Commander Nickerson served as the Mackinaw's commander for more than two years and has also served as the commander of the Cutter Mobile Bay.

After he is relived, Nickerson will head to the Leadership and Management Department at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.

Photo of the ceremony. (Commander Nickerson right).

Reported by: Daniel Hecko

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

Swift Current Stops Shipping

07/24
On Wednesday the McKee Sons remained docked on the Cuyahoga River above the Center Street Bridge in Cleveland. About 6 p.m. the tug Mississippi was upbound on the river to assist the McKee Sons upriver to the Osborne dock. Their attempt to move the ship against the current was unsuccessful.

The cement barges Southdown Conquest and St. Marys Cement II were tied to their unloading docks awaiting the opening of the river.

The river current continues to run to strong and a large debris field is forming behind and in front of the McKee Sons. The weather forecast called for more rain Wednesday and the river remains above flood stage.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Toledo Update

07/24
On Wednesday the Kaye E. Barker was loading coal at the CSX Docks. The John D. Leitch was unloading ore at the Torco Ore Dock and departed that morning.

The Armco remains in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Dock with the Wolverine laid up at the CSX Docks and Buckeye and Courtney Burton in lay-up at the Lakefront/Torco Dock complex. There were no other vessels in port at the time of this report.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Canadian Olympic and Charles M. Beeghly on Saturday. The Calumet on Sunday. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Monday, followed by the Kaye E. Barker and Philip R. Clarke on Wednesday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Atlantic Erie on Sunday. The CSL Laurentien on Monday. The Nanticoke on Wednesday, followed by the Capt. Henry Jackman on Thursday.

The following vessels are due in at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock located at the CSX Docks: The Agawa Canyon on Thursday, followed by the Algomarine on Sunday.

Joseph H. Frantz upbound St. Marys River after passing Six Mile Point in June.
Michipicoten downbound St. Marys River above the Soo Locks in June. She just finished unloading an ore cargo at the Algoma Steel plant. She is bound for Meldrum Bay to load a stone cargo.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Clarkson Activity

07/24
The midsummer upswing in activity along the lakefront continued Wednesday at Clarkson, Ont. Melissa Desgagnes made an appearance at St. Lawrence Cement. She was loading cargo all day.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

On Board the John B. Aird

07/24
Cadet Jody Swaisland updating the logbook.
Tanker North Challenge in Sarnia.
Meeting the Algosar just above Courtright in St Clair.
A closer view.
Past and clear.
Cadet Jody at the wheel inbound Port Colborne Piers.
Port Colborne shipbreakers still working on the Algogulf and Kinsman Enterprise.

Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Stolt Aspiration Heading for West Africa

07/24
The chemical parcel tanker Stolt Aspiration was downbound in the Detroit River early Tuesday morning after a quick discharge at Stolt-Haven in Chicago. An unusual trip is in store for her as she is heads to Quebec City to load cargo for the former French colony of Dakar, Senegal. Below are images taken while transiting Lake Erie enroute to Lock 7 in the Welland Canal.

Prior to boarding at Detroit Pilot Station.
Two hours later abeam of Detroit River Light.
Now here’s a major pair of binoculars! (Note the Tim Horton’s Timbit Box compliments of the previous pilot!)
Third Officer Kaspars Brazevics keeping a close watch on our progress on the radar.
Publications from around the world.
GMDSS Radio Station.
The dreary July weather doesn’t seem to let up.
Looking aft.
Another view.
Mooring winches and windlass.
Looking down the hawse pipe.
Bulbous bow cutting cleanly through the water at 15 knots.
The other end!
Deck view looking forward.
Main deck. The sun finally makes an appearance.
A placid lake.
Piping, valves and stuff… You have to know what your doing on this type of vessel.
Chemical tanker crews are highly trained and know their vessel intimately.
Another view of the pipe manifold.
Looking forward from the flying bridge.
A.B. Journie Resco hard at work.
Crewmembers are constantly busy maintaining the ship.
Ship’s Deck Office.
Cargo Control Room.
Stolt Aspiration is fitted with a sauna for after hours relaxation.
The sauna.
Another view.
Messman Vally Suetos helping to prepare supper.
Chief Cook Arnaldo Samonte at work.
Chicken breasts for supper!
Crew’s Mess room.
Another view.
Cheap rentals at Stolt Video.
Officer’s Dining Saloon.
The table is set for supper.
The sun didn’t last. The end of the day brings more rain.
A break in the clouds brings the end of another busy day for the Stolt Aspiration.

MEMORIES 1978: A frigid November day onboard the Carol Lake at Les Escoumins Pilot Station in the St. Lawrence River. We were headed for Cleveland with a load of iron ore pellets from Sept Iles, Quebec.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

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

Fast Current Stops Traffic on the Cuyahoga River

07/23
Early Tuesday morning the tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons were upbound on the Cuyahoga River and encountered an unusually stronger river current. The river current has been running strong for several days due to heavy rains and flooding upriver.

The crew of the tug and barge acted quickly and were able to tie up at an old grain dock just upriver from the Center Street Bridge. This dock location has blocked river traffic for any commercial ships on the river.

The Invincible and McKee Sons remained tied to the dock throughout the day waiting for the river to subside. The barge Southdown Conquest was also trapped in the river and could not depart after it unloaded.

Fleet mate Calumet was scheduled to unload on the river but has been diverted to a different port. The tug Curly B was also affected by the blockage as it is involved in the transfer of dredging from the upper river to a dump site on the east end of town. The Curly B and barge were tied up near the McKee Sons since 7:30 a.m. Tuesday awaiting the reopening of the river.

The McKee Sons is expected to wait for the river to subside before attempting to transit further upriver.

Wide view of the river.
Close up with anchor down.
Lots of lines to the dock.
Wide view showing the fast current.
Stern shot with fish tug held off the dock by the current.
Stern with a bow wave, the ship is not moving.
Stern with the current flowing.
Curly B and Barge stopped.
Curly B close up with the pilot house in the lowered position.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Local Ship Sails for New York/Boston for Homeland Security

07/23
The Cleveland based Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay sets sail Monday for the waters of Boston and New York Harbors.

During its three-month deployment, the crew of the Neah Bay will escort high interest vessels such as liquefied natural gas carriers and serve as harbor commander, controlling Coast Guard safety and security operations in New York and Boston.

Neah Bay is a 140-foot ice breaker. During the winter months, Neah Bay and its crew keep the Port of Cleveland open for commercial traffic, as well as ports around the Great Lakes.

Reported by: Jeff Hall

Mackinac racers break records

07/23
Two records fell in the 79th Port Huron-to-Mackinac sailboat race when the Alchemy broke Sassy's 1984 elapsed-time record for a monohull, and the multihull Earth Voyager broke its own two-year-old record to the island, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Earth Voyager, a 60-foot trimaran, swung into the Mackinac Island harbor at 1:45 p.m. Sunday after sailing for 23 hours, 44 minutes, 56 seconds -- about 45 minutes faster than its 2001 time.

"I love it," owner Ray Howe of Rochester, N.Y. "We wanted to do it in under 24 hours last year. We're delighted to do this."

Earth Voyager dueled Alchemy from the start. The 77-foot Alchemy led Earth Voyager for the first 120 miles.

"We couldn't put her away," Howe said, despite Earth Voyager's being rated 60 seconds per mile faster. Earth Voyager finally pulled ahead near the Southampton rounding and lost Alchemy in an early morning thunderstorm.

Sailors reported light winds throughout much of the race, but with heavy gusts in the numerous small thunderstorms that crossed the race course.

Reported by: Brian Jackson

Twin Ports Report

07/23
St. Clair paid an unusual visit to the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior on Tuesday, the first of three vessels in a row to load at the dock. Following the St. Clair's departure, Columbia Star pulled up to load. Walter J. McCarthy Jr. was due to load third.

The saltie Marion Green was loading at Cenex Harvest States elevator. The ship arrived Monday evening assisted by just one tug instead of the usual two. It also took the unusual step of backing into the Cenex berth to load. Elsewhere, Doxa D. was loading at Cargill in Duluth while Ziemia Tarnowska was anchored out on the lake waiting to load grain.

Down the harbor, Great Lakes Trader was expected to load at BNSF ore dock. The tug-barge unit has made several recent visits to Duluth and Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

07/23
The Michipicoten and Lee A. Tregurtha loaded ore on Tuesday afternoon and evening to the delight of many boat-watchers. The Charles M. Beeghly is expected to arrive on Wednesday with coal and will then load ore. The Michipicoten will make a quick return Thursday.

The Michipicoten and Reserve loaded taconite at Marquette on a beautiful Sunday evening, watched by a crowd of boatwatchers.

Michipicoten docked Tuesday.
Michipicoten approaches ore dock Sunday.
Michipicoten coming in between ore dock and coal unloader.
Michipicoten Bow .
Michipicoten being tied up to dock .
Reserve putting a man over .
Reserve bow .
Forward cabins on Reserve .

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Little Rock Moved in Buffalo

07/23
The missile cruiser USS Little Rock was moved from her 25 year home on the Buffalo River to the new Naval Park Basin on Tuesday morning. The G tug New Jersey was slowly pulling on her bow while the tug Washington and the Bidco tugs Ruby and Jacklyn pushed from the stern.

They brought the ship about 1,000 feet downriver and moored her to the newly constructed pilings outboard of the destroyer Sullivan and attack sub Croaker at the new basin.

This was the first time the Little Rock has been moved since arriving for use as a museum ship in 1976. The ship put up a year long fight to stay at her previous dock by remaining stuck in the bottom silt that had built up around her over the years. Many months of delays were encountered while extra dredging was completed to float her free and then to dig a channel from the old dock to the new mooring facility.

Now that all three ships are finally at their new home, work can progress on the rest of the Naval Park grounds and on the long stalled near by Erie Canal Harbor development.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Erie Update

07/23
Tuesday evening the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Limnos arrived in Erie. She is in port to collect water samples from Presque Isle Bay. The Limnos departed at 6:30 p.m., slowing considerably when it reached the Mounfort Terminal in order to allow the excursion vessel Lady Kate to pass by the Luedtke tug Gretchen B., which continues to work with its barge in the harbor. At the time the Limnos was departing, the Gretchen B. was preparing to secure along the north side of the North Pier, having finished working for the day.

The Limnos' visit comes 364 days after the vessel's last visit to Erie, which was also an hour long visit to collect water samples.

The Adam E. Cornelius arrived shortly before mid night heading for the Mounfort Terminal. The Cornelius is delivering a cargo of stone.

Gretchen B. and barge at work.
The tug prepares to move the barge.
Limnos passes the Gretchen B.
Limnos outbound.
Stern view.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Clarkson Report

07/23
Most of July has seen very activity at St. Lawrence Cement or at Petro Canada. Monday and Tuesday things picked up, early Monday the Montrealais arrived from Hamilton. She spent all day Monday and part of the day Tuesday loading at St. Lawrence Cement.

Early Tuesday, James Norris arrived with limestone from Colborne, Ontario. She spent most of the day unloading at the cement plant.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

July 5 Seiche draws attention on Lake Michigan

07/23
A July 5 seiche on Lake Michigan drew plenty of attention from boaters and fisherman.

Lee Wishau was preparing his catamaran for a sail in the shallows of North Bay when he saw the rock pier he'd fished from for years was completely exposed and a landmark rock - typically under 12 inches of water - cleared the water line by 2 feet.

"I've been going to that beach my whole life," said Wishau of Racine. "That's the first time I've ever been able to walk around the pier without getting wet."

About five minutes later, Wishau said the water gradually came back up, then went out again, but not as drastically. He said he observed several smaller seiches over the next day.

Wishau's observations are backed by data recorded by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration station in the Lake Michigan waters off Milwaukee. NOAA reported the low-water mark at 4:30 p.m. on July 5.

A seiche is a periodic oscillation of water level caused by an atmospheric disturbance passing over large, confined bodies of water.

The disturbances that cause seiches include the rapid changes in atmospheric pressure with the passage of low or high pressure weather systems, rapidly-moving weather fronts and major shifts in the directions of strong winds.

Although the weather in Racine early on the afternoon of July 5 was pleasant - sunny, 75 degrees with a 10 mph southeast wind - a powerful front had passed through overnight and in the early morning, piling up water on the Michigan side of the lake.

The phenomenon seen by Wishau was part of a massive energy transfer in southern Lake Michigan, raising water levels to the east and creating deadly rip currents. Seven people drowned in the storms of the July 4th weekend on beaches near St. Joseph, Mich.

Small seiches (less than a foot high) are an everyday occurrence on the Great Lakes, according to Dave Schwab, a scientist with the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor, Mich.

But the biggest seiches can clash ships together in harbors, snap mooring lines and swamp fishing boats. Great Lakes history is filled with accounts of large, and occasionally deadly, seiches.

In 1834, during a summer storm, the St. Mary's River at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. suddenly emptied and, an hour later, filled back up. Local residents flocked into the river bed to catch stranded fish and narrowly escaped the returning surge, according to reports.

More recently, on July 13, 1995, a big Lake Superior seiche left some boats hanging from the docks on their mooring lines when the lake water suddenly retreated. In that seiche, lake water went out and came back within 15 to 20 minutes at Ashland, Wisconsin, Marquette and Point Iroquois, Michigan, and Rossport, Ontario. In just a few minutes, water levels changed about three feet.

And in 1998 a seiche occurred in Two Harbors, Minnesota, that caused several hundred thousand dollars of damage to vessels loading iron ore at the Duluth Missabe Iron Range Railway Company docks. According to published reports, the dock manager said two seiches from 12 to 15 feet were responsible.

According to Noel Pavlovic, ecologist at the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station in Indiana, seiches are most common on Lake Erie, because of its East-to-West orientation, but do occur frequently on Lake Michigan.

Reported by: Dean Westcott

Onboard the John B. Aird

07/23
Capt. George Kendall up the foremast installing his new anchor lights.
Captain Henry Jackman upbound just above Buoys 11 & 12.
Meeting Charles M Beeghly in the channel.
John G Munson right behind the Beeghly.
Museum Lightship Huron at Port Huron.
Calumet at the dock in Sarnia undergoing repairs.

Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Picture Guide

07/23
With the availability of digital cameras the number of pictures for the news page has significantly grown over the past year. Many have e-mailed me asking about format, naming and size. I have made a short guide to answer these questions. Please e-mail if there is something I didn't cover.

Click here to view.

Webcam Brings the Detroit River to the World

07/23
The Great Lakes Maritime Institute and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum are proud to announce a new web camera streaming live motion video of the Detroit River. Located on top of the William Clay Ford pilothouse on Belle Isle, the new ‘Detroit River Watch’ allows a user to view passing lake and ocean freighters, motor and sailboats, rowing shells, tall ships, and water conditions on the Detroit River.

Since the Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located on a main shipping channel, the ‘Detroit River Watch’ cam is interactive. Control access is available to viewers on a limited time frame to actually follow and zoom in on a passing vessel in real time.

Click here to view. Note: your computer must have a JAVA capable browser. The camera is linked through a very high speed connection but may reach a maximum number of users during these first few days when many people log on to see the new camera.

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

Belt Fire on Nanticoke

07/22
A small section of the Nanticoke's tunnel belt caught fire Monday morning while the vessel was unloading at Cardinal, Ontario. The fire was quickly extinguished by the crew and a contractor was on scene replacing a 3-foot section of belt.

The ship was transferring corn to the number three cargo hold so that the unloading arm from the elevator only had to dip into one hold. While the repairs were being made, the unloading of the cargo of corn continued by moving the ship up and down the dock.

Reported by: Dean Kenske

Today in Great Lakes History - July 22

PERE MARQUETTE 22 was launched on July 22, 1924.

One hundred years ago on 22 July 1900, the tug MATT H. ESSER was launched at Lorain, Ohio by H. D. Root for Captain Burke of Erie.

The M. I. MILLS (wooden propeller tug, 122', 152 t, built in 1867 at Marine City, MI), which sank in a collision with the bark UNADILLA on 9 May 1873, was found on 22 July 1873 in 90 feet of water in Lake Huron off Sand Beach, Michigan. Plans were made to raise her at the cost of $5,000. This effort was unsuccessful as was another abortive attempt in 1895.

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

Rare Visitor in Port Colborne

07/21
The Algomarine arrived in Port Colborne early Saturday morning docking at W13, the Robin Hood Mill to unload.

While other Algoma boats have visited the mill in the past, this is a rare trip for the Algomarine.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Gott Stops in the Soo

07/21
Sunday the 1000-foot Edwin H. Gott was docked at the Carbide Dock in Sault Ste. Marine, Mi. The vessel was docked for reported steering system repairs.

Repairs were completed late Sunday and she was downbound at Mission Point about 11:40 p.m.

Reported by: Chris Jackson

Saginaw Update

07/21
The tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort delivered cargoes to three docks along the entire length of the Saginaw River on Sunday. During the morning, the vessel unloaded part of its cargo at the Sargent dock in Essexville, near the mouth of the river. In the afternoon, the tug-barge continued up to the Sargent dock near the I-75 Bridge at Zilwaukee. While there, the tug detached from the barge to take on fuel from several large tanker trucks which were waiting at the nearby Burroughs dock.

Early in the evening, the pair moved up to the Saginaw Rock dock adjacent to the Sixth Street turning basin in Saginaw to finish unloading.

The 1000-foot Walter J. McCarthy Jr. was backing out into the bay from the Consumers Energy plant in Essexville shortly after noon on Sunday after delivering coal.

The Calumet arrived in the afternoon to deliver a split load to the Wirt docks in Essexville and Saginaw.

The Sam Laud was upbound through Bay City early on Saturday evening going to a dock in the Saginaw area.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

Hamilton Report

07/21
Saturday the Canadian Miner departed Hamilton at 5 p.m. The Atlantic Erie arrived at 11:30 p.m. with coal for Stelco. She then departed at 7 a.m. Sunday morning heading down Lake Ontario for the Seaway and on to Port Cartier Quebec to load iron ore pellets.

Also on Sunday, the Peter R. Cresswell arrived about 7 a.m. to deliver a load of sand at Pier 23. She then departed at 1:30 p.m. for Point Noir Quebec to load iron ore pellets. The Algocape arrived at 8 a.m. with a cargo of iron ore pellets from Point Noir. Her next port will be Thunder Bay, Ontario in ballast.

The CSL Laurentian arrived in the early afternoon going to Stelco with coal. She will also head down Lake Ontario and on to Sept. Ile Quebec to load iron ore pellets.

The Montrealais departed at Dofasco's Dock No.1 at 3:45 p.m. and headed down Lake Ontario.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Ohio Ports Host Tall Ships, Marine Mart

07/21
It was a busy weekend at two of Ohio’s Lake Erie ports as Toledo played host to the Tall Ships and Vermilion hosted the Tall Ships River Walk. Of particular interest in Vermilion, besides the Tall Ships Amara Zee and Serenity, was a Great Lakes Marine Mart, located near the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, where select vendors sold items of interest to vessel enthusiasts.

Veteran dealer and Marine Mart organizer Al Hart (left) talks with a customer.
Items for sale at the Marine Mart included life rings.
Inland Seas Maritime Museum.

Toledo hosted a variety of Tall Ships, including the Indian navy training vessel Tarangini, the Fair Jeannie, Caledonia, Pride of Baltimore II, HMS Bounty, Highlander Sea, True North, Fair Jeanne, Mists of Avalon, Appledore IV, Red Witch and others. Public tours of the vessels were available, and the Buffalo-based fireboat Edward M. Cotter was also open for touring.

Tall ship Bounty and Museum Ship Willis B. Boyer.
Willis B Boyer and tall ships at dock.
Indian navy training vessel Tarangini.
Tarangini stern view.
Excursion boat Victory offered a water view of Tall Ships.

The Cotter, originally built in 1900 as William S. Grattan and rebuilt in 1928 and 1953, is still an active fireboat, although in recent years she has been used more for icebreaking on the Buffalo River.
View of Edward M. Cotter at the dock in Toledo Saturday.
Cotter’s stack and pilothouse.
Stack and water cannon.
Inside the pilothouse.
Beanie baby mascot.
Cotter’s tiny galley.
Commendations on display.
Front of superstructure; note nozzles awaiting use.
Cotter’s engine room.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Barge Party

07/21
Milwaukee marine contractor Edward Gillen Co. held their annual employee and customer appreciation party July 18. This year’s theme was 'Mardi Gras'. Guests were given beads and masks as they boarded one of the companies barges decorated for the occasion. Even the concrete deck of the barge had been painted with a Mardi Gras accent. Food and drink were provided during the voyage.

Capt. John "Junior" Jorgenson eased the Edward Gillen III into position at the stern of the barge and gave the passengers a 3 hour tour of Milwaukee's inner and outer harbor, as well as a trip up the Milwaukee River. Employees could then show off some of their work on various condo and river walk projects taking place on the river.

A live band entertained throughout the evening. At 10:15 PM guests were treated to the best seat in the house for a fireworks display taking place during Milwaukee's annual 'Festa Italiana.'

Anchor at Gillen's dock.
Edward Gillen III and Edith J wait for the party to begin.
decorated barge.
welcome sign.
guests arrive.
beads were handed out.
painted deck.
bar.
food line.
cast off.
making up to barge.
Capt. Jorgenson gives the security call.
condos on the former site of Great Lakes towing. Only 10 units remain for sale.
Looking up the Milwaukee River.
Edleweiss dinner boat follows us down the river.
The Marion Green unloading electric wind generators.
dancing to the live the music.
fireworks.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Montreal Update

07/21
Saturday the Canadian Prospector was unloading grain using three legs at the elevator number 4.

The Canadian Prospector unloading grain at elevator number four Montreal.
Close up view of the Canadian Prospector accommodations at Elevator four.
Close up of the name Last year ago Canadian Prospector and the salty Stellanova collided in the St Lawrence Seaway above Cote Ste. Catherine lock, requiring Canadian Prospector to be dry docked, as well as the Stellanova.
Canadian Prospector last Oct 2002 Cote Ste. Catherine wharf after her collision with the salty Stellanova. behind her is the Algosound with oil cooler leakage problems.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Fathom Five National Park Boat Tour

07/21
Below are images taken aboard the glass bottom tour boat Great Blue Heron departing Tobermory, Ontario. The tour covers the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay visiting Fathom Five National Park. The 2.5 hour tour includes Little Tub and Big Tub harbours as well as Fathom Five National Park.

Great Blue Heron.
Builder's Plate Year 1995 Hull 106.
Chi Cheemaun stern.
Chi Cheemaun departing.
CCGC Tobermory Base Boat Lineup.
CCGC Tobermory.
CCGS Zodiac Parks Canada Patrol Boat at Tobermory Base.
Big Tub Lighthouse.
Little Tub Ferry Dock.
Parks Canada Workboat Canadian Forces Zodiacs at Tobermory.
Zodiac Dive Boat.
Flowerpot Boats.
Flowerpot Island Light.
Cove Island.
Cove Island Lighthouse.
Cove Island Fog Horn building.
Wind turbine at Ferndale, Ont. This was one of the turbines brought through Owen Sound last summer on the Scan Oceanic.
Click here for more information on the cruise.

Reported by: David Shearman

On Board the John B. Aird

07/21
Below are recent images taken aboard the John B. Aird.

OS Billy Cross standing by to leg go up forward, Burns Harbor.
In the hopper at Burns Harbour waiting for the last of the cargo to run off.
Iron ore concentrate; 1 door to go.
Kaye E Barker, inbound Burns Harbor.
Cadet Jody Swaisland working on the computer while AB Jean Bouffard looks on.
Laying off Gary, Indiana cleaning out with Chicago in the distance.
Gary, Indiana in the slip.
Loading coke breeze.
Peter R Cresswell right behind the Olympic.
Danny Sullivan not far behind the Cresswell.
J.W. Westcott II on the job just below the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit.
Along side.
Wide view.
Not much left of the Nordmeer Wreck, Lake Huron.

Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Aerial Views

07/21
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Sandusky and Marblehead, Ohio last week 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.

Adam E. Cornelius.
Columbia Star.
Passing.
Stern view.
Capt. Henry Jackman and Columbia Star Passing.
Another view.
Brig Niagara.
Another view.
Another view.
Philip R. Clarke unloading.
Chrmically treated road salt.
Marble Head Lighthouse.
Close up.
Canadian Olympic loads coal.
Another view.
Stern view.
Another view.
CSL Laurentien.
Another view.
Stern view.
Tall ship Windy II.
Another view.
Car ferry Shirley Irene.
Pelee Islander.

