Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

First Trip, First use of Unloading Hopper

08/30
The Cuyahoga arrived on her first trip to Buffalo, NY Thursday. The vessel backed up the Buffalo Ship Canal and was unloading grain at 8 p.m. Thursday night. This cargo of grain is the first to be unloaded from a self unloader at the General Mills Frontier Elevator. Rounding out the "firsts" for this trip, this is the first time in many years that a Canadian flagged vessel has unloaded grain in Buffalo.

The General Mills Frontier Grain Elevator was serviced by the last U.S. straight deck grain carrier, the Kinsman Independent. Early this year the elevator was fitted with an unloading hopper. With the ability to accept grain from self unloading vessels, this could put the Independent out of work. The Kinsman Independent's fleet mate Kinsman Enterprise was sold early this year for scrapping.

Grain unloaded at the elevator is processed in the attached flour mill and used to make various General Mills cereals such as cheerios, lucky charms and Flour products such as Gold Medal Flour.

Cuyahoga unloading Thursday evening.
Close up.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

History in Motion

08/30
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc announced to day that the former forward triple expansion steam engine from the Chief Wawatam was put into motion for the first time. The engine is powered by an electric motor and turns at 5 rpm. The drive shaft turns a 250 lb. replica of the Chief's 12-foot propeller.

Some work still needs to be done before the exhibit is ready for visitors. The more than $6 million museum expansion is scheduled to open in May, 2003. The Chief's engine will be the centerpiece of the project which has doubled the size of the museum.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Plans to Convert Idle Icebreaker into Research Ship

08/30
Canadian Coast Guard officials are expected to announce in early September that the idle icebreaker ex Sir John Franklin will be converted into a scientific research vessel with a mandate to study the sea and the environment.

The ex Franklin has been docked for the past year at the Anse-aux-Foulons portion of the Quebec Harbor (section 105) during that time, its name along with the traditional red maple leaf on its funnel had been concealed. Recently the red leaf is visible again but not its original name.

The Sir John Franklin (90.2m x 19.5m, two diesel electric engines, dev. 17,700 hp ) is a sister ship to the Henry Larsen, Pierre Radisson and Des Groseilliers. It was built in 1978 at Burrard Dry Dock of North Vancouver BC.

It appears that the Coast Guard will operate the converted ship but it is unknown at present time where it will be based and if it will retain its preview name of Sir John Franklin.

Sir John Franklin.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Marquette News

08/30
The Charles Beeghly brought coal to Marquette on Wednesday and then took on a load of taconite pellets on Thursday. The dock area was being dredged while the Beeghly was loading. When the Beeghly was leaving she was kicking up mud with her bow thrusters, which emphasized the need for the dredging. She took on a big load of 436 cars, 28,119 tons.

The H. Lee White is due at the lower harbor on Friday, and will then shift to the ore dock on Saturday. Three boats, the Algosteel, John J. Boland, and Lee A. Tregurtha expected on Monday.

Beeghly loading.
View from across the harbor.
Dredging the harbor.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Detroit Traffic

08/30
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River Thursday.

Fred R White Jr upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
tug Reliance and barge PML 9000 departing Mc Louth Steel in the Trenton Channel.
Stern view.
Tug Reliance .
Another view.
Corps of Engineers workboat RV GENERAL LEE off Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Algoway downbound off Nicholson's.
Stern view.
Grande Mariner downbound off Nicholson's bound for Bishop Park in Wyandotte.
Stern view. tug Manitou on Nicholson's Drydock.
Joseph H Thompson at Sterling Fuel.
Algoville downbound off Detroit.
Stern view.
St Marys Cement and Petite Forte downbound at Grassy Island.
Close up of tug.
Stern view.
Canadian Progress upbound at Grassy Island in ballast bound for Superior, WI for coal for Nanticoke.
Stern view.

Pictures from last week
Special passengers on the Diamond Jack last week. The Leader Dogs for the Blind brings dogs on the Diamond Jack as part of their training.
J A W Iglehart unloading at the Lafarge Terminal in Detroit.
Close up.
Stern view.
Middletown upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Halifax upbound in the Ballard's Reef Channel.
Stern view.
Neva Trader upbound in Ballard's Reef.
Stern view.
Maumee downbound below Grassy Island.
Stern view.
View of the Ambassador Bridge from Fighting Island North Light.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Port Inland News

08/30
The Stone dock at Port Inland remains busy, July and August were both very busy at Port Inland. Some of the regulars at Port Inland this season are, Wilfred Sykes, Buffalo, Sam Laud, Earl W Oglebay and the Joe Block.

The grocery hoist is known as "Brett's Elevator" on the Wolverine.
loading rig loading the Wolverine in August.
Capt Henry Jackman backing away from the dock at Port Inland.
Another view departing for Serpent Harbor.
passing the anchored Wolverine near the breakwall.
Wolverine backing in to the loading dock.

Reported by: Scott Best

Toledo Update

08/30
Thursday evening there were no active vessels in port. The Algolake was due in at the CSX Docks late Thursday evening to load coal.

On Thursday afternoon around 2 p.m. the small sailing vessel Red Witch followed by the brig Niagara was headed upbound the Maumee River under escort by the U.S. Coast and local law enforcement vessels followed by the Buffalo (New York) Fire Dept. tug Edward M. Cotter with all of her fire hoses spraying water then the Red Witch and Niagara followed by a flotilla of vessels representing the various yacht clubs in the area. The vessels proceeded to the City Docks across from downtown Toledo where they will be opened for tours from Friday through the Labor Day weekend.

The Joseph H. Frantz and the tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge remain in lay-up and there were no vessels at the Shipyard.

The next scheduled vessels due in at the CSX Docks will be the Reserve on Friday followed by the John G. Munson and Charles M. Beeghly on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Adam E. Cornelius on Saturday, followed by the Buckeye on Monday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Picture Catch-up

08/30
Below are recent images taken around the Great Lakes.

Duluth - Superior Views Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Herbert C. Jackson.
Courtney Burton on the inner harbor.
Docked.
Canadian Progress out bound.
J.A.W. Iglehart.
Stewart J. Cort.
Beeghly unloading coal in Superior.
Another view.

Canadian Miner Tow Alex Howard
Miner & tug arrive from Hamilton.
Stern view.
Tow underway.
Samuel Risley in the canal.
Stern view.
Pilot boat.
Dredge