Weekly Updates

07/21
The weekly updates have been uploaded.

Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - July 21

The JAMES DAVIDSON and KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (1) arrived under tow at Santander, Spain on July 21, 1974 for scrapping.

On July 21, 1975, the GEORGE D. GOBLE arrived at Lorain, Ohio with an unusual deck cargo loaded at American Ship Building Company's yard at South Chicago, Illinois. She was carrying the deckhouses for two Interlake Steamship Company thousand-foot self-unloaders being built at AmShip's Lorain yard. These vessels were completed as the JAMES R. BARKER and MESABI MINER.

On 21 July 1875, the schooner ELVA, which was built in Port Huron in 1861 for Capt. Sinclair, was sailing from Holland, Michigan for Milwaukee loaded with stove bolts. She capsized 12 miles from Milwaukee. Her crew took to the boats and made a landing in Kenosha and then rowed to Milwaukee. A tug was sent for the schooner and she was recovered.

In 1900, R. J. GORDON (wooden propeller passenger-package freighter, 104', 187 gt, built in 1881 at Marine City) was placed back in service carrying freight and passengers between Chicago and Grand Haven. She had burned in September 1899 at Chicago but was rebuilt during the winter.

On 21 July 1875, the old barge HURON, which had been in use for a number of years as a car ferry for the Grand Trunk Railroad at Port Huron/Sarnia, was sold to Sandie and Archie Stewart. They planned to convert her to a dry-dock by adding three feet to her sides and removing her arches. The sale price was $1,500 in gold.

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

Halifax in Milwaukee

07/20
The Halifax arrived in Milwaukee early on a sunny Saturday morning with a partial cargo of cement clinkers for Badger Cement. The G-tug Arkansas assisted the Halifax to the dock.

The Halifax passes the inner pier light .
passing under the Hoan Bridge.
making the turn towards the inner mooring basin.
Arkansas tails off the port quarter.
working the stern towards the dock.
Halifax at the Badger Cement dock.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Marquette Update

07/20
The John J. Boland and H. Lee White loaded ore at Marquette on another beautiful Upper Peninsula Saturday. The Michipicoten, Reserve, and Lee A. Tregurtha are all in the lineup over the next several days.

The H. Lee White at the ore dock.
H. Lee White workers on the bow and dock.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Cedarglen Unloads

07/20
The Cedarglen arrived in Owen Sound early Saturday morning heading to the grain elevators.

Unloading at the grain elevators Saturday morning.
Stern view.

Reported by: Ed Saliwonchyk

Mississippi River Traffic

07/20
Below are images taken last week from Memphis, Tennessee.

Memphis's Comfort Inn room 1103 view of the Mississippi River looking south.
Economy Boat Store tugs Mr. Junious M and RoseDale in Memphis. They bunker and deliver groceries to the tows as they pass.
Memphis Queen Riverboats tug Capt J T Meanley and barge City of Memphis. According to the U.S. Merchant Vessel listing the Meanley was built in 1944 by Chrysler Corp. in Detroit, MI.
City of Memphis.
Memphis Queen Riverboats dock Capt John H Lozier.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Today in Great Lakes History - July 20

CANADOC (2) suffered severe bow damage on July 20, 1963 in a collision with the Swiss-flagged freighter BARILOCHE in dense fog off Ile de Orleans, near Quebec City.

The LEON FALK, JR. was christened at Cleveland, July 20, 1961 after one trip to Duluth, MN for ore.

HORACE JOHNSON was launched July 20, 1929 for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.

SHELTER BAY (2) was launched July 20, 1907 as a) JAY C. MORSE.

At the end of June, 1877, the ferry MYRTLE began running between Port Huron and Sarnia. However, on 20 July 1877, the Port Huron Time reported that "The ferry MYRTLE has been taken off the route on account of the extreme dullness of the times."

The scow DIXIE burned during the night of 20 July 1875 while lying at Kenyon's dock in East China Township on the St. Clair River.

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

Calumet Departs Sarnia

07/19
The Calumet departed Sarnia Friday night heading upbound after under going repairs to her unloading boom.

A section of the boom was damaged in early July during a sever thunder storm at Marble Head, Ohio. A sudden gust of wind swung the boom causing it to strike the dock.

on Friday evening and will finish sometime on Saturday. The Calumet is expected to load at Stoneport on Saturday.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Coast Guard offers reward for hoax caller

07/19
The Coast Guard Investigative Service is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the positive identification of a hoax caller.

The person or persons are wanted for making more than 30 false "Mayday" calls and for bomb threats directed at Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, the Army Corps of Engineers O'Brien Lock & Dam and several commercial vessels on the Calumet River.

The transmissions were made from October 2002 and May 2003, usually occurring between 3 and 10 p.m.

Anyone who may have any information about these calls is asked to contact Special Agent Gerald Griner at 630-986-2160. The Coast Guard has placed reward posters around the Calumet River and O'Brien Lock.

Reported by: Paul Roszkowski

07/19
The Michipicoten made a late arrival at Marquette on a beautiful, calm day, and made a smooth docking without her bow thruster. She began loading quickly and expects to be back on Sunday. The John J. Boland and H. Lee White are due Saturday morning.

The Michipicoten puts the second man over.
Light pattern of the dock on the Michipicoten.
The Michipicoten at the dock.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Update

07/19
Two vessels delivered coal to Lafarge on Friday. The Sam Laud was in port first unloading coal and departed by early afternoon. The Fred R. White Jr was due at the coal dock around 10 p.m.

The Great Lakes Trader was loading at Stoneport on Friday evening and will finish sometime on Saturday.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

07/19
The Joyce L. Van Enkevort - Great Lakes Trader arrived on the Saginaw River late Thursday night, lightering at the Bay City Wirt Dock before continuing upriver to Saginaw to finish at the Saginaw Wirt Dock.

Early Friday morning the Undaunted - Pere Marquette 41 were upbound passing the Front Range headed for Saginaw to unload.

Friday afternoon, the Joseph H. Thompson - Joe Thompson, Jr. were upbound through Bay City on their way to the Saginaw Rock Dock to unload. By late evening, the pair were outbound for the lake after turning in the Sixth Street Basin.

The tug Mark Hannah and her tank barge were inbound during the early evening calling on the Dow Chemical Dock to unload.

The Tug Rebecca Lynn and her tank barge were inbound a short time behind the Mark Hannah. She called on the Bit-Mat Dock to unload.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

Vechtborg Loads in Menominee

07/19
After unloading a cargo of Scandinavian wood pulp in Menominee on Wednesday, the Vechtborg began taking on a cargo of paper products Thursday.

Midday on Friday the Vechtborg turned around in the turning basin and the continued loading at the K&K West Dock. This was done due to a shallow draft in the turning basin. Friday evening, the Vechtborg shifted to the deeper draft East Dock to finish loading. This is the first time that a Wagenborg vessel has taken on a load after unloading in Menominee.

Also on Friday the USCG Fir departed Marinette Marine after a quick overnight repair. The Fir is headed to Astoria, Oregon.

Loading Thursday afternoon at K&K West ( Viking 1 in background).
Stern view loading.
Contuning loading Friday after turning.
USCG cutter Fir outbound Menominee River on Friday.
Fir passing Vechtborg.
Dockside view.
Loading after shifting to East Dock Friday evening.
Wide view Friday evening.

Reported by: Scott Best and Dick Lund

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

07/19
Hellas Macedonia on charter to Senator replacing Pembroke Senator for four trips. Greek owned, she's had 15 names since she entered service in 1985. This is her third trip and is shown upbound off Verchères to Montréal on July 15. She also came to Montréal in the '90s as Canmar Fortune and Canmar Pride before these names were assigned to ships in the current fleet. At the time ,she was gearless and fitted as a straight container ship. Verchères, July 15.
Boatman No.6 towing dredging barge MCNCO No.20 from Contrecoeur to Montréal, July 15.
Dredging barge MCNCO No.20 off Verchères, July 15.
McKeil's workboat Boatman No.6 moving at a snail's pace off Verchères, July 15.
Seven Seas Navigator on her first ever call to Montréal shown downbound off Verchères, July 16.
Stern view against a dark sky downbound off Verchères, July 16.
MSC Brianna off the Verchères dock on an early morning view while upbound for Montréal, July 18.
MSC Brianna, quite a large ship for Montréal, stern view, July 18.
MSC Brianna off Varennes some 15 minutes later, July 18.

Reported by: Marc Piché

On Board the John B. Aird

07/19
Below are recent images taken aboard the John B. Aird.

The remains of the Windoc moored just below the Bunge elevator in Quebec City.
Algowood unloading in the hopper of the elevator; a bit steamy after rain.
Small salty Nordanhav downbound near Cap Charles, St Lawrence River.
Hydrofoil downbound just above Three Rivers.
Algocape just below Snell lock in the St Lawrence River.
McKeil Marine Barge McCleary's Spirit downbound around Bradford Island.
Stern view.
Watchman Greg Beaton waiting for the line handlers at Lock 1 Welland canal to take up the slack on the mooring wire.
Coming past the knuckle, upbound entering Lock 6.
About 2/3 the way into Lock 6.
Almost in position.
Canadian Olympic downbound Detroit River just below the Rouge River entry.

Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Stolt Aspiration Headed for the Upper Lakes

07/19
On Wednesday evening the Stolt Aspiration was upbound in the Welland Canal for the second time this year. Stolt Aspiration was originally launched as Golden Angel when constructed in 1987 at Shimoneski Japan. The 128,91m (423’) chemical parcel tanker has been kept busy on the Europe to Great Lakes service since she was built.

Inbound Port Weller Harbour. The Canadian Coast Guard Search & Rescue Station can be seen off to starboard.
The sun finally pokes through the clouds in the early evening.
Sliding the approach wall below Lock 1.
Final approach before entering the lock chamber.
Part way into Lock 1.
Lakeshore Bridge raising before we cast off.
With no traffic to meet we proceed to Lock 2.
The immaculate bridge deck and Stolt funnel.
Another view. It can be seen the Stolt Aspiration is well run and maintained.
The famous Stolt “typewriter” font name board.
Engine & helm indicators on the bridge wing help the pilot to confirm that the correct manoeuvres asked for are carried out.
The pleasant and professional Ukrainian master Captain Gennadiy Kovalenko. A few years ago Captain Kovalenko was Chief Officer on the world’s largest ship the Jahre Viking. Stories he told of this ship were most fascinating!
The bridge interior.
Lock 2 as seen from inside the bridge.
The ever smiling Filipino A.B Journie Resco.
Latvian Third Officer Gintras Lekavics and Journie Resco take time to pose for friends and family back home.
The chart room.
Well organized and everything has its place.
The downbound Lake Erie headed for Lake Ontario.
Fading daylight at Lock 3.
Taking down the Canadian courtesy flag is one of the last chores of the day.
Memories – N.M Paterson & Sons M/V Ontadoc in September of 1977 on the Atlantic past the Strait of Belle Isle. We were on a ten day voyage from Thunder Bay to Botwood Newfoundland with Sulphur.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - July 19

EDWIN H. GOTT was float launched July 19, 1978.

CLARENCE B. RANDALL (1) sailed on her maiden voyage July 19, 1943 from Ashtabula light bound for Two Harbors, MN.

CANADOC (2) was christened on July 19, 1961.

The registry of the GORDON C. LEITCH (1) was closed on July 19, 1985 as “sold foreign.”

JOHN P. REISS in tandem tow with the carferry CITY OF SAGINAW 31 arrived at Castellon, Spain prior to July 19, 1973 for scrapping.

JOSEPH S. YOUNG (1) was christened at Buffalo, NY on July 19, 1957. The JOSEPH S. YOUNG (1) was the first of seven T2 tanker conversions for Great Lakes service.

On 19 July 1831, the wooden schooner HENRY CLAY was carrying 800 barrels of salt and passengers from Oswego to the Welland Canal on her maiden voyage when she capsized in a squall and sank about 10 miles off Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario. About 11 persons were aboard and at least 6 of them lost their lives. Three were saved by the steamer CANADA.

On 19 July 1900, the name of the Toledo tug A. ANDREWS, JR. was changed to PALLISTER.

On 19 July 1871, J. BARBER (wooden propeller steamer, 125', 306 t, built in 1856 at Cleveland, OH) was carrying fruit from St. Joseph, Michigan to Chicago when she caught fire and sank 14 miles off Michigan City, Indiana. Five 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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Algosound Now Owned by Overseas Shipbreakers

07/18
It appears another fine laker is headed to the scrap yard. Ownership of bulk carrier Algosound, which ran briefly last fall then laid up for the winter at Montreal, is now listed as “Indian breakers” by Lloyds’ ship registry.

She was the last steam turbine-powered vessel in the Algoma Central Marine fleet. Her passing leaves just three Canadian Vickers-built vessels sailing the lakes: Montrealais, Quebecois and Gordon C. Leitch.

It is not known when the vessel will be towed to her final port. At present she is moored in Montreal adjacent to two other scrap yard-bound steamers, Mapleglen and Oakglen.

Built in two sections (the bow section was built by George T. Davis & Sons Ltd., Lauzon, QC, and the stern section was built by Canadian Vickers Ltd., Montreal, QC), the vessel entered service in 1965 for Papachristidis Co., Ltd. as Don-De-Dieu (Gift of God), a name that honored a prominent ballet troupe patronized by owner Phrixos Papachristidis.

In 1966, the vessel was acquired by Steamship Co., a Canadian subsidiary of Pickands, Mather & Co., owners of Interlake Steamship Co., and renamed V. W. Scully. In 1971, the Scully was acquired by Diamond Shamrock Canada Ltd. (Algoma Central Marine, managers). Ownership of the vessel was transferred directly to Algoma Central in 1973. The V. W. Scully was the lakeboat chosen to stand in for the Edmund Fitzgerald in “Shipwreck: The Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Her name was changed temporarily for the filming on Lake Superior in late 1978. Algoma renamed the vessel Algosound in 1987.

Laid up for all the 2001 and most of the 2002 season, Algosound ran the late grain rush from Oct. 2, 2002, to Dec. 26, 2002, then laid up once more, this time for good. During her brief outing last year, after loading 24,850 tons of iron ore for Hamilton at Port Cartier on her first trip, Algosound had two breakdowns, one from Oct. 11-14 at Cote Ste. Catherine wharf with a leaking oil cooler, and the other Oct. 17-19 at Port Weller involving boiler trouble.

History and Pictures of the Algosound.

Reported by: Kent Malo, Roger LeLievre and George Wharton

Frantz in Buffalo

07/18
The Joseph H. Frantz appears to be in temporary lay-up at the General Mills Frontier Elevator in Buffalo. She is moored at the "A" dock on the City Ship Canal, facing upstream with her bow very close to the old Michigan St. Bridge abutment.

The Frantz is a replacement for the Kinsman Independent, the Independent would frequently lay-up during the summer months and return to service for the fall grain rush. Unlike the self unloading Frantz, the Independent was a straight deck bulk carrier with no self unloading gear. This limited what cargoes she could carry.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Challenger Dry Docking

07/18
Crewmembers have been called back to fit out the Southdown Challenger after her 5 year survey at Bay Shipbuilding. The galley crew will arrive on Sunday and the rest of the engine crew start work Monday.

No date has been announced for deck department to return. The ship has undergone her annual 5 year inspection as well as other work at Bay Ship. The Challenger arrived at Sturgeon Bay on June 25.

Reported by: Dustin Sadowski

Marquette Report

07/18
The Michipicoten and Middletown loaded ore at Marquette on Thursday. The Michipicoten loaded early, and will return on Friday for another quick load. Saturday will see fleet mates John J. Boland and H. Lee White at the ore dock.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Update

07/18
The Steamer Alpena arrived in port about 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. It took on cement for Superior, WI and was heading out into the lake by 1 p.m. The J.A.W Iglehart was in next after the Alpena departed. It finished loading by early evening and was on its way back to Detroit.

The Paul H. Townsend is still tied up at the old dock in temporary lay-up and may possibly sail again by next week.

The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity went to Green Bay and is scheduled to be back sometime on Saturday.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Montreal Update

07/18
The days get shorter for the two straight deck classics, Onboard the Oakglen and Mapleglen their names and company colors have been painted over, signaling that the end is near for these two Great Lakes freighters.

On Thursday the Canadian Miner was upbound at St. Lambert with iron ore. At Ocean Group crews were busy water blasting the tug Gerry G. She will receive a new coat of paint when all the old paint has been removed.

Oakglen as viewed from Algosound.
Oakglen's bow with her name removed.
Mapleglen's stern also with her name removed.
Mapleglen with the stack markings removed.
Ocean MacAllister's Montreal Fleet.
Ocean MacAllister tug Gerry G. being water blasted.
Water blasting on the tug Gerry G.

Reported by: Kent Malo

On Board the John B. Aird

07/18
Below are recent images taken aboard the John B. Aird.

1st mate Brian McAlpine catching up on paperwork.
Loading on a hot afternoon in Ashtabula.
Deck cadet Jody Swaisland keeping track of tonnages loaded in each hatch.
Spotting on the approach wall above Lock 2 Welland Canal.
Sprinklers working to keep the ship from hogging in the summer heat.
HMCS Haida at Port Weller Dry Docks, still being refitted.
Tanker Jade Star upbound in St Lawrence River approaching Bradford Island CIP.
On approach to the wall at Eisenhower lock, Wheelsman Jean Bouffard giving cadet Jody Swaisland some advice on how the boat handles at slow speed.

Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Today in Great Lakes History - July 18

The AGAWA CANYON struck an abutment at Welland Canal's Bridge 11 at Allanburg, Ont. on July 18, 1977 while downbound with salt for Kingston, Ont. and sustained a thirty-foot gash just above the waterline at the port bow.

The Canal Tanker COMET entered service on July 18, 1913 for ocean service.

The WILLIAM J. FILBERT was in collision with the KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (1) at the Burlington Northern Dock on July 18, 1970 when the Steel Trust steamer lost control in the current entering the slip.

The entire forward superstructure of the JOHN DYKSTRA (2) (BENSON FORD 1), including the forecastle deck, was delivered to South Bass Island in Lake Erie on July 18, 1986 on the barge THOR 101 towed by the tug GREGORY J. BUSCH. The superstructure was moved for use as a summer home where it remains. The hull of the DYKSTRA (2) was sold to Marine Salvage, Port Colborne, Ont. and was towed from Cleveland July 10th by the tugs ARGUE MARTIN and GLENBROOK to Ramey's Bend arriving there on July 12, 1986 where she was scrapped.

WILLIAM A. REISS (2) was launched July 18, 1925 as a) JOHN A. TOPPING.

WILLIAM G. MATHER (2) completed her sea trials on July 18, 1925.

On 18 July 1858, ANDROMEDA (2-mast wooden schooner, 112', 568 t, built in 1848n at Madison Dock, Ohio) was carrying 800 barrels of salt from Oswego to Chicago. She sprang a leak suddenly and foundered 20 miles from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The crew escaped in her boat, many just in their underwear. They arrived at Manitowoc the next day.

On 18 July 1872, the schooner D. L. COUCH of Detroit (formerly AVCORN) sank about 10 miles from Long Point on Lake Erie. Two lives were lost.

The wooden propeller freigjhter N. K. FAIRBANK (205', 980 gt) was launched in Marine City, Michigan on 18 July 1874. She was then towed to Detroit where her engines were in stalled by William Cowie. She had two direct acting condensing engines 34' x 32" on one shaft and her boiler was installed on her main deck. She only lasted until 1895 when she stranded and burned near Port Colborne, Ontario. The remains of the hull were sold to Carter Brothers of Port Colborne and it was rebuilt and enrolled as a new vessel with the name ELIZA H. STRONG. The STRONG lasted until she burned in 1904.

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

New lease on life for the Museum Ship William G. Mather

07/17
It was a magical moment for 300 Steamship William G. Mather Museum supporters and volunteers when Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell came aboard to sign a 40-year lease for the Mather Museum to remain at its Ninth Street Pier berth. The lease signing was a highlight of the Mather's onboard "Steam & Sails at Sunset" benefit on July 9, 2003. Many in attendance were tearful as the long-sought lease was finally executed after ten years of negotiations.

In her remarks, Mayor Campbell referenced the dedication and perseverance of the Mather Museum's volunteers in keeping the lease issue alive over so many years. Painstakingly restored by hundreds of Greater Cleveland volunteers, the Steamship William G. Mather Museum arrived at its East Ninth Street Pier berth as the first "new attraction" to emerge on Cleveland's developing North Coast in 1991. As one of four restored freighter maritime museums in the Great Lakes region, the 618-foot long historic Mather is the site of at least three Great Lakes technological firsts, in addition to a 55-year distinguished Merchant Marine career. To date, more than $6,000,000 of resources has been invested by the Greater Cleveland community in the Mather Museum, including more than 250,000 volunteer hours and the donation of the ship itself by former corporate owner Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

"A multi-year lease is essential for the Mather Museum's long-term stability and growth," said James D. Ireland III, President of the nonprofit Harbor Heritage Society, which owns and operates the Mather. "The long-term plan calls for the Museum to develop from a seasonal museum ship into a year round premiere lakefront maritime museum over the next several years." The 40-year lease will give us the ability to begin this process and attract funding."

Harbor Heritage's vision for the Mather Museum calls for the historic portions of the Mather, which encompass over half of the historic vessel, to remain a maritime museum with greatly enhanced exhibits on the history, science and culture of Great Lakes shipping. To provide ongoing financial support to the Museum, the plan proposes that the Mather's three non-museum Cargo Holds, which are currently empty, be renovated for family-oriented educational and commercial activities.

Executive Director Holly J. Holcombe summed up the evening as, "It is truly a new lease on life for the Mather!"

William G. Mather Web Site.

Reported by: Robert M. Martel

Tall Ships Toledo

07/17
Seventeen tall ships were scheduled to make their way up the Maumee River to downtown Toledo Wednesday as part of the Ohio Bicentennial Celebration. The sailing vessels will be docked at International Park and near COSI until Sunday.

Scheduled to appear are:
Caledonia, a 245-foot barquentine from Canada
INS Tarangini, 177-foot barque from India
Pride of Baltimore, a 170-foot square topsail schooner
HMS Bounty, a 169-foot full-rigged replica
Highlander Sea, a topsail schooner of 154 feet
Windy II, a barquentine that measures 148 feet overall
True North, a Canadian 118-foot square topsail schooner
Fair Jeanne, 110-foot brigantine from Canada
Mist of Avalon, a 100-foot Canadian gaff rigged schooner
Nina, a 92-foot replica of Columbus's 15th Century caravel
Madaline, 92-foot gaff topsail schooner
Appledore IV, an 85-foot top sail schooner
Red Witch, the 77-foot gaff schooner that is the Official Flagship of the Bicentennial (registered in Canada, but based in Sandusky)
Larinda, a 76-foot schooner
Pathfinder, a brigantine of 72 feet overall
Serenity, a 63-foot gaff schooner
Neis Kah 1, a Canadian 60-foot gaff rigger schooner.

The parade of vessels traversed the river in two waves, the first arriving downtown around noon. The second wave was docked by 4 p.m. The Buffalo NY Fire Department's Edward M. Cotter assisted the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay with escort duties, along with numerous Coast Guard, Auxiliary, police and sheriff boats.

In addition to the tall ships, 13 steamboats are scheduled to gather on the west side of the river near COSI. The steamboats are part of the Mid West Steamboats Association.

Crowd watches from the river bank.
Larinda.
Tug Pioneerville.
Cutter Bristol Bay.
Pride of Baltimore.
Mist of Avalon.
Pathfinder.
USCG 43424.
Windy II.
Tarangini.
Madeline.jpg.
HMS Bounty.
Edward M. Cotter.
Fair Jeanne.
Neis Kah 1.
Appledore IV.
Toledo Fire Rescue Boat.

Reported by: Dave Wobser and Kevin Davis

Tug Sinks on Maumee River

07/17
An unidentified tugboat sank on the Maumee River while viewing the tallships Parade of Sails. As hundreds of recreational boaters crowded the river, a very busy Coast Guard responded to five distress calls including one capsized powerboat and the sinking tug.

According to local news, the tug began taking on water through her shaft seals. The red and white tug with a black hull is now partially sunken with a severe list on a mud flat with her decks awash.

Reported by: Robert Densic

Tug Edna G. to again welcome tourists aboard

07/17
After a two-year hiatus, tours of the historic steam tug Edna G. are expected to resume August following removal of the vessel's lead paint.

The tug has been a fixture in Two Harbors, Minn., for much of the past 107 years. The vessel assisted ships arriving and departing at the ore docks until the advent of bow thrusters and 1,000-footers forced its retirement in 1981.

The crimson-and-yellow tug received a $90,000 overhaul at Fraser Shipyards in the early '90s. In 2000, volunteers spent $2,700 to restore it whistle. Despite the improvements, the vessel has been closed to tourists the past two years because of concerns over peeling lead paint.

Now, however, a $29,800, five-week project to remove or seal the hazardous paint is expected to be finished by the end of July. Local tourism officials already are promoting tours of the tug through a series of "Have you seen Edna?" ads appearing in local newspapers.

"We're anxious," Rachelle Maloney, administrator of the Lake County Historical Society, told the Duluth News Tribune. "All the time we have people asking, 'When will she be open? When can we take a tour?' It's a real symbol of the North Shore. People love walking on her and feeling all the history."

Named for the daughter of a former Duluth and Iron Range Railway Co. president, the tug spent its entire career in Two Harbors except for two years during World War I when it was sent by the federal government to work in Norfolk, Va. The Edna G. was the last operating steam tug on the Great Lakes. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Edna G. at her dock in 2001. Gordon A. Williams
At Two Harbors, 1976. John Vournakis

Reported by: Al Miller

New Cutter Stops in the Soo

07/17
Wednesday morning the new U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Fir was docked at the Coast Guard base. The Fir is on her delivery trip off the lakes and depart for her home port of Astoria, Oregon.

On Tuesday the cutter stopped in the lower St. Marys River for some type of repairs.

Reported by: Dave Lowe

Dry Spell Ends at Escanaba

07/17
After several weeks of light traffic at the Escanaba, Mi. ore docks, traffic picked up Wednesday with the arrival of James R. Barker and Lee A. Tregurtha. The fleet mates are in port to load taconite.

In Marquette Wednesday afternoon a third Interlake ship was loading. The Herbert C. Jackson was also loading taconite.

James R. Barker and Lee A. Tregurtha in Escanaba.
Herbert C. Jackson loading in Marquette.
Close up.

Reported by: Sandy and Eric Chapman

Vechtborg Unloads in Menominee

07/17
Early Wednesday morning, the Vechtborg arrived in Menominee, MI with a load of pulp for K&K Warehouse. As usual, she docked first at the K&K East Dock and then proceeded to the K&K West Dock around noon to finish unloading.

The reason for this shifting process during unloading is due to the deeper draft at the East Dock. Since this dock is unfinished, the cargo must be off-loaded onto trucks, which is a slow process. Once the ship is light enough, it proceeds to the West Dock, which is finished. This allows the product to be unloaded directly to the dock where forklifts move it to the warehouse. Two truck-mounted mobile cranes are used to unload the ship.

Vechtborg unloading at K&K West Dock.
View from across the Menominee River.
A lot of product is piled on the dock.
Close-up of an unloading rig with a bale of pulp.
Close-up of an empty unloading rig.
Another view of the ship.
Wide angle (from about 1/2-mile away).
Fleet mate Virginiaborg was here one week ago on July 9, also with pulp.

Reported by: Dick Lund

Downbound in the Canal on The Milo

07/17
On Monday the Greek registered Milo transited the Welland Canal bound for Italy. Milo loaded wheat in Duluth and will top off with additional cargo in Port Cartier, Quebec. The Montreal based Canfornav is the Milo’s long-term charterer along with her sister Toro. Canfornav charters numerous other vessels that trade on the Great Lakes as well. The 1984 Hiroshima, Japan built vessel measures 178,22m (584’) in length and was originally named Silver Leader also under the Greek flag. Milo previously carried the names Alam United and United. She has traded to the Great Lakes under all four names since her construction almost twenty years ago.

Milo lowering in Lock 6 as seen from the Monkey’s Island.
Name board and Funnel.
Canfornav logo.
Just about fully lowered in Lock 5.
Admiring the impressive size of the flight lock gates.
Departing Lock 5 and headed for Lock 4.
Forward end of the Halifax.
Close up.
Halifax raising.
She’s a little higher now.
Guest Harry Worth of Liverpool, England checking out the front window gyro compass repeater.
Passing through the Glendale Avenue Bridge as the J.A.W. Iglehart departs Lock 3.
Meeting the upbound J.A.W. Iglehart above lock 3.
Close up.
J.A.W. Iglehart turn to pass through the Glendale Avenue Bridge.
Closed up astern in Lock 2.
Bridge Wing view of Niagara’s farm land on the east side of the canal below lock 2.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - July 17

The ASHCROFT was towed out of Quebec City on July 17, 1969 in tandem with the steamer SIR THOMAS SHAUGHNESSY by the Polish tug JANTAR for scrapping at Castellon, Spain.

The BROOKDALE (2) lost her self-unloading boom overboard in the Detroit River during a wind and rain storm on July 17, 1980 while loading salt at the Canadian Rock Salt Dock at Ojibway, Ont.

The COMET was towed from Toledo to Ashtabula, OH on July 17, 1973 where she was broken up during the summer and fall of 1973.

WILLIAM J. FILBERT was launched in 1907.

On her last trip the COLONEL JAMES PICKANDS arrived at Cleveland on July 17, 1974 with a load of iron ore.

GOLDEN HIND loaded her first dry bulk cargo on July 17, 1954.

On 17 July 1856, TINTO (wooden propeller, 135', built in 1855-56 at Sorel, Quebec) caught fire and burned to a total loss only 2 miles from shore. She was between Snake Island and Nine Mile Point on Lake Ontario. 18 lives were lost. The survivors jumped into the water and were picked up by a boat from shore. A newspaper article stated that she had no lifeboat aboard. Her machinery was later recovered and installed in the AVON.

On 17 July 1883, B. PARSONS (2-mast wooden schooner, 218 t, built in 1856 at Vermilion, OH) struck the north pier while entering the harbor at Charlevoix, Michigan during a gale. She sank crosswise in the channel and blocked passage into the harbor for two weeks until she broke up enough to allow vessels to pass. In December, the steam tug COE towed the hulk a half mile down the beach and abandoned it.

Data from: 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

Names Painted out on Oakglen and Mapleglen

07/16
The signs that the classic straight deckers Mapleglen and Oakglen are headed for scrap continue in Montreal. Over the weekend the ship's names had been painted over and their funnels are now white except for the rear of the funnel where it still shows black. All signs of CSL ownership are gone. Earlier this summer, the remaining fuel from the Mapleglen and Oakglen's tanks were transferred to the fleet's Halifax, and new ballast tank piping installed last year was removed from Oakglen, for use in another vessel.

Both vessels saw service in 2002, however after CSL's purchase of the Birchglen and Spruceglen rumors have been circulating that their days were numbered. However even as recently as last fall, CSL said there were no plans to dispose of the two vessels.

Launched May 5, 1960 as Carol Lake, Mapleglen was built by Collingwood Shipyards, Collingwood, Ont. for Carryore Ltd., Montreal. After being laid up in Hamilton in 1985 following the demise of the Carryore operation, Algoma Central Corp., Sault Ste. Marie, Ont, bought the Carol Lake in 1986 renaming her Algocape (1) in 1987. As part of the Algoma fleet, her activities continued in the grain and iron ore trades but she was often laid up due to fluctuations in the grain industry. The Algocape was sold to P.& H. Shipping Ltd. (Parrish & Heimbecker), Mississauga, Ont. and was renamed Mapleglen (2) in 1994.

Oakglen entered service in 1954 for Canada Steamship Lines and was the last vessel built by Midland Shipyards Div., Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Midland, Ont. Retired by CSL in 1984, she resumed trading in 1988, also under charter to P. & H. Shipping Ltd. Following the charter, P. & H. purchased the vessel renaming her Oakglen (2) during the winter of 1989-90.

On July 9, 2001, the Mapleglen and Oakglen were purchased along with their contracts by Canada Steamship Lines, thus giving CSL additional grain-carrying capacity without having to commit these cargoes to their self-unloaders.

There is no word as yet as to whether the vessels have actually been sold for scrap, or where their final ports may be. A search of the Lloyd's ship registry database lists Oakglen as owned by "unknown breakers" since June 27, 2003 with Mapleglen's ownership listed as "unknown principals" from the same date.

Reported by: Kent Malo, Roger LeLievre and George Wharton

Rescue Follow Up

07/16
Saturday afternoon the crew of the American Mariner rescued three fishermen off Ashtabula, Ohio.

As the freighter passed about four miles off shore the crew spotted three men left in the water after their 18-foot fishing boat had sunk about four hours earlier.

A boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Ashtabula arrived on scene and located a fourth person in the water. The three men on the American Mariner were transferred to the Coast Guard boat and all four were transported to Station Ashtabula. One person needed to be placed on a backboard during transit due to bruises and soreness incurred during the sinking of the fishing boat.

The fourth individual rescued had multiple sclerosis and was mildly hypothermic. All four were checked over by EMS and released.

The Coast Guard credits the alert crew of the American Mariner and life jackets for the safe return of the four fishermen.

Pictures from the American Mariner crew
Crew members onboard the Mariner prepare for the rescue by donning survival suits.
After 4 hours adrift in the 72 degree water, the fishermen reach the safety of the Mariner's boarding ladder.
Life ring used to help man aboard.
Helped from the water.
Crew attends to the rescued fishermen.
Glad to be out of the water.
Coast Guard arrives on scene.
Fishermen transferred to the Coast Guard boat.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Tall Ships bound for Toledo

07/16
Toledo joins in the celebration of Ohio's 200th birthday and its maritime heritage when the Tall Ships arrive in the city this week.

The Toledo Blade Newspaper reports that the ships’ arrival is planned for 12:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, when they will turn into the Maumee River from Lake Erie. They’ll pass under two railroad bridges and the Craig Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr., bridges before they dock along the length of International Park from the fountain at the boat basin to beyond the S.S. Willis B. Boyer museum ship and right up to the Anthony Wayne Bridge.

A few vessels, such as the replica of Christopher Columbus' Nina, will dock on the downtown side of the Maumee River near the Owens-Illinois basin and the American Maritime Officers/Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority dock.

Whether the Tall Ships will have some or all of their sails open all the way between Lake Erie and downtown for the Wednesday "Parade of Sails" is uncertain.

"It’s wind and weather-dependent, because they’re having to stop and go underneath the bridges," Patti Lock, an event organizer, told the Toledo Blade. "They’re going to be motoring," she said, adding that sails could be flown farther up river if the winds are coming from the north or off the lake toward downtown, she said.

The festival officially opens at 9 a.m. Thursday, with tours of the ships beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Dockside viewing will remain available until 7 p.m.

Besides the Tall Ships, visitors will be able to see the Edward M. Cotter, a fireboat from Buffalo, as well as 13 steamboats that are part of a gathering of members of the Mid West Steamboats Association. The steamboats will be docked along the river at COSI Toledo and Festival Park and will participate at noon Saturday in a water parade salute to the Tall Ships along with the Associated Yacht Clubs of Toledo.

Tickets for the Tall Ships Festival are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 9 and younger are free. Admission into the S.S. Willis B. Boyer museum ship is included in the gate price. Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Toledo Sports Arena from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or through Ticketmaster.

Further information about the Tall Ships can be found at TallShipsToledo.com

Reported by: Bob Vincent

Western Coal Keeps Trade Afloat In June

07/16
Coal shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 4,463,594 net tons in June, a slight increase compared to a year ago, but a small decrease compared to the month's 5-year average. However, the trade was buoyed by strong shipments of western coal. Loadings at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal topped 2.1 million net tons, an increase of 13.8 percent compared to a year ago and an increase of 11.7 percent compared to the dock's 5-year average for June. On the other hand, loadings at Lake Erie ports slipped to 1,856,646 net tons, a decrease of 11 percent compared to a year ago and a drop of 16.1 percent compared to the 5-year average. While the decreases primarily reflect demand, the eastern miners' vacation was also a factor in the June totals.

For the year, the Lakes coal trade stands at 13.2 million net tons, a decrease of 14.4 percent compared to the same point in 2002 and a drop of 12.1 percent compared to the 5-year average.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

First Boat Crosses Finish Line in Chicago to Mackinaw Race

07/16
Alchemy was the first boat to cross the finish line in the 97th running of the Chicago-to-Mackinac yacht race, the world’s longest annual freshwater race.

Alchemy, the new 77-foot Alan Andrews-designed boat owned by Richard and Mary Compton of Santa Barbara, Calif., finished the race in 35 hours, 25 minutes and 17 seconds. It crossed the finish line at 1:45 a.m. Central Time on July 14.

Light but varying wind conditions during the early morning hours Monday posed a challenge to the 280 sailboats making their way north from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Mich. Winds were south to southwest at 3 to 5 knots at the finish line and slightly stronger west of the Mackinac Bridge, according to Race spokesman Dick Schweers.

Racers reported inconsistent wind conditions throughout the day Sunday. “It’s been a very tricky race tactically, as we have been running into small pockets of wind periodically,” said racer Shawn O’Neill of Eagle via satellite phone Sunday afternoon.

The 333-mile race from Chicago to Mackinac Island at the northern end of Lake Michigan is the world’s longest freshwater race and one of the most prestigious in the United States. The start of the race was on Lake Michigan approximately 1.5 miles east of Chicago’s Monroe Harbor. The finish line for the race is the lighthouse on Round Island, off Mackinac Island.

Reported by: George Nelson

Twin Ports Report

07/16
The saltie Tecam Sea was at Hallett 6 -- the westernmost dock of the St. Lawrence Seaway -- Tuesday loading bentonite. Hallett 6 is on the St. Louis River above the Bong Bridge, and just a few hundred yards from where a last couple of navigation buoys mark the Seaway's western tip.

The saltie Puffin was expected to depart Tuesday with grain. The vessel is on its maiden voyage. Not far away, Virginiaborg was loading beet pulp pellets at General Mills Elevator S.

Elsewhere in port, Algosoo was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal and Stewart J. Cort was at BNSF ore dock. Reserve was expected later in the day to unload stone and Canadian Progress was due in the evening to load at Midwest Energy Terminal.

Up the North Shore, Edgar B. Speer and St. Clair loaded at the DMIR ore docks on Two Harbors. In Silver Bay, Mesabi Miner was loading taconite, to be followed by David Z. Norton.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

07/16
The Kaye Barker loaded ore at Marquette early on Tuesday, the Charles Beeghly late. The Herbert Jackson is due on Wednesday morning, the Michipicoten possibly later in the day.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw River News

07/16
The Maumee was inbound early Tuesday morning calling on the Sargent Dock in Essexville. She had completed unloading by 8 a.m. and made the unusual move of turning in the river using the recently dredged approach for the Bay Aggregates slip as a turning basin before heading out to the lake.

Following closely behind the Maumee was the Cuyahoga. She was outbound after unloading overnight at the Buena Vista Dock.

The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity was outbound Tuesday evening passing through Bay City around 7 p.m. The pair arrived late Monday night and unloaded at the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton.

Pictures by: Todd Shorkey
Jacklyn M. - Integrity outbound at Wheeler's Landing.
Stern view.
Jacklyn M. close up.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

Soo Lock Tours

07/16
Below are recent images taken aboard the Lock Tours Canada boat Chief Shingwauk by Capt. John Chomniak. The pictures were taken during their two hour Sightseeing Lock Cruise that runs four times each day from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Visit Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises for more information on the Sightseeing Cruise or for charter information.

Stewart J. Cort downbound to the Soo Locks 07-04.
American Mariner downbound into the Poe 07-05.
Arthur M. Anderson and the Presque Isle passing in the Lower Soo Harbor .
Arthur M. Anderson upbound at the Soo 07-05.
Columbia Star close up 07-08.
Columbia Star wide view 07-08.
Edgar B. Speer moving under the bridges at the Soo 07-07.
Lady Hamilton above the Soo 07-05.
Lady Hamilton drying out 07-05.
MCM Dredge No 55 07-08.
Michipicoten alongside 07-08.
Michipicoten with ore for Algoma 07-07.
Michipicoten departing Algoma 07-08.
Michipicoten heading for Marquette 07-08.
Michipicoten stern view 07-08.
Pere Marquette 41 at the Export Dock.
Saginaw at Algoma 07-04 .
Saginaw at Algoma unloading at dusk 07-04 .
Montrealais departing Mac Lock 07-09 .
Montrealais clear of the Mac Lock 07-09 .
Montrealais close up 07-09 .
Montrealais stern view 07-09 .
Montrealais wide view 07-09 .
Presque Isle stern view with the Ojibway alongside 07-05 .
Presque Isle and the Ojibway loading 07-05 .
Ojibway letting go of the Presque Isle 07-05 .
Ojibway broken free from the Presque Isle 07-05 .
Ojibway heading home 07-05 .
Presque Isle approaching centre pier 07-08 .
Presque Isle sliding along centre pier 07-08 .
Presque Isle deckhand swinging over the side 07-08 .

Reported by: Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Toronto Traffic

07/16
Below are recent images of traffic in the Toronto harbor.

Canadian Mariner being rafted to Canadian Provider after the Canada Day fireworks. McKeil's Atomic is the bow tug.
Glenevis working the stern of Canadian Mariner.
The saltie Clipper Falcon departing Redpath Sugar dock.
Elikon at anchor waiting for Clipper falcon to depart Redpath.
McNally Construction Inc.'s dredge John Holden and a spud barge working off Gibralter Pt. on Toronto island, digging a trench in which to lay the 5 foot diameter pipe for the deep-water cooling project.
McNally uses the barge Derrick No. 1 to transport cement trucks to the work site at Gibralter Point on Toronto Island. Here it is tended by the tug Whitby.
Shark Attack's new high speed jet boat Shark 1 makes its maiden voyage across the harbor.
The tug Tracey M. idles in Blockhouse Bay awaiting work.

Reported by: Gerry O.

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

07/16
Cast Premier, renamed from OOCL Canada last July 4, upbound off Verchères to Montréal, July 14.
Lake Michigan, downbound off Verchères from Seaway, July 14.
Torm Mary upbound off Verchères to Montréal, July 14.
Maersk Perth, downbound off Verchères from Montréal on a grey day, July 13.
Maersk Perth's wave against the Verchères dock, July 13.
OOCL Montreal on her maiden voyage, upbound off Verchères to Montréal, July 11.
OOCL Montreal, a finer angle, off Verchères, July 11.
OOCL Montreal, stern view, July 11.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Artic Supply

07/16
Below are images taken aboard the Artic supply vessels Lady Franklin. She was built in Germany in the early 70's for the British and eventually sold Canadian. In 1983 and 1984 the ship traveled to the Antarctica with a camp set up on her hatches for 80 Australians. It brought out the first Artic Island oil to Southern Canada in Sept 1984 , this vessel also traveled to Alaska. It now is for sale according to the owners still an Ice classed vessel.

Lady Franklin at shed 5 last may before being moved to sec 44.
Stern view of the Lady Franklin with home port indicated.
view of the Captains office.
Lady Franklin’s galley.
Lady Franklin's wheel.
The wooden deck in the wheelhouse.
Plaque showing the first oil brought out from an Artic Island, in the Officer dining area.
Another plaque showing the Antarctica trip with the Australians aboard at that time.
Bow view of the Jacques Desgagnes at Cote Ste. Catherine wharf last week loading for the Artic.
Stern view of the Jacques Desgagnes.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Today in Great Lakes History - July 16

DETROIT EDISON (2) departed Quebec City July 16th 1986, along with former fleet mate SHARON, in tow of the U.S. tug PRUDENT to Brownsville, Tex. for scrapping.

The SAGINAW BAY departed Quebec City on July 16, 1985 in tandem with the E.B. BARBER towed by the Polish tug KORAL for scrapping at Vigo, Spain.

The NORTHERN VENTURE entered Great Lakes service July 16, 1961 upbound light for the Canadian lake head to load grain.

On July 16, 1935 the BRUCE HUDSON capsized on Lake Ontario off Cobourg, Ont. while in tow of the wooden-hulled tug MUSCALLONGE.

Keel laying of the CHI-CHEEMAUN was on July 16, 1973.

CATARACT (wooden propeller, 150', 352 t, built in 1852 at Buffalo) caught fire on 16 July 1861, 5 miles off Erie, Pennsylvania. She became an inferno astern in just a few minutes and this prevented her boats from being launched. Four died. Some were saved by clinging to floating wreckage and some others were rescued by a small fishing boat. The schooner ST. PAUL picked up some survivors, Among those picked up by Captain Mosher of the ST. PAUL, were Captain McNally and the CATARACT's carpenter. Capt. Mosher had rescued these same two men in 1858 when the propeller INDIANA was lost in Lake Superior.

On 16 July 1873, the new barge MINNEAPOLIS was towed to Detroit for outfitting. She had just been launched four days earlier at Marine City. While on the way to Detroit, a Canadian man named Sinclair fell overboard and drowned.

On 16 July 1874, the Port Huron Times reported that "the old steamer REINDEER has been rebuilt to a barge by L. C. Rogers at H. C. Schnoor's shipyard at Fair Haven, [Michigan]. Her beautiful horns have been taken down, [she carried a set of large antlers], her machinery and cumbersome side-wheels removed, and she has been fully refitted with center arch and deck frame complex."

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

Weakening Ore Trade Impacts U.S.-Flag Carriage in June

07/15
Lead by a significant drop in iron ore shipments, U.S.-flag carriage on the Great Lakes fell by 2.2 percent in June compared to a year ago. Weighed against the month's 5-year average, this June represents a decrease of more than 6.6 percent.

The June U.S.-flag iron ore float totaled only 4.6 million tons, a decrease of 15 percent compared to a year ago and a drop of 17 percent compared to the month's 5-year average. While the long-term decline reflects the impacts of unfair trade in steel, the negative comparison with a year ago is the result of a number of factors including reduced shipments from Presque Isle, Michigan, following a flood, reduced orders from a major steelmaker and another steelmaker switching to Canadian iron ore delivered by Canadian lakers.

Continued strong demand for western coal out of Superior, Wisconsin pushed the U.S.-flag coal trade to 2,757,781 net tons in June, a surge of nearly 23 percent compared to a year ago and an increase of 12 percent compared to the month's 5-year average . Drier weather in June allowed the construction industry to up its take of aggregate, producing a slight increase compared to a year ago, but a marginal decrease compared to June 5-year average.

For the year, U.S.-flag carriage stands at 33.9 million net tons, a decrease of 1.6 percent compared to last June and a drop of 12 percent from the month's 5-year average.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

New Dry Dock Under Construction

07/15
Two companies in Holland, Mich., are transforming a barge into a floating dry dock on Holland's Lake Macatawa near Kollen Park.

Workers from the two companies have been working for eight months to create a dry dock that is 90 feet wide, 34 feet high and 150 feet long. When finished, it will be capable of lifting a vessel of up to 4 million pounds.

The dry dock has 10 compartments in the hull and side tanks that are flooded with water at the same time to sink the structure. The vessel heading to the dry dock is then floated over the sunken dock. After the vessel is fixed on the dock, electric motors pump out 13,000 gallons of water per minute so the dock rises.

When completed this fall, the dock could be used to build and repair vessels and perform U.S. Coast Guard inspections, said Lake Michigan Contractors general manager Jim Bundt.

The marine construction and dredging firm bought the barge last year, hauling it from the Mississippi River to the Illinois River. It was towed by tugboat through Chicago to Lake Michigan and then to Holland,

Bundt said the dry dock will eventually leave its Holland home and travel throughout the Great Lakes. Despite these travels, Bundt said that the main customer target will be the marine construction industry on Lake Michigan.

Reported by: Chris Jackson

Marker dedicated to Lorain shipyard

07/15
Lorain's vanished shipbuilding industry was commemorated Sunday when a bronze Ohio Historical Marker, ''Shipbuilding - Lorain's First Industry'' was dedicated by the Black River Historical Society at the former American Shipbuilding Co.'s dry docks 2 and 3.

The Lorain yard built the biggest and most advanced ships on the lakes from its opening in 1893 until it closed on Dec. 1, 1983. Amship produced about 450 ships in its history, according to Matt Weisman, a Lorain shipbuilding historian. At its peak, the yard employed about 2,500 workers during World War II and the 1950s and boasted seven unions.

The former shipyard site now contains HarborWalk, a $400 million project with waterfront townhouses.

''It doesn't look right to me, but everything changes,'' said Richard Zutavern, 86, who worked in the machine shop from 1941 to late 1944. ''We built steam engines for the Liberty Ships during World War II. They shipped them to Mississippi and Alabama to put them into the ships. We all worked hard and liked it, and we knew we made a contribution to our country.''

About 25 former Amship workers ranging in ages 53 to 87 attended the marker's dedication. In some cases, the tools of their shipbuilding craftsmanship have long been traded for canes and walkers.

The marker was awarded to Lorain by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission and the Ohio Historical Society in the transportation history division.

When Amship and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner moved the remaining work in Lorain to his other Amship site in Tampa, a big part of the city's economic world came crashing down.

Steinbrenner was invited to the marker's dedication, but declined in a letter written to Carolyn Sipkovsky, vice president of the Black River Historical Society. The society also requested a donation from Steinbrenner to help with the cost of the marker, but didn't receive one.

Reported by: Ned Gang

Spruceglen in Milwaukee

07/15
The Spruceglen, under the command of Captain Richard Sampson, departed Milwaukee Monday evening with over 23,000 tons of corn for Quebec City. The crew is winning the battle to bring the boat back to the condition it was in before it left the lakes in 1991. Saltwater service and less stringent maintenance schedules the past 11 years have given the crew a real challenge.

Sailing as part of the crew is Janette a cadet in her last days of Maritime schooling before writing for her Mates license. Since her sophomore year of high school in Newfoundland she has set a goal of getting her Masters license.

On deck as a hatch is closed.
Cargo hold.
Loading corn.
Cadet Janette and Capt. Sampson on deck.
Grain truck below.
Life ring.
Years of paint are being removed in favor of a coat of varnish.
New name boards are being made.
Left over from the days saltwater sailing, painting decorate both sides of the pilot house.
Pilot house.
Signal flags.
Stack.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Alpena Update

07/15
The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity arrived in port on Monday morning to load cement at Lafarge. It departed by early afternoon to head for Saginaw.

The Alpena is delivering cargo to ports on Lake Michigan including South Chicago and St. Joseph. The J.A.W Iglehart is on its way back to Detroit after going to Bath,ON.

In other news the Maumee and Philip R. Clarke loaded at Stoneport on Monday. Also the Adam E. Cornelius was taking on stone at Calcite on Monday. Waiting at anchor was the Michipicoten. It will load sometime on Tuesday morning.

Adam E. Cornelius loading.
Michipicoten at anchor.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

07/15
The Herbert C. Jackson called on the Saginaw River for the first time of the year on Monday, stopping at the Bay Aggregates Dock to unload. She had finished by early evening and waited at the dock for the inbound Cuyahoga to pass before departing for the lake.

The Cuyahoga was inbound passing the Front Range around 8:45pm. Her security call indicated she was upbound for the Buena Vista Dock to unload.

Following the Cuyahoga was the Tug Jacklyn M and Barge Integrity. After passing the outbound Herbert C. Jackson in the channel, she was inbound at the Front Range around 10pm. The pair was headed for the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton to unload.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Cuyahoga inbound at the Front Range.
Stern view at Consumers Energy.
Bow close up.
Herbert C. Jackson unloading at Bay Aggregates.
Outbound at USCG Station Saginaw River.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

LaSalle Ontario Report

07/15
On Sunday, July 13 the very interesting yacht Alexandria II arrived in LaSalle at the Sunnyside dock. She appears to be relatively new although of a classic commercial design. These photos were taken from the Diamond Jack by her captain Roger Break.

Bow view of the Alexandria II.
Stern View.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Welland Traffic

07/15
Halifax departing Lock 2 on her way to Detroit with cement clinker.
Stern view .
U.S. Navy Landing craft approaching Lock 2.
Landing craft stern view as she heads for exercises in Youngstown New York.
J.A.W. Iglehart-upbound on her way to Lock 3. Also headed to Detroit with cement clinker.
Iglehart approaching Homer Bridge.
Milo downbound clear of Lock 4 with a cargo of wheat.

Reported by: Bill Bird

Toronto Update

07/15
The saltie Elikon departed as expected and Malyovitza departed the Port Weller anchorage and took Elikon's spot at Redpath on Thursday, assisted by the McKeil harbor tugs Atomic and Glenevis who then left port, likely for Oshawa.

The Stephen B. Roman departed in mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

The American Beechcraft airplane which crashed into Lake Ontario off Toronto Island last week, killing the pilot, has been located, but as yet, has not been recovered. The wreck lies in 200 feet of water.

McKeil's big tugs Carrol C. 1 and Bonnie B. II remain in port at Pier 35.

Monday the 3-masted schooner Empire Sandy celebrates is 60th anniversary of commissioning for the Royal British Navy as an Empire class salvage tug. Renamed Ashford after WW II, the steam tug came to the Great Lakes in 1951 and was renamed CHRIS M. and was registered out of Thunder Bay, Ontario. It was used to haul log booms on Lake Superior until it was retired in the early 1970's. Afterwards it towed an oil barge on Lake Erie, but eventually was sold for scrap. Capt. Noramn Rogers saw its potential and the steam tug was converted to an auxiliary diesel powered, 3-masted schooner at Toronto in the early 1980's.

Reported by: Art Church

Downbound on Polsteam’s Kopalnia Borynia

07/15
Early on Saturday morning Kopalnia Borynia was downbound in the St. Clair/Detroit River system. The vessel is loaded with yellow corn from Milwaukee destined for discharge in Algeria. Kopalnia Borynia is one of Polsteam’s smaller vessels and has been an occasional visitor to lakes over the years. Kopalnia Borynia was built in 1989 at Sczcecin, Poland and is one of several sisters. The following are images were taken onboard during the transit.

Early morning light on Lake St. Clair.
On the Peche Island Ranges about to enter the Detroit River.
With limited forward visibility it can be clearly seen why it is imperative for small craft to steer a wide berth around commercial vessels.
Meeting the Cuyahoga at Belle Isle.
The upbound Cuyahoga.
Cuyahoga about to enter Lake St. Clair.
Big cranes….Big buildings!
Front window view.
Looking forward off Belle Isle.
Detroit Skyline.
Another view with the gyro compass repeater in the foreground.
After disembarking at the Detroit Pilot Station.
The end of a pleasant trip downriver. Next stop..Oran, Algeria.
Photo from the past, M/V Ontadoc in September of 1977 in Ashtabula, Ohio with a damaged Hulett after the walking beam collapsed. The Hulett crashed into the hold without causing any injuries.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - July 15

On July 15, 1961, the Walter A. Sterling (now Lee A. Tregurtha) entered service on the Great Lakes after conversion from a tanker. The next day, on July 16, 1961, the Pioneer Challenger (now Middletown) entered service.

The CHICAGO TRADER was launched (as THE HARVESTER) in 1911 by the American Ship Building Co., Lorain, OH.

In 1946 the NORISLE was launched for the Dominion & Owen Sound Transportation Co. Ltd.

In 1934 the Ann Arbor #4 collided with the steamer N.F. Leopol in a heavy fog.

On Saturday, 15 July 1871, an argument between Captain James Bradley and Mate John Reed started while the schooner ROBERT EMMETT was docked at Erie, Pennsylvania unloading iron ore. They were still shouting at each other as the ship sailed out of the harbor. In short order, the ship turned around and anchored in the harbor. At 3:00 AM the following morning, Reed rowed ashore, went directly to the police station and charged that Capt. Bradley had assaulted him with a knife. At dawn, as the police were on their way to question Capt. Bradley, they found him stepping ashore from the deck of a tug, fuming that Reed had stolen the ship's only small boat. Bradley and Reed were at each other again and the police arrested both men. Bradley then filed charges against Reed for mutiny, assault and theft of the ship's boat. The case went to court the very next day. Justice of the Peace Foster saw his courtroom packed with curious sailors and skippers. Reed and Bradley were both still fuming and after listening to just a little testimony, Foster found both men guilty, fined them both and ordered both to pay court costs. The matter didn't end there since Reed later had to get a court order to get his personal belongings off the EMMETT. There is no record of what the disagreement was that started this whole mess.

The iron side-wheel steamer DARIUS COLE (201', 538 gt) was launched at the Glode Iron Works (hull #10) in Cleveland, Ohio on 15 July 1885. During her career, she had two other names: HURON 1906 - 1921, and COLONIAL 1921 - 1925. She burned off Barcelona, New York on Lake Erie on 1 September 1925 while on an excursion. The hull was beached and later towed to Dunkirk, New York for scrapping.

Data from: Max Hanley, 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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

American Mariner Rescues Fisherman

07/14
The alert crew of the American Mariner spotted three people in the water on Saturday afternoon off Ashtabula, Ohio.

The Mariner had departed Ashtabula after loading coal for a Charlevoix, Mi. As the freighter passed about four miles off shore the crew spotted three men in the water wearing life vests.

The crew reported the men to the Coast Guard Station Fair Port, Ohio and then quickly altered course to pull them from Lake Erie.

Once on board they informed the crew that their 18-foot Tracker fishing boat had sunk about four hours earlier. The sinking happened so quickly that they could not radio for help and were left adrift in the 72 degree water. The rescued fisherman reported that a fourth man, confined to a wheel chair was also in the water.

A crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Ashtabula was patrolling the area and quickly arrived on scene. Station Ashtabula rescued the fourth man who had been released from his wheel chair and set a drift wearing a life jacket.

All four men where taken back to Ashtabula by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard credits the alert crew of the American Mariner and life jackets for the safe return of the four fishermen.

Conneaut and Ashtabula Report

07/14
Sunday morning brought traffic to Conneaut and Ashtabula, Ohio. In Conneaut the Presque Isle arrived at 7 a.m. to unload a cargo of taconite pellets from Two Harbors, Minnesota. When finished unloading the Presque Isle is scheduled to return to Two Harbors on Wednesday and load another cargo for Conneaut.

In Ashtabula, the Middletown finished unloading a cargo of taconite pellets from Silver Bay and shifted to the coal dock to load at 10 a.m. The Middletown was loading for Port Washington.

At about 12:30 p.m. the Algosteel, returning after unloading a coal cargo at Nanticoke, arrived and anchored off of Ashtabula to await the Middletown's departure. The Algosteel shifted to the coal dock late Sunday afternoon.

At 9:30 Sunday evening the Canadian Enterprise went to anchor off of Ashtabula to await the Algosteel. They too are scheduled to load at the coal dock.

The next scheduled vessel into Conneaut is scheduled to be the tug and barge Joseph H. Thompson and Joseph H. Thompson Jr. The pair are due on July 15 at 10 a.m. to unload taconite pellets from Two Harbors.

Presque Isle in Conneaut.
Stern View.
Another View.
Middletown in Ashtabula.
Loading.
Close up of the pilothouse.
Close up of the stack.
Stern View.
U.S.Army Corps of Engineers barge.
Algosteel at anchor.
Another View.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Welland Traffic

07/14
The steamer Quebecois was downbound at sunset on Sunday, passing the old guard gate in Thorold with her first cargo since coming out of mid season lay-up. It was a quiet day for vessel traffic in the Welland and just as well, power was temporarilly knocked out by a bolt of lightning from a freak storm passing.

Quebecois downbound.
Bow profile.
Close up.
Stern view.
Classic views of Welland Canal Shipping
Algocen passes Capo Mele above lock 7.
Dyvi Oceanic (Oslo) upbound above Lock 7.
N.B. Mclean upbound above Lock 7 - Jan. 1971.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Hamilton Update

07/14
Saturdaythe Halifax arrive in Hamilton at 5 p.m. to deliver iron ore pellets to Stelco. Early Sunday morning the Rt.Hon.Paul J.Martin arrive to unload and then depart at 4 p.m. The James Norris arrived at 8 a.m. with iron ore from Point Noir Quebec for Stelco. She then departed at 4:30 p.m. heading down Lake Ontario to Colborne Ontario.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Boatwatcher's Special at Inn at Lock 7

07/14
The Inn at Lock 7, located on the Welland Canal with a bird's-eye view of vessel traffic passing through the nearby lock, is offering July and September specials for boatnerd.com readers.

From July 13-July 31, get $10 off your room rate with coupon, valid Sunday to Thursday with a 2 night stay. The discount coupon is available at www.innatlock7.com/specials.htm.

From Sept. 14-30, the Inn is also offering $10 off room rates, with coupon, valid Sunday to Thursday with a 2 night stay. Coupon must be presented at check in for redemption.

For further information, visit www.innatlock7.com

Weekly Updates

07/14
The weekly updates have been uploaded.
Included this week are galleries featuring pictures from the Soo Gathering, Fawn Island Gathering, Soo tug races and Detroit tug races.

Click here to view

News Updates

07/14
Please check back tomorrow for more news and pictures. I ran out of time Sunday night and could not include all items sent in on Sunday, sorry for the delay.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 14

The AMERICAN REPUBLIC was launched July 14, 1980 by the Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

While upbound in the St. Lawrence River on July 14, 1970 for Saginaw, MI with a load of pig iron from Sorel, Que., the EASTCLIFFE HALL grounded in mud near Chrysler Shoal six miles above Massena, NY at 0300 hours but was able to free herself. A few hours later, approaching Cornwall, she struck a submerged object and sank within a few minutes in 70 feet of water only 650 feet from the point of impact. The submerged object was believed to be an old aid to navigation light stand. Nine lives were lost. Divers determined that her back was broken in two places. After salvaging part of the cargo, her cabins were leveled and her hull was filled.

In 1988 the JOHN T. HUTCHINSON and "tow mate" CONSUMERS POWER passed through the Panama Canal heading for the cutters torch in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

On 14 July 1908, MENTOR (wooden propeller tug, 53', 23 gt, built in 1882 at Saugatuck, MI) burned south of Chicago, Illinois. No lives lost. Her original name was HATTIE A. FOX.

On 14 July 1891, T. H. ORTON (wooden barge, 262 gt, built in 1873 at Buffalo, NY) anchored off Marblehead on Lake Erie to ride out a storm. She dragged her anchors and was driven ashore where she was declared a total wreck. She may have been recovered though. Just two years earlier, this vessel went through a similar incident at the same spot!

Data from: Dave Wobser, 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

Two Vessels in Erie

07/13
Saturday afternoon the strong winds which had plagued Lake Erie for thirty-six hours finally died down, and brought two fleet mates to Erie.

After a delay of nearly thirty hours, the American Republic arrived shortly before 6 p.m. and proceeded inbound to unload stone at the Old Ore Dock. The Republic had loaded at Stoneport. The Republic finished unloading and departed about 11 p.m. heading to Sandusky and load coal for Green Bay.

Twenty minutes later the Republic's fleet mate Adam E. Cornelius entered Erie to dock at the Mounfort Terminal. The Cornelius had a cargo of stone loaded at Drummond Island.

It is unusual to see two vessels in Erie at one time, let alone two fleet mates. Even rarer is the fact that they were only about twenty minutes apart.

Republic inbound.
Close up.
Stern View.
Passing Erie's busy channel on a beautiful day.
Cornelius inbound.
Another View.
Stern View.
Turning to dock.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Life Jackets help save lies

07/13
14 people were pulled from the waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Saturday.

A strong west wind and waves ranging from 8 to 14 feet contributed to the sinking of four boats and two people getting separated from their jet skies between Ashtabula, Ohio and Alexandria Bay, N.Y.

In Oswego, N.Y. four people went into the water when their houseboat sank, in Erie, Pa two people went into the water when their pleasure craft sank and more went into the water when a catamaran capsized. Two people went into the water near Alexandria Bay, N.Y. when they fell off their jet skies and were unable to get back to them. The Canadian Coast Guard rescued two people from the water near Pigeon Bay, Ontario after being vectored in by a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit. Four people were pulled from the water near Ashtabula.

13 of the 14 people were wearing life jackets, which increased their chances of survival. A number of the people were rescued and then transferred to Coast Guard boats by good samaritans responding to urgent marine information broadcasts sent out by Coast Guard Group Buffalo.

Reported by: Scott Bronson

Hamilton Update

07/13
Friday afternoon at the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Limnos passed through the Burlington Piers heading to The Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington.

That evening about 10 p.m. it turned to rush hour on the lake with the John D. Leitch departing Pier 25 and heading to the Welland Canal. The Mecta Sea departed Pier 14 at the same time and the Kapitan Rudnev arrived heading for Pier 23.

Saturday morning the Gordon C. Leitch depart Dofasco at 6 a.m. and head out in to Lake Ontario and toward the Welland Canal.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Today in Great Lakes History - July 13

The ALGOWEST was christened at Collingwood on July 13, 1982.

SASKATCHEWAN PIONEER was launched July 13, 1983.

The LIGHTSHIP 103 was opened to visitors on July 13, 1974 at the city's Pine Grove Park along the St. Clair River.

The rebuilt BOSCOBEL was launched at the Peshtigo Company yard at Algonac on 13 July 1876. Originally built in 1867 as a passenger/package freight propeller vessel, she burned and sank near Ft. Gratiot in 1869. The wreck was raised, but no work was done until January 1876 when she was completely rebuilt as a schooner-barge at Algonac. She sank again in the ice on Lake Erie in 1895 and was again raised and rebuilt. She lasted until 1909 when she sank in the middle of Lake Huron during a storm.

On 13 July 1876, the Port Huron Weekly Times listed the following vessels as being idle at Marine City, Michigan: Steam Barges BAY CITY, D. W. POWERS and GERMANIA; steamer GLADYS; Schooners TAILOR and C. SPADEMAN; and Barges MARINE CITY and ST. JOSEPH.

On 13 July 1876, the Detroit Tribune reported that "the captain of a well-known Oswego vessel, on his last trip to Oswego, found that the receipts of the trip exceeded the expenses in the neighborhood of $250, and stowed $210 of the amount away in a drawer of his desk on the schooner. The money remained there some days before the captain felt the necessity of using a portion of it, and when he opened the drawer to take out the required amount he found that a family of mice had file a pre-emption claim and domiciled themselves within the recess, using the greenbacks with the utmost freedom to render their newly chosen quarters absolutely comfortable. A package containing $60 was gnawed into scraps the size of the tip of the little finger, while only enough of the larger package containing $150 remained to enable the astonished seaman to determine the numbers of the bills, so that the money can be refunded to him by the United States Treasury Department. The captain made an affidavit of the facts, and forwarded it and the remnants of the greenbacks to Washington, with the view of recovering the full value of the money destroyed. He is now on the way to Oswego with his vessel, and no doubt frequently ruminates over the adage, "The best laid schemes of mice and men, . . ."

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

OOCL Montreal in Montreal

07/12
Thursday the OOCL Montreal arrived in Montreal to off load containers. She is the largest container ship ever to come to Montreal at 1,000-feet long and 105-feet wide.

OOCL Montreal on her maiden voyage arriving at Montreal.
OOCL Montreal approaching the dock.
OOCL with bunting flying from the forward mast.
OOCL Montreal being turned around before docking,
Another view
OOCL Montreal at her dock.
Jean Parisien up bound Montreal for the Seaway.
The ferry C.T.M.A Vacancier up bound from Les Iles de la Madelaine Quebec to sec B1 Montreal.
Nova D. the new name for the ex Nunavut Trader.
Green Fleet vessel, Marion Green, up bound for the Seaway and eventually Milwaukee.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Puffin headed for Duluth

07/12
The first of three new vessels operated by Canfornav and designated specifically for Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway trade is expected to make its inaugural visit to the Port of Duluth-Superior on Sunday (July 13), the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

The Antigua-flag Puffin owned by Harren & Partner of Bremen, Germany, is scheduled to arrive under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge at approximately 6 a.m., then proceed to Superior’s Cenex Harvest States facility for about 9,000 metric tons of wheat destined for Venezuela. The Puffin is named after the Atlantic Puffin, a small, pigeon-sized seabird which colonizes on northern seacoasts and lives on the open ocean throughout the majority of the year. The 37,461-ton vessel is one of three Lakes fitted vessels ordered by Canfornav from a Shanghai shipyard in April 2003. Sister-ship Pochard (named after a duck from Europe and Asia which has gray and black plumage and a reddish head) is due in July 2003, and a third yet-to-be-named vessel will enter service in October 2003.

Canfornav Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Forest Navigation Co., Ltd., Montreal, is presently in the midst of another newbuilding program consisting of additional vessels designed specifically for Great Lakes-Seaway trade and named after ducks. These 27,000-ton bulk vessels were ordered from the Wuhu Shipyard in China, with the Bluewing making her maiden voyage in February 2002, and sister-ship Greenwing being delivered in June of that year. The Cinnamon entered service in January 2003, and the Mandarin is scheduled for delivery in mid-August 2003.

By the end of 2004, Canfornav, which took over operations from its parent company in 2000, expects to have in place a fleet of 13 new ships in addition to the 25 handy size vessels already under charter for Great Lakes service, ranking the company as one of the largest carriers on the Great Lakes.

Commanded by Capt. Cezary Lucywek from Poland, the Puffin is crewed by Ukranian officers and seamen.

Reported by: Lisa Marciniak

Tall Ship Pathfinder Ready for Summer Tour

07/12
The 72 foot Brigantine "Pathfinder" will be making her annual tour of the Great Lakes this summer with stops at Amherstburg, Windsor, Sarnia, Goderich, Tobermory, Owen Sound, Parry Sound, Killarney, Little Current, and various other ports around the Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel this summer.

The "Pathfinder" will spend part of the summer in company with the Tall Ships fleet that has come up into the Great Lakes this summer from overseas. When the main branch of the fleet heads North up Lake Huron, and into Lake Michigan bound for Chicago’s 200th Anniversary celebrations, the Pathfinder will be returning to her old stomping grounds in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

"We will be able to add two additional cruises in the area by staying close to home instead of going all the way down Lake Michigan to Chicago. By doing this we can still sail the most beautiful waters in the Great Lakes area, says Seann O’Donoughue, one of Toronto Brigantine’s board of directors, "At the present time we still have many spaces available for local youth from the Georgian Bay, Huronia & Bluewater, and Michigan regions. Being a Mariner, I would personally like to see more of our local kids get the chance to sail a tall ship on the Great Lakes- and this is it! - I did it when I was in high school and I loved it! - I loved it so much that I continued it for 4 summers, and I would recommend it to anybody. I even chose to make a career out of it, and went to Georgian College in Owen Sound. I think more local kids from the Great Lakes Region would benefit from a tall ship experience like this."

The Pathfinder will be carrying out crew changes in Goderich, and using the port as their start and terminus point for four different Lake Huron cruises. The ship will be in Goderich on the following dates: July 24,25,26,27 August 1,2,3 August 12-19 August 28,29 & 30th. Open ship public viewing tours will be announced at a later date this summer.

On the ship’s way back to home at Summer’s end, she will rejoin the Tall Ship flotilla for the 2003 Sarnia Reunion, prior to sailing down the St. Clair & Detroit Rivers, across Lake Erie, and Down the Welland Ship Canal, Across Lake Ontario back to her home port of Toronto. Her sister ship, the "T.S. Playfair", Is in Kingston this summer on charter to the Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, operating out of HMCS Ontario.

The Brigantines Pathfinder and Playfair are a familiar sight all over the lakes, and offer youth aged 14 to 18, the opportunity of a lifetime to sail on board a square rigged tall ship as real active crewmembers. Founded in 1962, Toronto Brigantine has put thousands of teenagers aboard the two vessels which ply the Great Lakes in the summer, and tie up for winter at their home port in Toronto. The ship takes on Eighteen new trainees who join our staff of ten, in the true tradition of the sea and are divided into three "watches" of six people: red, white or blue. Each member of the watch will be supervised and instructed by a Petty Officer and a Watch Officer who also provides leadership during the voyage. The system is based on the traditional Naval routine of running a ship on a 24 hour basis, and each watch gets the opportunity to stand the night watch, taking turns at the ships wheel, assisting in Navigation, standing lookout, helping out in the galley, assisting the Bosun with the anchors or ships maintenance, and docking the ship. Climbing aloft in the rigging for the first time is a challenging experience, but once done, they become old hands at it. It is amazing to watch them rise to the challenge! This system is a good way to allow the crew to interact and build good teamwork relationships. There is also time to read a book, and "catch a few rays" too. Every crew member will get an opportunity to participate at their own level.

"On an average 12 day voyage, we will usually spend 2 days at sea at a time and then go into a nice anchorage or a port to enjoy some leisure time ashore. As with any ship, our current position, and the weather conditions will determine the day’s curriculum. We love to get local Manitoulin Island ice cream, and the freshest fish & chips, where we go. Some of our favourite cruising areas are among the beautiful tree covered rocky islands on the exposed Canadian Shield in the North Channel. You can do some pretty amazing star gazing up there at night, and see the Northern Lights on a regular basis. The ship also traverses the fjord of Baie Fine, all the way up to "the pool", where we take a hiking excursion up the quartzite mountains within Killarney National Park to swim in Lake Topaz," says Captain Timothy Pyron, the Pathfinder’s Skipper who has been with the organization for five years having sailed through all five Great Lakes [Including the mighty Lake Superior] and the St. Lawrence Seaway. "The ships are Coast Guard inspected annually, and we are required to meet the most stringent safety and training standards."

Everyone joins in sail handling, "knot tying contests", "tacking races"and other tests of skills. At the end of the trip, there is usually a traditional ship’s concert made up of skits and songs performed by the watches and officers.

"My favourite place to stop is the Bustard Islands in Georgian Bay, where we can go for a hike, pick wild blueberries, swim & have a nice campfire", says Heather St. Louis, a former Watch and Training officer, "sailing on these ships is a wonderful way to spend your summer, and to see sights and sounds that most people only get to dream about.

There are about 50 berths still available this summer for interested youth on various trips in the area, on both six and ten day courses. Costs run approximately $110 per day. Upon request, bursaries are available for young persons not able to finance the program themselves. Toronto Brigantine is a non-profit organization, supported by charitable donations. No previous sailing experience is necessary; the applicant must be physically fit, and able to swim.

"Our motto is: "Building Character through Adventure", says Seann. O’Donoughue, "and for a teen to actually take the wheel of a 52 ton ship, to climb the rigging and help in furling the sails, and to feel the majestic wind and seas is a completely new experience. All the traditional terminology is used in operation of the ship, flag etiquette, ringing of the ship’s bell - port & starboard, and speed measured in knots, it adds to the true feeling and sense of adventure. It’s as real as it gets, and I am really proud to be a part of such a fine Canadian tradition! "

For more information or bookings, please call Danielle Sloane, at (416)-596-7117, or visit the web site at www.tallshipadventures.on.ca. There are approximately 50 spaces left on the Pathfinder for the summer and we are also offering a 6 day Adult cruise departing from Port Dover through the Welland Canal and onto Toronto from August 30th -Sept 4th , which has about 14 spaces available.

Reported by: Seann O'Donoughue

Twin Ports Report

07/12
Canadian Prospector paid an unusual call to the St. Lawrence Cement terminal in Duluth this week. The vessel was being unloaded by the terminal Thursday and Friday. ULS usually seems to assign either Quebecois or Montrealais to this job.

Another interesting vessel in interesting places this week was Joseph H. Thompson. "Little Joe" was unloading at the Cutler Magner dock on Friday. It was then due to proceed to Two Harbors to load taconite pellets at the DMIR ore dock.

Also making several stops in port was Cason J. Callaway, which arrived in Duluth on July 11 to unload stone at Hallett 5 and Reiss Inland before proceeding to the DMIR ore dock to load taconite pellets for delivery to the U.S. Steel (former National Steel) mill in Detroit.

Elsewhere, the rain finally relented enough to let the saltie Milo resume loading grain at Cenex Harvest States. The vessel was expected to depart late Friday. Down the harbor, Burns Harbor was loading at BNSF ore dock. George A. Stinson remains idle in Superior.

Up in Two Harbors, the pace remains steady at the DMIR dock. Along with Little Joe due today, the dock is expecting regulars Edwin H. Gott and Joe Block on July 13; Edgar B. Speer and St. Clair on July 14; and Roger Blough on July 15. The pace isn't quite so good in Duluth. After loading the Callaway on Friday and Frontenac today, no vessels are scheduled until the Arthur M. Anderson on July 17 and John G. Munson on July 18.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette News

07/12
On Friday the Charles M. Beeghly brought a load of coal to Marquette's Presque Isle power plant, then took on a load of ore. The John J. Boland is due on Saturday, with the H. Lee White on Sunday, bringing a load of stone to the lower harbor, then moving to the upper harbor for a load of ore.

The Charles Beeghly unloading coal on a rainy afternoon.
The Charles Beeghly pausing in her loading process to dump ballast.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Milwaukee Update

07/12
CSL's Spruceglen arrived in Milwaukee early Friday morning to load at the Nidera grain elevator. This is its first trip here as Spruceglen. The straight decker has previously called here as the Selkirk Settler, Federal Fraser and Fraser.

Also in port Friday was the tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity unloading cement. The Edward Gillen III continues the shuttle of dredged material from Port Washington to the Milwaukee containment site in the outer harbor. The Corps of Engineer tug Racine is tied up at the Port's Heavy Lift dock for the weekend.

Spruceglen.
Racine.
Integrity.
Edward Gillen III .

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Detroit Traffic

07/12
Faust tug Linnhurst being towed, with the barge Merganser, by the tug Patricia Hoey.
Another view.
Upbound the Detroit River passing Belle Isle.
Linnhurst.
The Diamond Queen downbound just above Belle Isle Coast Guard Station.
Stern view.
Adam E Cornelius downbound above Belle Isle.
Stern view.
Grosse Point Yacht Club provides sailing lessons on a very windy day.
Arthur M Anderson unloading at Marblehead Lime in the Rouge River.
Stern view.
Sign on the 141 Bridge between Zug Island and Delray.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Erie Update

07/12
Winds gusting up to 40 m.p.h. delayed traffic in Erie on Friday. At 9 a.m. the J.S. St. John returned without dredging sand, due to strong westerly winds.

The American Republic was due at 10:30 a.m., but was delayed by winds making it nearly impossible for her to get in to unload stone. Last night the Republic was waiting several miles west of Erie, and it is unknown when the vessel will be in to unload.

At about 10 a.m. the tug Gretchen B. and barge determined that dredging would be impossible in the 3 foot waves in the channel and shifted back to its berth on the north face of the North Pier.

Tug prepares to attach a towline to the barge.
Moving forward.
Passing.
Stern view.
Turning.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Vermilion, Ohio Marine Mart

07/12
A Nautical Mart will be held at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion, OH on Saturday, July 19 from 10:00 to 3:00. This will be a first-time event featuring a half dozen quality dealers in connection with a tall ships event and other festivities in Vermilion that day.

Reported by: Al Hart

E-mail Special on Shipping Gear

07/12
The following specials are for those who have signed up for Email Specials on Boatnerd, Moran Towing & Interlake merchandise site with Force 5 Trading and Promotions

This special is so BIG it will EXPIRE Wed. 7/16/03 12 midnight no later.
Special good on in stock items only.
For every order totaling $50.00, you will receive 2 free items from following list: Boatnerd T-shirt, Moran Silk Screened T, Boatnerd cap, Interlake silk screened T, Interlake Cap or Moran cap. (Choose from items in stock only)
Plus Free Ground shipping. Hurry stock is limited.
Please make sure when emailing or ordering on site you mention this email to receive your free items... Thank you for your business and orders we appreciate it and all of you....

Visit www.force5-trading.com to browse or to order Email veronica@force5-trading.com

Today in Great Lakes History - July 12

The BELLE RIVER (WALTER J. McCARTHY JR.) was christened on July 12, 1977 as American Steamship's first thousand-footer and the first thousand-footer built at Bay Ship.

The H.M. GRIFFITH was launched July 12, 1973 for the Canada Steamship Lines.

In 1986 The ENDERS M. VOORHEES was chained together with her sisters, A.H. FERBERT (2) and IRVING S. OLDS, a severe thunderstorm struck Duluth pushing the trio across St. Louis Bay eventually grounding them near Superior, WI. It was discovered that the force of the storm had pulled the bollards out of the Hallett Dock No.5 thus releasing the ships.

On July 12, 1958, the Frank A. Sherman entered service, departing Port Weller, Ontario, for Duluth and a load of iron ore on its maiden voyage.

On 12 July 1871, ADVANCE (wooden scow-schooner, 49T, built in 1847 at Fairport, OH), was bound for Detroit from Cleveland with a load of coal. She and the steamer U.S. GRANT collided near South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) in Lake Erie and ADVANCE sank. Her crew escaped in the yawl.

On 12 July 1852, CITY OF OSWEGO (wooden propeller passenger-package freight vessel, 138', 357 t, built in 1852 at Buffalo, NY) collided with the steamer AMERICA and sank off Willowick, Ohio, a few miles east of Cleveland. 15 lives were lost. This was CITY OF OSWEGO's first season of operation.

On 12 July 1889, T. H. ORTON (wooden barge, 262 gt, built in 1873 at Buffalo, NY) anchored off Marblehead on Lake Erie to ride out a storm. She dragged her anchors and was driven ashore where she was declared a total wreck. She was recovered and just two years later, at the same place, this incident was repeated.

Data from: 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

Rare Trip for Cuyahoga

07/11
Lower Lakes Towing's Cuyahoga made a rare appearance in Toronto Wednesday. She arrived in Toronto under a dark and brooding dawn sky to deliver a cargo of road salt which she had just picked up in Cleveland.

She departed later that day heading for Port Colborne to load stone.

Cayahoga docks at Cargill Salt and extends her boom.
Boom fully extended and discharging the cargo of salt.
Another view of her boom in action.
First Mate Gerry Ray and Cadet Laura Giraudy oversee the unloading operation.
Moving the salt to another pile.

Reported by: Paul Giraudy

Toledo and Sandusky Report

07/11
On a dark, rainy morning in Toledo the Gaelic Towing Co. tugs Susan Hoey and William Hoey assisted the Algowood up the Maumee River to the Anderson's elevator. Turning the freighter was made more difficult by the strong river current from the recent monsoon like rains in the Maumee watershed. This is the same type of current that pushed Nanticoke nearly into the nearby NS Railroad Bridge last year.

Maumee was loading stone at the Lafarge Dock in Marblehead as the rain poured down.

The Canadian Olympic was loading coal in Sandusky. She had arrived early in the morning and was ready to leave by 5:00 pm. Arthur M. Anderson arrived from Detroit around 3:30 to get in line behind the Olympic to load coal. The sun came out as the Anderson passed by Cedar Point on her way into the Sandusky Bay.

Ahead of the Anderson, the Pelee Islander arrived at the Jackson Street Pier and the Island Rocket left for Put-In-Bay.

The tall ships were due in Huron, but had not arrived by noon.

Tugs working with the Algowood.
Close up.
Arthur M. Anderson inbound past Cedar Point.
passing Jackson Street.
Bow view.
Engineers enjoy the view.
Heading for the coal dock.
Maumee loads in the rain.
Pelee Islander.
Island Rocket returns.

Reported by: Dave Wobser & Kevin Davis

Toledo Traffic

07/11
Durocher Marine, Division of Kokosing tug Ray D in Toledo.
Close up.
Stern view.
Gaelic Tug William Hoey upbound the Maumee River.
Bow view.
Algowood finishing her unload at Anderson's "E" Elevator. She had unloaded most of her grain cargo at Kuhlman's.
Close up.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Marinette and Menominee Update

07/11
The Tug Gregory J Busch and barge STC2004 have been loading large stones at Marinette Fuel & Dock for the last week.

Wednesday morning the Virginiaborg arrived at K&K Warehouse Dock to unload a cargo of bleached wood-pulp. This was the Virginiaborg's second trip this season to Menominee. Also on Wednesday the Hollyhock was undergoing builder’s trials, and the Mega Yacht Milk & Honey was also undergoing trials on Green Bay.

Art Sawyer 7 outbound Menominee River.
Close up of the big tug at MF&D.
Wide view.

Reported by: Scott Best

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

07/11

Xichanghai, at anchor at Lanoraie awaiting a berth at Contrecoeur, July 9.
Océan Jupiter upbound off Verchères to Montréal from Contrecoeur after assisting the  Xichanghai, July 9.
Santiago downbound off Verchères from Montréal to deliver military cargo to Turkey hence    to Afghanistan, July 9.
Santiago, stern view, July 9.
Torm Freya, dockside at Montréal berth 74, July 10.
Torm Freya, newly entered service this year, stern view, July 10.
Nova D. ex-Nunavut Trader, newly repainted in Desgagnés blue, Montréal berth 56,       July 10.
  Nova D, Oakglen & Mapleglen at Montréal berth 56, July 10.
Nova D with Nunavut Trader still painted on her stern, July 10.
Lykes Runner departing Montréal berth 62 for New York then to South Africa, July 10.
Lykes Runner, stern view, July 10.
D.C. Everest, tied up at Montréal berth 63, July 10.
Ziemia Cieszynska unloading sugar at Montréal berth 46, July 10.
Tranquillity, laid up at Montréal berth 25 since early May, July 10.
Haedong Star no.99, Nindawayma & Horizon Montreal laid up at Montreal     jetty no.1, July 10.
Marion Green at anchor at Pointe-aux-Trembles anchorage waiting to proceed to the          Seaway, July 10.
Algocen, downbound off Varennes from Seaway, July 1.
World Trust, upbound off Varennes for Montréal, July 1.
World Trust, stern view, July 1.
Bow Faith, upbound off Verchères for Montréal, July 3.
Bow Faith, stern view, July 3.
Nantucket Clipper in her new livery, downbound off Varennes, July 3.
Nantucket Clipper, stern view, July 3.
Berge Rachel, dockside at Montréal berth 109, July 5.
Berge Rachel, stern view, July 5.
Bow Faith, dockside at Montréal berth 105, July 5.
BBC Peru, downbound off Verchères from Montréal to Turkey, July 6.
BBC Peru, stern view, July 6.
Torm Pacific downbound off Verchères with a load of grain for Algeria, July 6.
Torm Pacific, stern view, July 6.
Nanticoke & Torm Pacific off Verchères, July 6.
Nanticoke upbound off Verchères for Seaway, July 6.
Dawn upbound off Varennes for Montréal, July 7.
Dawn, stern view, July 7.
North Challenge upbound off Varennes for Seaway, July 7.
North Challenge, stern view, July 7.
Cast Performance downbound off Verchères from Montréal, July 9.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Today in Great Lakes History - July 11

The INDIANA HARBOR was christened July 11, 1979.

On July 11, 1943 the ENDERS M. VOORHEES became the first downbound vessel to transit the newly built MacArthur Lock at the Soo.

On 11 July 1888, the 2-mast wooden schooner JOHN TIBBETS was carrying coal on Lake Erie when she foundered in the shallows near Clear Creek, 7 miles west of Port Rowan, Ontario and then broke up in the storm waves. Her crew made it to shore in the yawl. She was built in 1863 at Clayton, NY on the hull of the Canadian schooner PERSEVERANCE which was originally built in 1855.

PERSIA, a 150' passenger/package freight vessel, was launched at Melancthon Simpson's shipyard at St. Catharine's, Ontario on 11 July 1873. She was built at a cost of $37,000. She lasted until the 1920s when she was converted to a barge and then abandoned.

MONTEZUMA (3-mast wooden schooner-barge, 341', 2722 gt) was launched at the John Davidson shipyard (hull no. 102) in W. Bay City, Michigan on 11 July 1903. She was one of the largest wooden vessels ever built. It was later stated in the press that the reason Davidson's last large vessels took so long to build was the difficulty in obtaining the required large oak timbers and their expense. As steel went down in price, wood went up, and Davidson's last hulls cost as much as comparably-sized steel ones. At the time of launching this vessel the Davidson shipyard announced that it would not build any more wooden freight vessels.

Data from: 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

Tall ships visit Cleveland's lakefront

07/10
Seventeen tall ships arrived in Cleveland on Wednesday to begin a five-day visit.

Some of the tall ships are nearly 100 years old and others are replicas of ships dating back to Christopher Columbus. The event kicked off with a parade of tall ships. The ships formed a procession for about 4 miles long and paraded into the city.

The Cleveland based U.S. Coast Guard cutter Neah Bay led the way with water cannons pluming. She was followed by the Cleveland Fire Department boat Anthony J. Celebreeze II and the Buffalo, Ny. fire boat Edward M. Cotter.

Commercial action was busy Wednesday with the FedNav ship Lake Michigan exiting the harbor before the sails were unfurled. She was berthed at the Port of Cleveland next to the Regina Oldendorff which was loading steel coils for transatlantic trade with Italy. Near the end of parade, the Kellstone I and her tug and another local barge and tug broke ranks to exit the river mouth.

Pictures by the Tim & Karen Zehe
The Larinda from Cape Cod is one of the smallest at 86 ft. Her distinctive red sails are easy to recognize.
Appledore with a local sailor sporting flags for the event in the foreground.
INS Tarangini—the Indian Navy training vessel .
Nina, a 68 ft. replica launched in 1991 in Wilmington, Delaware .
Dennis Sullivan; Milwaukee’s 134’ 3-masted schooner, built in 2000.
Highlander Sea—154’ gaff schooner built in 1924, based in Port Huron MI.
Sails approaching the harbor.
Fair Jeanne—110’ steel & fiberglass brigantine, 1982, Ottawa .
HMS Bounty—built for the 1960’s filming of the movie starring Marlon Brando out of Greenport, NY .
The Brig Niagara based in Erie; 1988 reconstruction of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s flagship. Contains some original portions of the hull.
Local “pirate” fully dressed for the occasion.
Pride of Baltimore; replica of an 1812-era topsail schooner and Goodwill ambassador of the Chesapeake .
Europa: 3-masted barque build in 1911 and based in Rotterdam, Netherlands .
Europa with the Windy II—Barquentine schooner built in 2001—the first 4-masted schooner built in the US since 1921 and running a successful tourist sail trade out of Chicago.
Edward M. Cotter.
Anthony J. Celebreeze II.
Neah Bay leads the parade.
Regina Oldendorff and Lake Michigan.
Regina Oldendorff departs.
Click here for more details on the weekend's events.

Reported by: Tim & Karen Zehe and Bill Kloss

Calumet Arrives in Sarnia

07/10
The Calumet arrived in Sarnia Wednesday for repairs to her unloading boom. The unloading boom was damaged earlier in the week at Marble Head, Ohio during a severe Thunder Storm.

Reported by: Marc Vander Meulen

Caledonia Upbound Under Tow

07/10
The largest Tall Ship built in North America during the past 100 years was upbound in the Welland Canal Wednesday. The Caledonia was moved through the locks dead ship with the tugs Vigilant 1 and Seahound.

Caledonia is a former research vessel that is undergoing a $3.5 million conversion to a cruise ship. The ship will be equipped with 40 cabins, a lounge, library, and dining salon featuring gourmet meals.

The tow is heading to Cleveland for the weekend's tall ship festivities.

The Caledonia was built in 1947 at Beverley, England as Akurey; renamed S/S Akeroy in 1966; renamed Petrel in 1968. Became Canadian as Petrel V in 1976 for Techno Navigation of Sillery, Quebec. Sold in 2000 to Atlantic Towing Ltd. of St. John, N. B. and renamed Cape Harrison. Sold to Canadian Sailing Expeditions last summer and renamed Caledonia.

Pictures by Brian Harrison
Crews work to ballast the Caledonia to fit under the bridges of the canal.
Another view.
Vigilant 1.
Seahound.
Cuyahoga was upbound on Wednesday.
Deck view.
Stack.
Churning up the water.
John Spence and McAsphalt 401.
John Spence.
Stern view.
John D. Leitch's unique super structure.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and Brian Harrison

Marquette Update

07/10
The Reserve took on a load of ore at Marquette on Wednesday. The American Mariner came back on the schedule for Wednesday evening. The James Barker will bring coal on Thursday, with the Lee A. Tregurtha coming in later for a load of ore. Friday should see the Charles M. Beeghly with a load of coal, then taking on ore. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew made a brief stop in the lower harbor at Mattson Park.

Reserve loading.
Sundew stern view.
Sundew bow view, tied up at Mattson Park in the lower harbor on a foggy morning.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Report

07/10
The steamer Alpena was in port loading cement at Lafarge in the early morning hours of Wednesday. It departed by 3 a.m., heading for Milwaukee, WI. The J.A.W Iglehart was also in on Wednesday morning, taking on cargo bound for Detroit. It departed the dock before 3 p.m.

The Jacklyn M barge Integrity is due into Lafarge early Thursday morning.

The Paul H. Townsend is still in lay-up and may possibly sail before the end of the month.

With the repairs in the engine room complete, the Wilfred Sykes left Alpena around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. It slowly backed out of the river and gave a salute. In the bay it turned around to head out into the lake and towards its next destination, Port Inland. from

Sykes and Grayling.
Sykes docked.
Another view.
Name board.
Departing.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

07/10
The Joyce L. VanEnkevort/Great Lakes Trader entered the Saginaw River at 11 a.m. Wednesday. After lightering at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City, the tug-barge continued up to the Wirt dock in Saginaw to finish unloading.

The CSL Tadoussac was outbound from the Essroc cement plant in Essexville at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey, David Piotrowski and Lon Morgan

Detroit Traffic

07/10
Below are images taken on Wednesday.

Lee A Tregurtha outbound the Rouge River at the Blue Circle Cement Dock.
Algoway turning into the Rouge River with a partial load of salt for the Osborne Dock.
Along side.
Algoway at the Osborne Dock.
Algoway downbound for Sandusky to finish unloading.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Aerial Views

07/10
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River Wednesday 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.

Spruceglen.
Lee A. Tregurtha passing Emerald Star of Fort Wayne, Detroit.
Algoway inbound Rouge Short Cut Canal.
Algomarine loading at Ojibway Salt in Windsor.
Barges at Allied Chemical, Amherstburg, Ont.
U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Clair Shores.
Canadian Coast Guard Base Amherstburg.
Emerald Star.
Windmill Point Light at the head of the Detroit River.

Kapitan Rudnev Heads to Sarnia

07/10
Kapitan Rudnev was upbound heading Sarnia on Tuesday. She and her sister Jakov Sverdlov have been regular callers to the lakes in the last few years. Kapitan Rudnev was built in 1988 at Pula, Yugoslavia and is one of numerous sister ships known as the Akademik Vekua class. She measures 496’ x 73.5’ and has a deadweight of 17,485 tons. Below are images taken onboard.

Upbound the Detroit River along Windsor’s Riverside Drive.
Name board.
Wet bridge deck after another passing line of squalls through Lake St. Clair.
Russian rudder angle indicator.
The Detroit skyline fading away.
A hint of a rainbow lies ahead.
Meeting Lee A Tregurtha above Light 13 in the St. Clair River.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M Gindroz

Updates

07/10
Been having a rough week at work and haven't had the time to finish the Soo and Detroit Tug Photo Galleries. For those of you that are anxious to see the images, the links below are to raw galleries that are in process. Narration, order and captions will be added over the next few days and I will announce when they are complete.

Soo Gathering. (out of order and no captions)
Soo Tug Race. (almost complete)
Detroit Tug Race. (out of order and no captions)

Help Wanted

07/10
As many of you know this site is a hobby for me, I receive no payment for it and front all the costs out of pocket. I enjoy the site and am happy to provide this. Recently my real job has been taking up much of my free time.

I am looking for volunteers to help during my busy times with updates to the site. This can range from helping organize the back log of pictures (about 22,000 at last count), help update the Links Page, and a Guest Editor to help with the News Page.

For the pictures and links all one needs is a decent speed connection and a little free time. For the Guest Editor it can be a bit more complicated. Any one interested should have a working knowledge of HTML or Microsoft Front Page, Photoshop or similar photo editing software. The biggest commitment is time. Luckily I don't need much sleep and I have this down to a fairly efficient system. The News typically takes one to two hours a night editing stories, fact checking and preparing photos - seven days a week. The time can increase to three to four hours on days with a lot of news or many pictures.

If you are still interested after reading this please e-mail me at moderator@boatnerd.net

Fine print: these things tend to start lots of rumors. Just to be clear, the future of the web site is very secure and it will continue indefinitely. This is a fun hobby site that I enjoy very much, I intend to keep the site going, with all the features, as long as I have the web space and people are interested.
This is a busy time of year for me and with the high volume of traffic I would like to ask for volunteers.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 10

HENRY R. PLATT, JR. (2) was launched as a) G.A. TOMLINSON (1) at the American Ship Building Co., Lorain, OH - July 10, 1909.

In 1998 the Algowest was re-dedicated at Port Weller Dry Docks. The $20 million conversion of the ship to a self-unloader from a bulk-carrier was completed by 400 shipbuilders at Port Weller Dry Docks during the previous eight months.

On 10 July 1866, COQUETTE (1-mast wooden scow-sloop, 90', 140 t, built in 1858 at Perry, Ohio as a schooner) capsized in a storm on Lake Michigan and was lost with her crew of four. She had originally been built for the U.S. Government.

On 10 July 1911, JOHN MITCHELL (wooden propeller bulk freighter, 420', 4468 gt, built in 1907 at St. Clair, MI) was carrying wheat off Whitefish Point on Lake Superior when she was rammed broadside by the coal-laden steel steamer WILLIAM HENRY MACK (steel propeller bulk freighter, 354', 3781 gt, built in 1903 at Cleveland, OH). The MACK tried to keep her bow in the hole, but the MITCHELL still sank in 7 minutes. Quick work saved most of her crew and all 7 passengers. Three of the 34 onboard were lost. The MACK got most of the blame for the accident. The MITCHELL's wreck was discovered upside-down on the bottom in 1972. (Note: Bowling Green's database gives the date of this accident as 19 July 1911 and Dave Swayze's Shipwreck database gives the date as 10 July 1911.)

Data from: 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

Mackinaw Heads for Chicago

07/09
The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will be arriving at Chicago's Navy Pier on Wednesday evening about 7:00 p.m. for three days. The 290-foot icebreaker is coming to Chicago for Saturday's start of the Chicago to Mackinac Island Sailboat Race.

Mackinaw will be open to the public for tours on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The Mackinaw is home ported in Cheboygan, Michigan and is the only U.S. heavy ice-breaker assigned to the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1944, by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company, the Mackinaw was the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker at the time and represented the state of the art in icebreaking technology. After 55 years of continuous service, Mackinaw is in the twilight of her career and is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2006.

Reported by: Alan Haraf

June Limestone Trade About Even With A Year Ago

07/09
The Lakes limestone trade totaled 4.3 million net tons in June, essentially on par with the same period last year, but a slight decrease compared to the 5-year average. More seasonal weather during the month spurred demand from the construction industry and pulled the trade up to last June's level.

On a year-to-date basis, the stone trade stands at 10.6 million tons, a decrease of roughly 12 percent from both the same point in 2002 and the 5-year average for the end of June. The fall-off from last year reflects weather conditions in April and May; the drop compared to the 5-year average also mirrors declining demand for fluxstone from America's battered steel industry.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

07/09
The Lake Erie port of Port Stanley, Ont. saw two Tall ships in on Tuesday. The Fair Jeanne and True North both visited port for repairs.

The Fair Jeanne was having under water hull repairs made by Kanter Yachts. The True North was having a new spar prepared along with painting and sanding.

Both ships are expected to leave Port Stanley by the weekend.

True North.
New spar.
Fair Jeanne.
Dive prepares to enter the water.
In the water.
Working on the bow.

Reported by: Ted Coombs

Calumet in Marblehead

07/09
Tuesday the Calumet was docked at the Marblehead Stone Dock in Marblehead, Ohio. She appears to have suffered some type of failure in her unloading boom. The tip of the boom is twisted and touching the deck, no other details were available.

Calumet at Marblehead.
Close up of boom.

Reported by: Jake Dunfee

Marquette Update

07/09
The Michipicoten took an early load of taconite at Marquette on Monday and left. The Herbert Jackson brought a load of coal, then took on a load of taconite. The H. Lee White brought a load of stone to the lower harbor dock, then moved to the upper harbor to get a load of ore. The Michipicoten was expected to return Tuesday followed by the Reserve on Wednesday, the Adam Cornelius on Thursday along with the James Barker bringing a load of coal.

H. L. White unloading stone at the lower harbor dock.
Stone pile.
Vacuum truck that keeps the dock clean emptying its load of coal back onto the pile.
Herbert Jackson unloading coal.
H. Lee White approaching the dock.
H. Lee White at dock, wide shot.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Rouge River - Detroit

07/09
Joseph H Thompson shifted over to the Marathon Dock to allow the Kaye E Barker to pass. The Barker can be seen in the background approaching the N & S Railroad Bridge.
Joseph H Thompson Jr.
Kaye E Barker passing the Joseph H Thompson.
Passing.
Kaye E Barker passing through the Fort Street Bridge.
Stern view.
Joseph H Thompson wending her way back across the Rouge River to resume loading salt at the Haridon Dock. The ship loader can be seen to the left of the Thompson.
Another view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Dredging in Erie

07/09
The Luedtke tug Gretchen B. and a barge arrived in Erie early Tuesday evening to begin dredging. The pair will be working in the area around the channel and the Mounfort Terminal to increase the draft of the harbor. The tug and barge tied up along the north side of the North Pier, just west of the Coast Guard Station.

Gretchen B tied up along the North Pier.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Toronto Update

07/09
The CCG Limnos arrived in port around Monday evening. On Tuesday it conducted lake bottom searches with its ROV for the downed twin-engine American owned Beechcraft Baron airplane lost off Toronto Island Sunday in heavy fog.

The Port Authority back-up ferry Windmill Point, which has been at the Keating Channel yard for the past month, shifted to its dock at the Island airport Tuesday morning. The tug Wendy B. has returned to port.

The McNally tug Mr. Joe, and the McKeil sister tugs Carrol C. I and Bonnie B. III arrived Tuesday afternoon from the McNally Construction Inc. yard in Belleville, with a mile long section of five-foot diameter pipe for the deep-water cooling project.

The saltie Elikon is high in the water and will likely depart the Redpath Sugar dock Wednesday. The next sugar boat in is expected to be Malovytska, which is currently at anchor of Port Weller, awaiting dock space.

Reported by: Art Church

Today in Great Lakes History - July 9

WILLIAM R. ROESCH (DAVID Z. NORTON) loaded her first cargo in 1973 at Superior, WI where she loaded 18,828 tons of iron ore bound for Jones & Laughlin's Cuyahoga River plant at Cleveland.

The BENJAMIN F. FAIRLESS and her fleet mate IRVING S. OLDS passed through the Panama Canal on July 9, 1988 under tow by the German tug OSA RAVENSTURM. The pair was on a 14,000 mile journey to Kaohsiung, Taiwan arriving there on November 8, 1988 for scrapping by Sing Cheng Yung Iron & Steel Co. Ltd.

On 9 July 1876, ST. CLAIR (wooden propeller freighter with some passenger accommodations, 127', 326 gt, built in 1867 at Algonac, Michigan) had 14 crew and 18 passengers aboard along with cargo of flour, feed and deck loads of cattle as she sailed on Lake Superior. At 2:00 AM, she caught fire about five miles off shore from 14 Mile Point. She was a wood burner and had a history of shipboard fires. The fire spread so quickly that only one boat could be launched and being overloaded, it capsized. The cries of those left on the vessel, along with the bellowing of the cattle, were heart rending. Only six survived in the one lifeboat since the cold water took its toll on those who clung to it. Eventually they righted the boat and paddled to shore, leaving the ST. CLAIR burned to the waterline.

On 9 July 1891, W. A. MOORE (wood propeller tug, 119', 212 gt, built in 1865 at Detroit, MI) burned to a total loss at Cleveland, Ohio.

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

Ohio heads for Burns Harbor

07/08
The Great Lakes Towing Company's Lake Tug Ohio and deck barge Milwaukee departed their Homeport of Cleveland Sunday night bound for Burns Harbor, Indiana.

The Ohio and Milwaukee were hired to transport several components of an automotive press. The components' final destination is Detroit.

Reported by: Gregg Thauvette

Former Fire Tug Awaits Fate in Algoma, Wisconsin

07/08
The former Chicago fire tug Joseph Medill remains docked in Algoma, Wi. as its owners work to secure a permit from the Department of Natural Resources to sink her.

Members of the dive club Neptune's Nimrods hope to sink the retired fireboat Joseph Medill about 1.5 miles off Algoma to become a diving attraction.

Joseph Medill docked in Algoma last week.

Reported by: Wendell Wilke

Searchers seek 7th drowning victim on Lake Michigan

07/08
The bodies of six swimmers who drowned in storm-tossed waters along a three-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beaches were recovered over the weekend while the search for a seventh swimmer resumed Monday.

The swimmers got into trouble during a three-hour period after thunderstorms ripped across the lake Friday and hit western Michigan's Berrien County, kicking up waves and creating what the Coast Guard described as strong rip tides and an undercurrent. Three of the people who drowned reportedly were trying to rescue a boy in distress.

"Weather is a key factor," Coast Guard Petty Officer Melissa Pese said in St. Joseph, about 15 miles north of the stretch of beach where the swimmers disappeared.

Reported by: Dan Willson

Twin Ports Report

07/08
Twin Ports boatwatchers received a pleasant surprise Monday morning when dawn revealed J.A.W. Iglehart fueling at the Murphy Oil Dock. The vessel then proceeded to Lafarge’s Duluth terminal to finish unloading. The Iglehart was a frequent caller at Duluth-Superior until completion of the Alpena, which then took over most of the Lake Superior hauling. The Iglehart today only makes occasional visits to the Twin Ports.

Another infrequent visitor in port Monday was Pineglen. The former Paterson was loading at the Cenex Harvest States terminal. After it clears the elevator, the saltie Milo is expected to take the berth.

Also Monday, the Oglebay Norton called for coal. Paul R. Tregurtha was expected at the coal dock late in the evening.

Reported by: Al Miller

Alpena Update

07/08
The Wilfred Sykes arrived in the Thunder Bay River at the Alpena Oil Dock around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Many people watched as the Sykes made its way into port. This was a rare stop for the vessel as it came in to get engine repairs. The Sykes was originally heading to Stoneport to load when the problem occurred. Crews are expected to start working on Tuesday morning.

At Stoneport on Monday the Middletown was taking on cargo and the John G. Munson was scheduled to load after it.

Sykes inbound.
Passing the light.
Docked.
Middletown loading.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River Update

07/08
The Walter J. McCarthy Jr. was backing out into the Saginaw Bay at about 4 p.m. Monday after unloading coal at the Consumers Energy power plant in Essexville.

A large fire at a warehouse in Bay City does not appear to have affected shipping on the river but shoreline homes and marinas across the river were evacuated.

The Canadian Transfer was inbound early Monday evening, docking at the North Star dock in Essexville.

On Sunday, the Wilfred Sykes arrived in the morning to lighter at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City before continuing up to the Wirt dock in Saginaw in the afternoon to finish unloading.

The sailing vessel Appledore departed Bay City early Sunday morning to join the Tall Ships fleet on their tour of the Great Lakes. The Appledore plans to lead the fleet into Bay City in mid-August.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

Milwaukee Report

07/08
After a short dry spell traffic has increased in the Port of Milwaukee.

Sunday the Alpena was in port unloading cement. On Monday the Algorail was unloading a cargo of salt while local marine contractor Edward Gillen Company continued with their dock wall rebuilding project in the inner mooring basin. Later in the day the Susan Hanna with the cement barge Southdown Conquest arrived with a load of cement.

Algorail unloading.
Dock wall rebuilding project .

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Puffin in Ludington

07/08
On Monday the salt water ship Puffin remained at the Dow Chemical Dock. The vessel arrived last week.

Pictures by Becky W.
Docked.
Close up of the name.

Reported by: Jim Lindholm

Amherstburg Traffic

07/08
Detroit River Traffic as seen from Amherstburg, Ontario, July 6 & 7 Earl W Oglebay passing Boblo Island.
Close-up of Earl’s after superstructure and hull.
Mississagi passing Boblo Island.
Mississagi’s classic stern and stack.
Boblo ferry crossing astern of the Mississagi.
St Clair increasing speed after Check-Down at Amherstburg.
Joseph H Thompson pushing her way up the channel.
Joseph H Thompson passing Boblo Island.
Close-up of the tug in the notch.
CCGC Shark approaching the dock after a day of work on Lake Erie.
Evans McKeil in the notch.
Frontenac working her way upstream.
Frontenac looking spiffy with a relatively new paint job.
David Z Norton at Boblo Island.
The Norton’s bow pushing through the water.
McKee Sons just after turning up-channel.
Tug in the notch.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Erie News

07/08
The American Republic arrived in Erie for the second time in under a week on Monday to unload a cargo of stone. The vessel arrived at about 5 p.m. and turned in the basin, docking at the Mounfort Terminal to unload stone from Calcite.

Inbound.
Stern view.
J.S. St. John preparing to go out and dredge sand.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Buffalo Update

07/08
Monday was a busy day in Lackawanna, NY.

The salt water ship Lake Michigan backed out of the Bethlehem Slip/Lackawanna Canal at 6 p.m. while the Agawa Canyon waited at anchor just outside the breakwall. The Lake Michigan turned around inside the wall and then departed with the fireboat Edward M Cotter right behind her at 6:45 p.m.

After both boats made it out onto the lake, the Agawa Canyon came in and blew a salute to the fireboat as she passed. She then proceeded up the slip to unload salt at the Gateway Terminal.

On Sunday night the English River departed the Ohio St. Lafarge dock around 10 p.m. She went to anchor off Buffalo Harbor for the night.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Welland News

07/08
The museum ship Haida will be painted in its Korean War colors and will bear the number 215. The Haida has been undergoing repairs and maintenance work at Port Weller Dry Docks since last December. She will eventually be on display and open to the public in Hamilton, Ontario.

On Saturday the Haida was used for filming scenes for an up coming movie. Trevor Lacas, an 18 year old Niagara Falls resident received permission to film part of his first ever independent movie production aboard the destroyer.

Lacas, who will be in the film program at Niagara College in the fall, stars in this movie, which is based on one of the three survivors of the British Battleship Hood that was sunk during WWII. There was no release date announced for the film.

The Niagara regional Police unveiled a new $340,000 (C) patrol and rescue boat last week at Port Dalhousie, Ontario.

The 30-foot boat, built by Hike Metals checks in at just over 7 tons loaded. The top speed has been estimated at around 40 miles an hour, obtained by twin 24- valve turbo charged diesel engines, capable of about 630 HP.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Toronto Report

07/08
Rescue craft responded to a downed airplane off Toronto Island Monday morning. The privately owned American plane went off radar around 10 a.m. Rescue efforts were hampered by a thick blanket of fog on the lake. The trawler yacht Lady Kate reported wreckage and an oil slick about an hour later. Toronto Marine police units, the CGR 100 from Port Weller; auxiliary rescue vessel Relief out of Bluffer's Park; the firetug William Lyon Mackenzie; and the Works Dept. tug Ned Hanlan II all assisted in the search for the downed aircraft, as did a Hercules search and rescue plane.

On Sunday the harbor was graced by about 100 sailboats from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club participating in the annual Easter Seals Regatta. The firetug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie put on a water cannon display as vessels involved sailed past the RCYC tender Hiawatha, anchored off the Queen Quay Terminal Building.

The saltie Elikon remained at the Redpath Sugar dock. McKeil's harbor tugs Atomic and Glenevis returned to port from Oshawa.

The McNally tug Mister Joe is expected in port soon with another mile long section of pipe from Belleville, for the deep-water cooling project.

Reported by: Art Church

Soo Lock Tours

07/08
Below are recent images taken aboard the Lock Tours Canada boat Chief Shingwauk by Capt. John Chomniak. The pictures were taken during their two hour Sightseeing Lock Cruise that runs four times each day from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Visit Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises for more information on the Sightseeing Cruise or for charter information.

Mesabi Miner almost in the Poe 07-02.
Canadian Progress, Canadian Enterprise and the Gordon C. Leitch and 07-01.
Cedarglen downbound 06-30.
Cedarglen downbound above the Soo Locks 06-30.
Chief Shingwauk off the Purvis dock -07-01.
Duluth area tug Geri Ann 06-28.
Edgar B. Speer heading into the Poe Lock 07-01.
Gate Lifter Paul Bunyon 06-30.
Gate Lifter Paul Bunyon stern view 06-30.
Gordon C. Leitch heading for the Soo Locks 07-01.
James R. Barker downbound at mission point 07-03.
Lee A. Tregurtha upbound at Mission 07-01.
Lee A. Tregurtha upbound at Mission stern view 07-01.
Canadian Progress above the Soo Locks 07-01.
Algonova Unloading at Purvis Dock Soo 07-03.
Algonova unloading fuel at the Soo 07-03.
Algosteel 06-27.
American Mariner up at the Mission 06-30.
American Mariner up at the mission stern view 06-30.
Boatnerds are not the only ones watching St. Marys River traffic.
Bondar Marina full of tugs before parade time 06-27.
Burns Harbor at 8 mile 06-27.
Burns Harbor upbound Soo Harbor 07-03.
Canadian Miner 07-03.
Canadian Miner and Burns Harbor heading to the locks in a haze 07-03.
Canadian Miner bow view 07-03.
Canadian Miner Stern View 07-03.
Canadian Miner upbound Soo Harbor 07-03.
Walter J. McCarthy upbound in the lower harbor 07-02.
Paul R. Tregurtha departing the Poe Lock 07-02.
Paul R. Tregurtha sliding into the lower harbor 07-02.
Queensvile heading off to the races 06-28.
Roger Blough at Mission downbound 06-27.
Roger Blough meeting the Burns Harbor at 8 mile 06-27.
Roger Blough passing the Burns Harbor at 8 mile 06-27 Saginaw unloading stone at Algoma Steel 07-02.
Soo Tug Parade 06-27.
Tug Owen M. Frederick and a stone barge 06-27.
USACE Gate Lifter Paul Bunyon 06-30.

Reported by: Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Montreal Pictures

07/08
Below are recent images taken in Montreal.

Mapleglen and Oakglen side by side.
Looking forward from Mapleglen's deck.
Accomodations and wheel house.
Passenger lounge.
One of the four staterooms aboard the Mapleglen.
View aft.
Close up view of the engine room overhead crane, with the P & H logo.
Looking down at the turbines.
View of the boiler aboard Mapleglen.
Engine controls.
Chart room.
Crew dining room.
Stack.
Galley looks like it can serve up a good meal.
Starboard passageway.
Wheel indicator position.
Name on overhead crane.
Oakglen's main deck looking forward.
Wheelhouse.
Officer's dining area.
Starboard passageway looking aft.
Galley.
Crew's dining area.
Oakglen's engine room.
Starboard passage way.
Stack.
View from Mapleglen's stern of the Algosound.
Canmar Courage, Canmar Pride, and Canmar Trader.
Spruceglen downbound.
Thalassa Desgagnes up bound towards the Seaway.
Tourboat Cavaler Maxim up bound toward Montreal upper Harbor.
Nunavut Trader seen from the Mapleglen.
Nunavut Trader sec 56 June 30.
Stern view.
Nunavut Trader with the name of the Jensen Star visible under the present name.
Towing chains Nunavut Trader.
Petrolia Desgagnes down bound.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Makeevka and Lake Erie Views

07/08
The following images were take aboard Makeevka and Lake Erie on Sunday. The Ukrainian flag Makeevka was downbound with wheat from Thunder Bay enroute to Italy and Greece and will top off cargo in Port Cartier, QC before proceeding overseas. The 644 foot Makeevka was built in 1982 and is a sistership to fleetmate Dobrush.

The 1980 Belgium built Lake Erie was upbound after discharging a part cargo in Windsor. Lake Erie is regular caller to the lakes along with her sisters Lake Superior, Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan.

Walter J. McCarthy Jr. in the Huron Cut headed for Detroit Edison at Recors Point.
Makeevka downbound at the Blue Water Bridge(s).
Third Officer Andrew Reva with the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. in the background.
The Third Officer hails from Mariupol, Ukraine.
Inside the Bridge.
A line of intense thunder storms pass through at Belle Isle. A few moments later visibility was reduced to near zero.
Lake Erie discharging in Windsor at Morterm.
A steel slab about to be hoisted out of the hold.
Going over the side.
At 730 feet Lake Erie overhangs the berth.
Tug Stormont at her berth adjacent to Morterm.
Hatch closed. Preparing to get underway.
Backing out.
Backing out into the river.
Clear of the berth and heading to Milwaukee.
J.W. Westcott II delivers some charts for the vessel.
Pilot’s view of the Ambassador Bridge and downtown Detroit. Middletown and American Mariner can be seen ahead.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Weekly Updates

07/08
The regular weekly updates, including pictures from the Soo and the Detroit tug race, will be uploaded tonight. I've been pretty busy with the news page, sorry for the delay.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 8

LOUIS R. DESMARAIS was launched July 8,1977.

In 1918 a slip joint on the main steam line of the Ann Arbor #5 let go, killing four men and badly scalding one other. The dead were: Lon Boyd, W.T. Archie Gailbraith, 1st assistant engineer Arthur R. Gilbert, coal passer William Herbert Freeman, 2nd engineer.

In 1984 the Michigan-Wisconsin Transportation Company (MWT) resumed service to Milwaukee with disappointing results.

On 8 July 1908, JAMES G. BLAINE (formerly PENSAUKEE, wooden schooner-barge, 177'/555GT, built in 1867 at Little Sturgeon Bay, WI) was being towed in Lake Ontario by the tug WILLIAM G. PROCTOR. Her towline broke in a storm and she was driven ashore near Oswego, NY where the waves broke her up. No lives were lost. At the time of her loss, even though she was over 40 years old, she was still fully rigged as a 3-mast schooner.

On 8 July 1863, ALMIRA (2-mast wooden scow-schooner, 85', 80 t, built in 1849 at Black River, Ohio) was dismasted and capsized in a violent squall on Lake Ontario. All hands were lost. On 27 July, the cargo of barreled fish was found by the schooner M. L. COLLINS. The ALMIRA was found still afloat by the schooner PETREL on 30 July. She was rebuilt and sailed until December 1871 when she foundered in the ice.

On 8 July 1920, MARY WOOLSON (3-mast wooden schooner, 179', 709 gt, built in 1888 at bay City, MI) was being towed by the wooden steamer CHARLES D. BRADLEY along with the schooner-barge MIZTEC, when the BRADLEY slowed in mid-lake, causing both tows to ram her. The WOOLSON's bow was heavily damaged and she quickly sank 8 miles northeast of Sturgeon Point on Lake Huron. No lives were lost.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Tall Ships in Eire

07/07
Erie's tall ship festival only had three visiting boats instead of the five originally planned. The Larinda and Neis Kah did not arrive in port. The Larinda was in Fairport Harbor, while the Neis Kah had engine problems that kept her away. Organizers of this event are planning another in 2006, with eight to twelve ships. By then the downtown convention center and hotel will be open and Erie will be able to accommodate more ships.

Tarangini at dock.
Another View.
Stern View.
U.S. Brig Niagara and the Pride of Baltimore docked behind the Maritime Museum.
Another View.
Close Up of the Niagara.
Pride of Baltimore.
Richard Reiss in lay-up.
Another view.
Lansdowne.
Lansdowne's engine and paddle box.
Erie Pier head Light.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Tall Ships in Fair Port

07/07
The tall ships Bounty, Larinda, and Red Witch have been in Fairport for the last several days. They next head for Cleveland.

Bounty in Fairport on a hazy afternoon.
Rigging Silhouetted against the moon.
Stern carving colors are in the process of being restored.
Bounty's Main Mast.
Bounty's Mizzen Mast.
Red Witch.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

Upper Michigan Traffic

07/07
Below are images taken over the weekend.

Beaver Islander departing Charlevoix for Beaver Island.
Stern view.
American Girl in Greilickville, MI.
Stern view with Madeline in the background.
Sloop Welcome in Greilickville, MI.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse Northport, MI.
Another view.
Automated Light.
Fishtug Niibing Nimnido at Leland, MI.
Stern view.
Manitou Isle at Leland, MI.
Barge Great Lakes and tug Michigan at Greilickville, MI.
Beaver Island ferry Emerald Isle departing her dock in Charlevoix.
Away from her dock.
Passing.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Canmar Honour Dry Docked in Belgium

07/07
The Canmar Honour was in drydock Saturday at the Antwerp Ship Repair yard in Antwerp , Belgium. The vessel is under going normal maintenance work to the hull.

Pictures by: Frans Doomen
Bow view.
Stern.
View of dry dock.

Reported by: Chris Rombouts

Beauharnois Lock Traffic

07/07
Below are images taken Sunday at the Beauharnois Lock. The Algocen passed through and the James Norris was making a rare appearance in the Seaway in ballast on her way to Pointe Noire to load Iron ore for Hamilton.

Algocen approaching lock 3 at Beauharnois.
Algocen raised in lock 3.
James Norris making a rare appearance in the lower St. Lawrence between Lock 4 and Lock 3.
James Norris leaving Lock 3 preparing to cross lake St. Louis towards Cote Ste. Catherine, Lock 2.

Reported by:

Oshawa Update

07/07
On Wednesday the Regina Oldendorff finishing unloading steel beams, she had been in port since June 29. The Oldendorff departed for Hamilton with a cargo of steel plates.

Also in port is the tug Wyatt McKeil. This non-functional tug is being used as an accommodation tug for the relief crews of the Toronto Cooling pipe Tow.

Regina Oldendorff docked.
Acomodation Tug Wyatt McKeil .
Stern view.
Capt Dave Butt & Chief Engr Paul Hellor.
Regina Oldendorff accommodations & Bridge.
Regina Oldendorff bow view.
Regina Oldendorff port side superstructure.
Regina Oldendorff starting to go astern.
Atomic heading back to Oshawa.
Atomic leaving the Regina Oldendorff.
Atomic moving out to assist the Regina Oldendorff.
Atomic Returning to Oshawa at a good pace.
Atomic under the stern of the Regina Oldendorff.
Atomic's Capt Lee awaiting orders.
Capt Bob Baker of the Glenevis.
Capt Lee of the tug Atomic.
Easing Regina Oldendorff away from the Dock.
Glenevis awaiting orders.
Glenevis heading back to Oshawa.
Officers on the Bridge wing.
Regina Oldendorff leaving Oshawa.
Regina Oldendorff almost ready to leave.
Regina Oldendorff bow passing.
Regina Oldendorff crew waving goodbye.
Regina Oldendorff passing.

Reported by: Jim Gallacher

Port Huron Marine Mart

07/07
The annual Port Huron Marine Mart will be moving to the Seaway Terminal in Port Huron. It will be a bi-annual affair, the next one will be on Oct. 25. The 2004 Flea Market will be on Saturday, June 4.

Reported by: Cy Hudson

Today in Great Lakes History - July 7

The BURNS HARBOR's sea trials were conducted on July 7, 1980.

JEAN PARISIEN was launched July 7, 1977.

The DAVID Z. NORTON sailed on her maiden voyage July 7, 1973 as the WILLIAM R. ROESCH. She sailed light from Lorain to Superior, WI where she loaded 18,828 tons of iron ore on July 9th bound for Jones & Laughlin's Cuyahoga River plant at Cleveland.

In 1971 the City of Saginaw 31 went to Manitowoc for a thorough overhaul. While there, a fire broke out July 29 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.

On 7 July 1895, IDA MAY BROWN (wooden schooner, 53'/20GT, built 1884 at Charlevoix, MI) was carrying gravel when her cargo shifted in heavy weather. She capsized and later drifted to the beach near Michigan City, IN. Her crew was rescued by the U.S. Lifesavers.

On 7 July 1851, GALLINIPPER (wooden schooner, 95', 145 t, built in 1846 at Milwaukee on the hull of NANCY DOUSMAN) capsized and foundered in a white squall in Lake Michigan. The wreck drifted to a point about 10 miles SSE of Manitowoc where it sank.

On 7 July 1895, I. MAY BROWN (wooden schooner, 53', 20 gt, built in 1884 at Charlevoix, MI) was near Michigan City, Indiana with a load of gravel when her cargo shifted in heavy seas and she capsized, later drifting to the beach. Her crew was rescued by the U. S. Lifesavers.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Frantz Visits Manistee

07/06
The Joseph H. Frantz made her first trip to Manistee in Great Lakes Associates colors on Saturday. The Frantz arrived at 2:25 p.m. and headed up the Manistee River for the Seng #1 dock.

She had loaded a cargo of stone in Port Inland on Friday evening. The vessel last visited Manistee on September 18th, 2001 when she brought in a load of coal for PCA from Conneaut, Ohio. Up until then she was the regular stone boat, arriving Manistee several times a year.

In other Manistee news, the Mississagi visited Manistee on Thursday with a split load of trap rock from Bruce Mines, Ontario. The vessel unloaded 4,700 tons in Ludington, 5,500 tons in Manistee and the remainder of her cargo in Grand Haven.

The tug Tony McKay and barge KTC 115 was back in Manistee on Friday to take on another load of brine. Manistee has seen a vessel a day for the past four days, making for a busy summer stretch.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Earl W. in Erie

07/06
The Earl W. Oglebay visited Erie for the first time in 2003 on Saturday, arriving at 5 p.m. to unload stone from Cedarville.

Instead of taking the normal approach through the middle of the channel, the Oglebay's crew followed the pleasure boat traffic and came in on the north side of the channel to allow pleasure boats ample room to pass. The vessel made a wide turn and docked at the Old Ore Dock at about 5:30 to unload.

In other port news, U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie has taken command of a new 27 foot boat, 279523. The 27-foot Boston Whaler has twin 200 horsepower outboard motors which increase the Coast Guard's ability to conduct long range patrols. The crew complement of the new boat is four people, and allows the Coast Guard to dedicate a vessel to homeland security and law enforcement.

This is the first time that the station has had three boats since June 1999, when it had 44 foot, 41 foot and 21 foot boats. Two of those were replaced with a 47 foot motor lifeboat when Chief Petty Officer Kurt Rugenius took command of the station. It currently has a 23 foot vessel, along with the 47 and 27 foot boats.

Oglebay inbound.
Close Up.
Docking.
Another View.
USCG 279523.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Tony Mackay Enjoys Fireworks

07/06
McKeil Marine's tug, Tony Mackay took the opportunity on Friday to enjoy Manistee's Forest Festival Fireworks. The tugboat docked her barge, the KTC 115, at General Chemical on Manistee lake and then proceeded outbound through the river. She tied up to the North pier for the evening.

The crew had an excellent vantage point for Manistee's fireworks and activities. With the fun over, the crew returned the tug to its barge at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

With the tug Evans McKeil and barge Ocean Hauler on Lake Ontario and the Capt Ralph Tucker not due back in Manistee for two weeks it may be slow at the General Chemical dock over the next few days. The Mackay is expected to conduct the Manistee - Amherstburg shuttle for some time.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Coast Guard Station Marblehead patrols water over holiday

07/06
U.S. Coast Guard Station Marblehead stayed busy as boaters went to the water to celebrate Independence Day.

The threat of an incoming storm wasn't enough to keep many people off Lake Erie, but when the rain began to pour down, the calls began to pour in.

Starting around 2 p.m., Station Marblehead received 16 distress calls within the next hour and a half. The calls ranged from boaters who had run aground when trying to hastily seek shelter to a sailboat that overturned.

Two Coast Guard boats were already underway, patrolling the water and preparing for the storm. When the storm came in, one boat stood by in West Harbor, the other near Ballast Island, ready to answer the first call.

The two boats couldn't answer all the calls alone. Soon, a third Coast Guard rescue boat and two Coast Guard Auxiliary boats were dispatched.

The Coast Guard, working with other rescue agencies and good Samaritans, ensured all calls were responded to and everyone was taken to safety. The storm passed in about an hour and cleared most people from the lake for the rest of the day. Not everyone, however, was finished celebrating.

After responding to a flare sighting just off the Davis Bessie Nuclear Power Plant and searching for a possible person in the water in Cranberry Creek, Station Marblehead closed the night by terminating the voyage of an owner who was operating the boat while under the influence of alcohol.

The Coast Guard responded to distresses stretching across their 42 miles of coverage and patrolled the waters for nearly 16 hours.

Reported by: Cindy Marshall

Rouge Traffic

07/06
The Halifax was inbound the Rouge River Friday going to St. Mary's Cement around 4 p.m. with the tugs Maine and Wyoming assisting. The Lee A. Tregurtha was inbound around 7 p.m. and laid alongside the Marblehead Dock waiting for power to be restored to the Fort St. Bridge. All the other bridges had power except the Short Cut which was running on generator power and able to operate normally.

The tug James A. Hannah and her barge were loading at Marathon Fort St. The tug left the barge to get fuel at Sterling Fuel.

Wyoming outbound.
Maine outbound.
Lee A. Tregurtha inbound.
War ribbons on the pilothouse.
Close up of her stack.
James A. Hannah outbound.

Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

James Norris Unloads

07/06
On Thursday the James Norris unloaded a cargo of stone in Clarkson, Ontario.

Unloading.
Another view.
View from the dock.

Reported by: Neil Walsh

Soo Lock Tours

07/06
Below are recent images taken aboard the Lock Tours Canada boat Chief Shingwauk by Capt. John Chomniak. The pictures were taken during their two hour Sightseeing Lock Cruise that runs four times each day from the Roberta Bondar Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Visit Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises for more information on the Sightseeing Cruise or for charter information.

Charles M. Beeghly upbound at six mile point June 20.
A front row seat heading into the Algoma Steel Mill aboard the Chief Shingwauk -June 17.
A Wagenborg vessel in front of USCG Group Soo Dock June 17.
Algolake entering the Mac Lock downbound-June 16.
Algolake going to the Mac Lock as seen from the Poe Lock June 17.
Algoville heading under the Bridges at the Soo June 24.
American Mariner Upbound June 23.
Atlantic Huron Bow View June 16.
Atlantic Huron Stern view June 16.
Atlantic Huron up at Mission June 16.
Atlantic Huron upbound above the Soo Locks June 16.
Canadian Enterprise departing Mac Lock bow view June 24.
Canadian Enterprise departing Mac Lock Stern View June 24.
Charles M Beeghly heading out at Algoma beyond the bow of the Rubin Lark June 24.
Charles M Beeghly heading out at Algoma beyond the bow of the Rubin.
Charles M. Beeghly stern view at dusk June 20.
David Z Norton Stern View June 16.
David Z Norton Upbound at Mission June 16.
Series showing the H Lee White and the Chief Shingwauk locking up together on June 17.
Locking up together #2.
Locking up together #3 .
Locking up together #4.
Locking up together #5.
Locking up together #6 .
Locking up together #7.
Locking up together #8.
Locking up together #9.
Heading to the Mac Lock with tug Anglian Lady while the Arthur M. Anderson departs the Poe Lock June 25.
Michipicoten Waiting to start discharging her first load of Iron Ore June 16.
Herbert C Jackson Backing out of Algoma June 24.
Herbert C. Jackson engine room door -June 24.
Another view.
Indiana Harbor upbound below the Soo Locks -June 23.
Joe Franz Heading for the Mac Lock June 16.
Joe Franz Making the wall June 16.
Kaye E Barker about to take on Supplies June 24.
Kaye E Barker and the Ojibway heading down the harbor together June 24.
LeLevant departing the Davis Lock while the Herbert C. Jackson.
Michipicoten at Algoma Steel as seen from the Chief Shingwauk June 16.
Michipicoten backing out of Algoma Steel June 24.
Michipicoten clearing the Mac Lock June 24.
Michipicoten going astern June 24.
Michipicoten Stem view June 24.
Michipicoten Unloading at Algoma June 16.
Michipicoten Unloading with dock crane in background June 16.
Underway at sun rise.
Yankcanuck warming up to leave for her gypsum run, June 17.
Paul R. along the wall June 23.
Paul R. upbound at the Soo June 23.
Presque Isle Downbound for the Poe June 16.
Presque Isle Stern View June 16.
Purvis Tug Anglian Lady June 25.
Purvis Tugs Martin E. Johnson and the Reliance June 23.
Reliance at Purvis Dock June 20.
Reserve downbound June 19.
Rubin Lark unloading Steel tube billets June 23.
Saginaw loading at Algoma Steel's Export Dock June 23.
Saginaw docked at the Sewell Avery June 23.
Another view.
Stewart Cort departing Poe Lock June 16.
Stewart J. Cort Upbound under the Bridges June 19.

Reported by: Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises

Today in Great Lakes History - July 6

The CACOUNA's bow was damaged in a collision with the Greek tanker CAPTAIN JOHN on the fog-shrouded St. Lawrence River July 6, 1971. The CACOUNA was repaired by replacing her bow with that of her near sistership the SILLERY which was being scrapped.

ASHCROFT was used to haul ore, grain and coal only on the upper Great Lakes until July 6, 1932 when she was able to enter Lake Ontario through the newly expanded Welland Canal. On that trip ASHCROFT, loaded with grain from Fort William, Ont. for Kingston, Ont., was the largest vessel to traverse the canal to date.

The keel was laid for the GOVERNOR MILLER in 1937.

The COLUMBIA STAR set a record for the Head-Of-The-Lakes coal trade. The vessel loaded 70,903 net tons of low-sulfur coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1997.

On 6 July 1836, YOUNG LION (2-mast, wooden schooner, 73"/83T, built in 1830 at buffalo, NY) was carrying railroad iron and lumber. About 12 miles from Erie, PA, in rough weather, her seams opened and she quickly sank with just her topmasts left above the water. 3 died, but 5 managed to clamber up the masts and hold on until the schooner NEW YORK rescued them.

On 6 July 1871, CASTALIA (2-mast wooden schooner, 119', 242 gt, built in 1847 as a brig at Sandusky, Ohio) was on her way to pick up lumber at the camp at Byuing Inlet, Georgian Bay, when she came too close to Cove Island Reef and stranded in 3' of water. Although not badly damaged, she was about a mile from deep water. Tugs could not get to her and she was sailing light, so there was no cargo to lighten. She was stripped and abandoned. She finally broke up in a storm on 12 July 1871.

On 6 July 1871, the Detroit newspapers (Detroit Free Press and Detroit Daily Post) both published articles stating that there were rumors on the docks regarding the tug TAWAS having her boiler explode on Saginaw Bay. The rumors originated with sailors from Port Huron and proved to be unfounded. However, in a sense this rumor turned into a prediction since TAWAS did blow her boiler about three years later (14 May 1874) on Lake Huron off Rock Falls, Michigan. At that time 6 crew members perished.

Data from: 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

Michipicoten Upbound

07/05
The Michipicoten was upbound in the Detroit River Thursday stopping for a crew change at Sterling Fuel in Windsor.

On Wednesday the vessel made her first trip to the lower lakes under the new name heading to unload in Cleveland. The Michipicoten unloaded stone at the cement dock, old Dock 24.

She departed Sterling Fuels upbound to continue her Marquette to Algoma Steel run.

Sterling Fuel employees.
Crew waiting for Michipicoten for crew change.
Michipicoten arrives at Sterling Fuel.
Another view.

Reported by: T. Parker and Bill Kloss

Haida Returns to Dry Dock

07/05
The museum ship HMCS Haida was moved back into the shallow dry dock Thursday at Port Weller Dry Docks. She was assisted by the Lac Como and James E. McGrath.

The Haida has been at the dry docks under going extensive reconditioning before her final move to Hamilton, Ont. where she will be opened as a museum ship.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Biggest container ships on the St. Lawrence River

07/05
This year Canada Maritime (CanMar division of CP Ships) will introduce two Asian built containers ships for the Montreal Gateway.

CanMar will first take delivery of the CanMar Venture in July from the Daewoo Shipbuilding Industries of South Korea. Then later in September, the CanMar Spirit will join the fleet also built by Daewoo.

Both ships were designed to operate by the specific requirements of the St-Lawrence River trade.

The Canada Maritime and The Cargo Letter report that each ship will be 965 feet (294m) long, 105 feet (32m) wide, 35.3 feet (10.78m) draught with a speed of 22 nautical knots and a capacity of 4,100 teu (twenty feet equivalent units).

Both names have been used in the past by now retired previous CanMar ships.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Buffalo in Holland

07/05
On Friday the Buffalo entered the Lake Michigan port of Holland, Mi. with a load of stone. She finished unloading and departed about 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo outbound.

Reported by: Jim Marshall

Marquette News

07/05
The John J. Boland arrived in Marquette Friday and loaded taconite, joining her fleet mate American Mariner who was able to finish her unloading and then load.

No other vessels are expected until the Michipicoten's arrival on Sunday, followed by the Kaye Barker.

American Mariner stern view from harbor.
Fleetmates American Mariner and John J. Boland loading.
John J. Boland stern.
John J. Boland taking a dusty load.
Marquette Harbor breakwall light.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Report

07/05
Friday saw three vessels at the Lafarge dock in Alpena, Mi. The Paul H. Townsend was docked at the old dock in temporary lay-up.

The J.A.W Iglehart arrived before 6 p.m. to take on cement for Superior , WI. The steamer Alpena followed shortly after the Iglehart and tied up at the coal dock to wait for its turn to load under the silos.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

07/05
Friday was a great day for boatwatching on the Saginaw River.

The Maumee was outbound early Friday morning after unloading during the night at the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw.

The Wilfred Sykes was inbound Friday morning stopping at the Essexville Sand and Stone Dock to lighter. She continued upriver, calling on the Wirt Dock in Saginaw to finish unloading. The Sykes had turned at Sixth Street and was outbound during the afternoon.

The Alpena departed the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton early Friday and was outbound passing through Bay City around 10am. She had arrived in the river on Wednesday.

The Pathfinder-Dorothy Ann was inbound Friday morning stopping on the edge of the channel at Consumers Energy to allow the downbound Alpena to pass. In the process, the Pathfinder became hung up and worked for about 45 minutes to free herself. She continued upriver to the Burroughs Dock to unload and was again on her way outbound during the evening hours.

The Cuyahoga also called on the Saginaw River early Friday morning unloading at the Bay City Wirt Dock. Once finished, she turned in the Wirt Basin and waited for the upbound Pathfinder to clear before departing outbound for the lake.

The Agawa Canyon was inbound late Friday night making her first visit of the season to the Saginaw River. She indicated in her security call that she would be unloading at the Buena Vista Dock. The Agawa Canyon is expected to be outbound early Saturday morning.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Alpena outbound nearing the Front Range.
Stern view.
Alpena passing the Pathfinder-Dorothy Ann.
Another view Alpena & Pathfinder.
Pathfinder hung up on the edge of the channel.
Stern view upbound at Bay City Wirt.
Cuyahoga unloading at Bay City Wirt.
Turning at the Wirt Turning Basin.
Cuyahoga close up.
Cuyahoga passing the Pathfinder-Dorothy Ann.
Another view.

Thursday traffic
Sam Laud downbound past Cass Ave.
Stern view.
Maumee upbound at Consumers Energy.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

St. Clair and Detroit River Traffic

07/05
Below are images taken July 3

Menasha leaving Sarnia.
The house that was floated. It’s now safe & sound on Russell Island.
Joseph H Frantz upbound.
Diamond Queen passing astern.
Dorothy Ann upbound at Windsor.
Unloading the W N Twolan barge.
W N Twolan.
Calumet unloading at National Steel.
Manitou passing.
Arthur M Anderson upbound at Amherstburg.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Detroit Traffic

07/05
Traffic passing Detroit on Thursday.

Canadian Progress and tug Manitou downbound at Zug Island. Progress has a problem with her controllable pitch propeller and had the Manitou to assist in the Detroit River.
Another view.
Algolake downbound just beginning the turn to the Short Cut to unload a cargo of coal.
Close up.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Erie Update

07/05
The Algoway arrived in Erie late on Thursday night, about an hour ahead of schedule. The vessel arrived shortly before mid night and turned in the basin before docking at the Mounfort Terminal. The Algoway delivered a cargo of trap rock from Bruce Mines, Ontario.

Friday about 7:45 a.m. the Algoway had completed unloading and was ready to depart, but waited for the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II to pass. About five minutes later the vessel slowly began to back away from the Mounfort Terminal, using the bow thruster to turn the vessel into the channel before departing for Bruce Mines.

Saturday the Earl W. Oglebay is due at 4:30 p.m. to unload stone from Cedarville.

Algoway at the Mounfort Terminal.
Unloading.
Backing away from the dock.
Turning using the bow thruster.
Moving forward.
Outbound.
Crew Members on Deck.
Stern View Outbound.
Pride of Baltimore II inbound.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Toronto Update

07/05
On Thursday afternoon the tall ships True North of Toronto and the Kingston based Faire Jean departed Toronto. The James Norris departed Thursday.

Friday the newest tourist attraction "Shark Attack" was out in the harbor for Coast Guard certification trials. The Shark Attack is a high-speed jet boat tour operating from Pier 35 with the vessel Shark 1.

The tour vessel Enterprise 2000, which was hauled out at the Atlas crane at Pier35, on Wednesday, for inspection, was relaunched Thursday and resumed service Friday.

Reported by: Art Church

Brockville Traffic

07/05
Below are images taken on Thursday.

Samson II had towed a new dock to Brockville and was busily installing it at the Brockville Row Club facilities. The dock is intended to withstand the winter's ice..
Kopalnia Borynia passed Brockville upbound into Lake Ontario.
Close up.
Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin passed Brockville at 6:10 p.m. upbound into Lake Ontario.
Close up.

Reported by: Keith Giles

Quebec Harbor Traffic

07/05
Liberian Bulker Torm Pacific off-loading grain at section 18 from Finland then on to Montreal in ballast Friday afternoon. The Liberian bulker Hill Plenty departed for Macaraibo Venezuela with grain.

CSL's Spruceglen was waiting to move to section 18 to off-load grain from the Lakes. The Algowood was waiting to load grain for a Great Lakes port. The John B Aird was loading ore for the Lakes.

The Holland American Cruise ship Rotterdam from Charlottetown PEI, departing late afternoon for Montreal. The small U.S. cruise ship Nantucket Clipper was in port for two days from Montreal.

The tanker Saturn arrived from Hamilton, Ont at the Ultramar terminal to load gasoline for the lakes. The Greek 81,148 GRT tanker Cap George was expected Friday night for Ultramar Marine Terminal with Norwegian crude oil from Mongstad.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

07/05
Tuvaq departing Montréal for the Arctic June 20 .
Tuvaq, stern view, Montreal June 20.
Roberto Rizzo downbound off Verchères from Montréal June 22 .
Queen Trader downbound off Verchères from Seaway June 24 .
Europa upbound off Verchères to Montréal June 28 .
Europa, stern view, June 28.
C.T.M.A. Vacancier upbound off Verchères to Montréal June 26 .
Vacancier from the photo boat, June 26.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Today in Great Lakes History - July 5

PAUL H. CARNAHAN was launched in 1945 as a) HONEY HILL, a T2-SE-Al World War II Fuel Tanker, for U.S. Maritime Commission.

July 5, 1991 - Charles Conrad announced he had formed a corporation to purchase the Ludington carferry operation from Michigan-Wisconsin Transportation Company.

JUSTIN R. WHITING was launched on 5 July 1874 at Langell's yard at the mouth of the Pine River in St. Clair, Michigan. Her dimensions were 144' x 26'2" x 11'6". Although built to be a self-powered steam barge, she was towed as a regular barge during her first season of operation.

IDA CORNING (2-mast wooden barge, 168', 444 gt) was launched in E. Saginaw, Michigan on 5 July 1881. She was built for L. P. Mason & Company of E. Saginaw. In 1858, her rig was changed to that of a 2-mast schooner. She lasted until abandoned at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1928.

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 include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Buckthorn in Marquette

07/04
The Sault Ste. Marie based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Buckthorn arrived in Marquette early Thursday morning. The cutter is expected to remain in port for July 4th to assist in port security.

Reported by: Chad Michaels

Tall Ships in Erie

07/04
Five tall ships are expected to stop in Erie, Pennsylvania over the weekend. The five are participating in a program sponsored by the Port Authority and the Erie Maritime Museum called "Big Boats on the Bay II: Ships at Rest in Port Erie."

At about 10:30 a.m. Thursday the Tarangini made arrangements with the harbormaster to dock at the north face of the pier in port. Three other tall ships, the Neis Kah, Serenity, and Larinda would be docking there also.

The fifth tall ship due, the Pride of Baltimore II, was scheduled to dock behind the Maritime Museum, across from the Brig Niagara.

Both the Niagara and Pride of Baltimore II will be open for tours with the purchase of admission to the Maritime Museum. The hours they are open are: Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The Tarangini is open for free tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, the Neis Kah, Serenity, and Larinda are only open for dockside viewing.

In commercial news for the port of Erie, the Algoway was due at about 1 a.m. on Friday to unload a cargo of trap rock from Bruce Mines. On Saturday the Earl W. Oglebay is due with a load of stone from Cedarville.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Marquette Update

07/04
The American Mariner continues to try to unload a difficult load of coke breeze. She is on her third day of unloading. Because the ore dock is loaded with ore for her, some ships expected have been cancelled.

The Charles Beeghly is loading Thursday. The Michipicoten is expected on the 5th, and the Kaye Barker has been moved back to the 6th. The John J. Boland may be cancelled.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Toronto Update

07/04
Departing Wednesday were the Indian Navy sail training vessel Tarangini around 9 a.m. and the cement carrier Stephen B. Roman around noon. The self-unloader James Norris arrived overnight and berthed at Pier 52, most likely to have some repair work done.

Around 11 a.m. the McKeil harbor tugs Atomic and Glenevis brought Canadian Mariner back into port from the anchorage in Humber Bay, where the Mariner had served as a fireworks platform for Canada Day celebrations. The Mariner was rafted to Canadian Provider at Pier 35, after which, the McKeil tugs departed for Oshawa.

The charter vessel Enterprise 2000 has been hauled out for repairs by the Atlas crane at Pier 35. The saltie Elikon continues unloading raw sugar at the Redpath dock. The Toronto Regional Conservation Authority's workboat Aqualab was working around the harbor Wednesday taking water samples.

The American mega yacht Trilogy arrived in port during the afternoon and docked at Pier 4.

McNally Construction Inc.'s tugs were moving dredges and barges and they were towing lengths of pipe. McKeil's tug Carrol C. 1 is expected to arrive Friday from McNally's Belleville yard with another mile long length of pipe for the deep-water cooling project.

Reported by: Bill Bird and Art Church

Fairport Harbor

07/04
The Arthur M. Anderson paid a rare visit to Fairport, Ohio harbor on Wednesday to unload stone. The Anderson arrived on a beautiful morning at about 6:00 a.m. to unload at the Osborne dock. The cargo had been loaded in Stoneport.

This is an unusual trip for the Anderson. Usually the Philip R. Clarke handles stone runs into Fairport.

In Ashtabula, the Jean Parisien was loading coal while the Algosoo was anchored outside of the breakwall, awaiting her turn at the loading dock.

Anderson passes the Fairport lighthouse.
Another view.
Close up of the bow.
Stern View.
Jean Parisien loads in Ashtabula.
Stern View.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers barge tied up on the other side of the coal dock.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

St. Clair River - Fawn Island Gathering

07/04
A day of boat watching and river cruising is planned for July 12. Lesley & Barry Hiscocks and George Lee from Hammond Bay River Cruises are hosting the exclusive "Boatnerd" outing. Click here for Details

Today in Great Lakes History - July 4

The WILLIS B. BOYER museum ship was opened to the public in 1987.

In 1976 the SAM LAUD grounded entering Buffalo, NY. She was dry docked at Lorain, OH for repairs to bottom plates of No. 1, 2 and 3 port and starboard tanks.

Also on this day in 1976, the H. Lee White struck the Algoma Steel plant dock at the Canadian Soo resulting in damages to her stern amounting to $108,000 at the repair yard of Sturgeon Bay.

The JOSEPH S. YOUNG (1) was commissioned July 4, 1957. She was the first of seven T2 tanker conversions for Great Lakes service.

On July 4, 1953, the John G. Munson set a Great Lakes record for limestone by loading 21,011 tons of limestone at Calcite, Michigan. This record for limestone stood until being broken by the Canada Steamship Lines self-unloader Manitoulin late in the 1966 season.

July 4, 1952 - The Pere Marquette 18 (II) was laid up due to railroad strike. She was never to operate again.

The wooden propeller freighter MAINE, owned by Northern Transportation Co., had sailed from Chicago and was on Lake Ontario on 4 July 1871, when Fireman Orsebius Kelley stoked the fire at 8:00 PM and went to the porter's room to get a lamp. When he returned, the boiler exploded with such force that Kelley was mortally wounded and died later. The blast also killed Engineer M. H. Downer, deckhand Joshua Kelley (the fireman's brother), Halbert Butterfield (a 13 year old passenger) and his mother. The MAINE still floated after the blast. She was repaired and put back in service. Including this boiler explosion, she had four major mishaps in her career. She sank in 1872, burned in 1898, and finally burned again in 1911.

One hundred years ago, on 4 July 1900 during her maiden voyage from St. Clair, Michigan to Cleveland, Ohio, the wooden steam barge ALFRED MITCHELL ran aground at Bar Point Light. It was claimed that the steering gear broke which rendered the boat unmanageable. Later that same day the MITCHELL was released by the wrecker SAGINAW.

About 9:00 PM on 4 July 1874, the steam barge W. H. BARNUM, with the schooner THOMAS W. FERRY in tow, collided with the bark S. V. R. WATSON near Point Pelee on Lake Erie. The WATSON sank in 28' of water. She was raised about two weeks later by the Coast Wrecking Company.

July 4, 1958 - The keel for the second of two new bulk freighters for Interlake Steamship Co. was laid at Great Lakes Engineering Works shipyard at River Rouge, Michigan on Wednesday morning June 25. Now known as Hull 302, the ship will be 689 ft. long, 75 ft. beam and 37-1/2 ft. molded depth with a designed maximum cargo capacity of about 24,000 tons. H. C. Downer & Associates of Cleveland did the design work. The ship will be powered by a 6,000 shp steam turbine main engine with coal-fired boilers. Interlake's other new ship, the 710-ft. flagship JOHN SHERWIN, joined the Great Lakes bulk cargo fleet in May of this year.
Hull 302 was eventually named HERBERT C. JACKSON.

Data from: Max Hanley, Jody Aho, 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

Republic in Erie

07/03
The American Republic made her first visit of the 2003 season to Erie on Wednesday. The vessel gave an hour security call shortly after 2 a.m. inbound for the Mounfort Terminal.

The Republic turned in Presque Isle Bay before docking to unload a cargo of stone from Calcite. The Republic departed Erie at about 10 a.m., with the vessel leaving the Mounfort Terminal and then swinging in her boom and heading out.

Republic unloading.
Outbound.
Stern View.
Passing the Lighthouse.
Outbound in the lake.
Big Tony, Erie's last commercial fisherman, inbound.
Yacht Elegante, registered in Naples, Florida, outbound after spending the night in Erie.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Twin Ports Report

07/03
Great Lakes Trader paid an unusual call Wednesday to the DMIR ore dock. It spent much of the sweltering day backed into the slip with its boom unloading stone into the hopper. Once finished and the cleaned out, it was expected to load taconite pellet.

Another visitor of note was the Middletown, which crept into the Duluth ship canal in mid afternoon bound for the Cutler Magner dock to unload. It was due next in Silver Bay to load a downbound cargo.

Elsewhere in the Twin Ports, Lady Hamilton continued to load at Cargill and Kwintebank was loading at the General Mills elevator in Superior. Indiana Harbor was loading coal at SMET and Stewart J. Cort was expected in late in the day at BNSF ore dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

07/03
The American Mariner had a difficult day unloading coke breeze to the point that she left the unloader on Wednesday so the Lee A. Tregurtha could pull in and drop her load of coal.

After unloading, the Tregurtha moved to the north side of the dock to take on her load of ore so the American Mariner could return to the unloading hopper and continue.

The Mariner will take on a load of ore once she finishes unloading. The Charles M. Beeghly and Kaye E. Barker are expected on Thursday morning, with the John J. Boland scheduled for later in the day. The Michipicoten is expected late on Friday.

Lee A. Tregurtha unloading coal.
Lee A. Tregurtha backing away from the south side of the dock while the American Mariner waits in the harbor.
Lee A. Tregurtha using bow thrusters while approaching the north side of the dock.
American Mariner arriving after the Lee A. Tregurtha is tied up.
Dock workers watch from above.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Busy Day on Green Bay

07/03
Wednesday morning was a busy one. First to arrive was the Catherine Desgagnes hauling a load of pig iron to the Fox River Dock. About a half hour behind her was the Fred R. White heading up to Georgia Pacific with a load of coal.

Wednesday afternoon the Agawa Canyon paid a visit to Marinette with a cargo of salt for Marinette Fuel & Dock. The Canyon is the third vessel to unload salt in Marinette this season. In May the Algosteel unloaded two cargoes of salt. After unloading in Marinette the Canyon is scheduled to go to Port Inland, MI to load stone.

Pictures by Dick Lund and Scott Best
Agawa Canyon arriving off Menominee Lighthouse.
Close up.
Past the lighthouse.
Close up in the river.
Approaching the dock.
Preparing to unload.
Unloading at MF&D.
Wide view unloading.
Catherine Desgagnes inbound Green Bay.
Inbound Fox River.
Making the turn into the Fox River Dock.
Heading into Fox River Dock.
Fred R. White inbound past Grassy Island in Green Bay.
Close-up.
Inbound under Tower Drive Bridge.
Approaching Main Street Bridge.
Passing C. Reiss Dock.
Passing through train bridge above C. Reiss.
Passing LaFarge and the S. T. Crapo.
Approaching Lewis G. Harriman at Leicht Dock.
Through the final train bridge below Georgia Pacific.
Making the turn into Georgia Pacific.
At Georgia Pacific Dock.

Reported by: Jason Leino, Dick Lund and Scott Best

Saginaw Update

07/03
The Wilfred Sykes was inbound the Saginaw River shortly before midnight on Tuesday headed for the Bay City Wirt Dock. Once there, she will unload Wash Pond Sand before continuing upriver to the Saginaw Wirt Dock to unload 26A and Drain Stone. The Sykes is expected to be outbound during the day on Wednesday.

Also visiting the Saginaw River is the Navel Cadet Training Ship Grey Fox. The Grey Fox will be conducting public tours and cruises for selected groups and sponsors until her scheduled departure on Saturday.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Todd Shorkey and Lon Morgan

07/03
Ship photos from St. Clair river, July 1.

Just a sailboat in Sarnia.
Puffin upbound as the light fades.
Little Coast Guard boat setting a boundary for the fireworks display. Dwarfed by the Puffin.
Kaye E Barker passing Port Huron in the dark.
Fireworks from Sarnia.
More fireworks.
These digital cameras are awesome, I didn’t even use a tripod.
More fireworks.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Rouge River Traffic

07/03
Below are images taken on Tuesday.

Close quarters. Kaye E Barker passing the barge St Marys Cement II and tug Sea Eagle II at the Blue Circle Cement Dock in the Rouge River
Another view.
St Marys Cement II and tug Sea Eagle II.
Kaye E Barker passing through the Dix Avenue Bridge on her way to Rouge Steel.
Heading for Rouge.
Fireboat Curtis Randolph in the Rouge Steel Slip in Dearborn.
Tug Jimmy L at Fordson Island.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Today in Great Lakes History - July 3

The JOHN B. AIRD was christened June 3, 1983 at Thunder Bay for Algoma Central Marine, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The ROGER BLOUGH was moved out of the dry dock on June 3, 1972.

In 1954 the CLIFFS VICTORY successfully completing her sea trials.

The FRANK ARMSTRONG departed light from Ashtabula, OH on her maiden voyage in command of Captain H. Chesley Inches June 3, 1943 bound for Superior, WI to load iron ore.

The PATERSON (1) entered service on June 3, 1954 with 440,000 bushels of wheat from Port Arthur.

On 3 July 1872, the wooden steam barge MARY MILLS was launched at P. Lester's yard at Marysville, Michigan.

On 3 July 1872, GRACE DORMER (wooden propeller passenger & package freight ferry, 71', 66 gt, built in 1868 at Buffalo, NY) had just finished loading a cargo of fish at St. James, Beaver Island, when she caught fire and burned. One life was lost. The vessel was rebuilt and lasted until she burned at the bone-yard at Grand Island, New York in 1925.

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

Block Unloads

07/02
Monday afternoon the Joseph L. Block was unloading a cargo of limestone at the C. Reiss Dock in Escanaba, MI. The Block loaded its cargo of limestone at Port Inland, MI.

Unloading.
Another view.

Reported by: Scott Best

Alpena Update

07/02
The cement boats have been busy loading at Lafarge.

The J.A.W Iglehart arrived in port about 8 a.m. on Tuesday. It loaded cement and left by early afternoon bound for Milwaukee. The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity was also in port late Tuesday evening loading.

The steamer Alpena is also expected to take on cargo early Wednesday morning, after the Integrity departs. The Paul H. Townsend is expected into port before noon on Wednesday.

At Stoneport on Tuesday the Wilfred Sykes and the Arthur M. Anderson took on stone cargos.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Marquette Update

07/02
The American Mariner brought a load of coal to Marquette on Tuesday, and had a difficult time unloading it. She was still unloading past the time for her to be taking on a load of taconite.

The Lee A. Tregurtha is due in Wednesday morning, also with a load of coal, but will have to wait for the Mariner to finish so she can take that spot at the unloader.

Amrican Mariner unloading.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Coast Guard Assists Diver

07/02
A diver is in good condition at Lutheran General Hospital in Chicago, IL, after he surfaced too quickly from a dive near Waukegan, IL, and experienced mild decompression sickness. The operator of the dive boat Enterprise contacted the U.S. Coast Guard Station Kenosha after one of five divers ascended too quickly.

The vessel immediately proceed into Waukegan, IL, and Station Wilmette launched their 30-foot rescue boat to provide assistance.

The Ninth District Flight Surgeon was briefed and recommended oxygen be administered to the diver who was reported to be feeling better. The rescue boat met the dive boat and transferred an EMT onboard. The dive boat safely moored in Waukegan and transferred the diver to EMS ashore.

Reported by: Dan Martin

Yacht Grounds

07/02
On Sunday the two person crew of the 38-foot yacht Lilly Pad were safely removed from the bow of their vessel after it ran aground, took on water and sunk off Harbor Beach, MI.

U.S. Coast Guard Station Harbor Beach received the distress call from the yacht and sent their 27-foot rescue boat to the scene. A Good Samaritan operating in the area removed the crew and transported them to shore prior to the Coast Guard boat arriving on scene.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard found the yacht sunk stern first with a small portion of the bow visible above the water's surface. A visible sheen of diesel fuel was present from the wreck; the vessel had 300 gallons of fuel on board.

Thumb Marine Commercial Salvage secured the vessel's fuel system and will salvage the vessel. Estimated value of the yacht is $400,000

Reported by: Dan Martin

Detroit and St. Clair Traffic

07/02
Ship photos from Detroit River and St Clair River, June 30 and July 1.

Flags. Eric and Martin prepare to show the world what the Simcoe is doing.
The flags are up. What do they tell the mariner? “I am carrying out manoeuvring trials.”
Walter J McCarthy Jr downbound at Grassy Island.
Turid Knutsen downbound at the Rouge. John J Boland upbound.
Another view of the Turid Knutsen.
John J Boland turning into the Rouge.
Sam Laud passing Detroit upbound.
GM Building.
Spruceglen downbound at Detroit.
Cuyahoga upbound on Canada Day morning.
American Republic down on Lake St Clair.
Algosoo at Sans Souci, downbound.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Hamilton Update

07/02
On Canada's 136th Birthday, July 1, the Federal Maas enter the Hamilton harbor at 7 a.m. headed for Pier 23 with steel from Brazil. After unloading she will head to Thunder Bay Ontario.

CSL Niagara followed at 8 a.m. going to Stelco with a load of iron ore pellets from Point Noir Quebec. The Niagara departed about 3 p.m.

The Halifax arrived at 5:30 p.m. also going to Stelco with iron ore pellets from Point Noir, Quebec. After unloading she will head to Bowmanville, Ontario in ballast.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Montreal Update

07/02
Below are recent images taken around Montreal Harbor.

Nunavut Trader.
On deck.
Bridge.
Cargo hold.
Door to cargo hold.
Engine.
Algosound.
Pilot house.
Another view.
Wheel stand.
Captain's office.
Builder's plate.
Control room.
Boiler.
Turbine.
Mapleglen awaiting her fate.
Saltie Tranquility docked in port for about 3 weeks.
Stern view.
Malyovitza.
Another view.
Lady Franklin.
Groupe Ocean's tug fleet.

Reported by: Sylvia M.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 2

On July 2, 1966, the Simcoe (later Algostream) entered service. Another Canadian straight decker retired before its time.

The railroad carferry TRANSIT was launched at Walkerville, Ontario on 2 July 1872 at the Jenkins Brothers shipyard.

Before noon, Saturday, 2 July 1870, several attempts were made to launch the barge AGNES L. POTTER at Simon Langell's yard at St. Clair, Michigan. Nothing happened until 3:00 PM when the vessel moved about 100' but still was not launched. The tug VULCAN arrived at 8:00 AM the following day and broke the line on the first attempt to pull the vessel off the ways. A 10" line was obtained in Port Huron and at 2:00 PM a second effort only moved the barge about 4 feet. Finally , on the third attempt, the VULCAN pulled her into the water. The POTTER's dimensions were 133' x 27' x 9', 279 gt and she was built for the iron ore trade. She was named for the daughter of the general superintendent of Ward's Iron Works of Chicago. She lasted until 1906.

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

House Tow

07/01
Monday saw an unusual tow on the St. Clair River. The tug Menasha, operated by Gordon's Marine in Sarnia, ON., along with a deck barge and the workboat Duke, were proceeding south in the river with a newly constructed home.

The home belonging to the Jackson family, was constructed at Bridgeview Marina in Sarnia, carefully positioned on the barge and then towed downriver to Russell Island, MI., where it will be placed on a foundation on Tuesday. Russell Island is located in the lower St. Clair River between Walpole Island, ON. and Algonac, MI.

Picture by Barry Hiscocks and Glen Terbush
Tug Menasha and tow heading south opposite Marine City, MI.
The new house. Around 3300 square feet.
Gordon Marine workboat Duke on the stern of the barge.
Heading south.
Tug Menasha close up.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks, Capt. George Lee , Glen Terbush and William C. Jenuwine

St. Clair on St. Clair River

07/01
The St. Clair was downbound in her namesake river on Monday and arrived at the Detroit Edison Power Plant at Recor Point in St. Clair, MI. shortly before noon. She had loaded coal on Saturday in Superior, WI.

The St. Clair is a rare caller to DTE. The majority of coal delivered at DTE is loaded on thousand foot vessels, including ASC vessels Indiana Harbor and the Walter J. McCarthy Jr.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

Marquette Update

07/01
The H. Lee White brought stone to the lower harbor on Monday, then took on a load of taconite at the ore dock in the upper harbor.

The American Mariner will be bringing coal to the WE Presque Isle Power Plant on Tuesday, then taking on ore. She will be followed on Wednesday by the Lee A. Tregurtha, also bringing a load of coal before taking on ore. The Charles Beeghly, Kaye Barker, and John J. Boland are in the lineup later in the week.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Toledo Report

07/01
The John J. Boland finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Monday morning. The Algoway was at the Kuhlman Dock unloading cargo. The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer were at Andersons "E" Elevator loading grain.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, Wolverine, and Gemini remain in lay-up at there respective dock sites.

The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the John J. Boland on Tuesday. The Adam E. Cornelius on Weds. The Algolake on Thursday. The Canadian Enterprise on Friday, followed by the Lee A. Tregurtha on Saturday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the CSL Laurentien and Jean Parisien on Tuesday. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Saturday, followed by the Frontenac on Tuesday.

Michipicoten shortly after departing Algoma Steel. She is upbound the St. Marys River approaching Pt. Louise.
Stern view.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toledo, Port Clinton & Marblehead, Ohio

07/01
Armco laid up at the old Interlake steel Dock on the Maumee River.
Stern view.
Tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer. They were tied up to Anderson's E Elevator by the I-75 Bridge. She needed to go to Anderson's K Elevator by the N & S South Railroad Bridge. The tug Susan Hoey had just assisted the Algoway to the Kuhlman Dock. The Algoway had to shift 300 feet ahead to allow the Spencer to pass and turn.
Integrity and tug Jacklyn M.
Stern view.
Algoway unloading salt at Kuhlman's.
Sarah Spencer and Jane Ann IV at Anderson's K Elevator.
Close up of the tug.
Kelley Island Boat Co.'s Kayla Marie at Marblehead.
Ferry Shirley Irene at Marblehead.
Jet Express in Port Clinton.
tug Joe Van in Toledo.
Gradel tug Mighty John III in Toledo.
Stern view.
Tug Pioneerland.
Stern view.
Gaelic Tugs Susan & William Hoey.
Close up.
barge Stone Merchant in Toledo Shipyard Drydock.
tug Ray Durocher working under the King Bridge on the Maumee River.
Algoway and Sarah Spencer.
Joe Van and barge upbound on the Maumee River.
Another view.
Algoway & Integrity.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Welland Traffic

07/01
Below are images taken on Monday.

Capt. Henry Jackman downbound at Lock 8.
Stern view.
Sandviken downbound at Lock 3.
Looking down on the deck.
HMCS Haida at Port Weller Dry Docks .
Jean Parisian upbound at Lock 1.
Stern view.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Hamilton Update

07/01
Monday evening the Petrolia Desgagnes was moored at Pier 11 to unload fuel. The vessel arrived in the afternoon. Over at Pier 14, the Lake Erie was unloading steel I beams.

At Dofasco's iron ore dock, the Canadian Miner was unloading.

Around 8:30 a.m., the Frontenac arrived at Stelco to unload iron ore. During the day it was refueled by the Hamilton Energy and departed Stelco by 4 p.m. The Canadian Navigator, who had been loading slag at Pier 26, departed at 7:15 a.m. for Bath, Ontario.

Sunday the Maria Desgagnes depart the Petro Canada Pier in Bronte (Oakville) at 7 p.m. and wait a quarter mile off shore for the Hamilton Energy who had departed Hamilton earlier to refuel her. The Hamilton energy finished refueling the Maria Desgagnes and departed for Hamilton's Pier 24 at 7:30 p.m.

The Maria Desgagnes then departed downbound in Lake Ontario.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon and Eric Holmes

Toronto News

07/01
The McKeil harbor tugs Atomic and Glenevis returned to port Monday afternoon about 3:30 p.m. and went directly to the Redpath Sugar dock to assist the saltie Clipper Falcon depart. As soon as they finished that job, they assisted the saltie Elikon from its anchorage in the harbor into the Redpath slip.

Around 7 p.m. the cement carrier Stephen B. Roman came in and docked at the Essroc plant.

The local hobby tug Torville was out for a spin around the harbor Monday.

Canadian Mariner remains at anchor in Humber Bay. Tuesday night, Canada Day, she will again be used as a fireworks platform off Ontario Place. Fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m.

On Sunday the bunkering vessel Hamilton Energy arrived in port just before midnight and went to Redpath Sugar dock to fuel Clipper Falcon.

Reported by: Art Church

Updates

07/01
I am processing the updates I couldn't download for the past few days, please continue to send pictures and updates, I hope to be caught up later this week including pictures from the Gathering.

Today in Great Lakes History - July 01

On July 1, 1940, the Harry Coulby (Kinsman Enterprise) became the first Great Lakes vessel to load in excess of 16,000 tons of iron ore when it loaded 16,067 tons of iron ore in Ashland, Wisconsin.

On 1 July 1927, ROBERT C. WENTE (wooden, propeller, bulk freighter, 141'/336 GT, built in 1888 at Gibraltar, MI) burned to a total loss in the St. Clair River. In 1911, she sank in Lake Michigan, but was raised and refurbished.

July, 1983 - The C&O sold its remaining 3 car ferries to Glen Bowden and George Towns. They begin operating cross-lake service between Ludington and Kewaunee under the name Michigan-Wisconsin Transportation Co. (MWT)

On 1 July 1852, CASPIAN (wooden side-wheeler, 252', 921 t, built in 1851 at Newport, Michigan) foundered a short distance off Cleveland's piers. Some of her gear and structural material were salvaged in the Spring of 1853 and the wreck was then flattened with dynamite.

July 1, 1900, the new wooden steam barge ALFRED MITCHELL started her maiden voyage from St. Clair, Michigan for Cleveland, Ohio to load coal. She was owned by Langell & Sons.

On 1 July 1869, the wooden schooner GARROWEN was carrying coal from Cleveland to Toronto when she sprang a leak and sank in 60' of water about 10 miles from shore off Geneva, Ohio. The crew escaped in the yawl. She was only 19 years old and some of the crew claimed that she was scuttled as an insurance scam. However, a number of divers visited the wreck on the bottom of the Lake at the time and that claim was refuted.

On 1 July 1875, the iron carferry HURON (238', 1052 gt, built at Point Edward, Ontario with iron plates prefabricated in Scotland) made her trial voyage between Fort Gratiot, Michigan and Point Edward, Ontario across the St. Clair River. This vessel served the Grand Trunk Railway and ran between Windsor and Detroit for over a century.

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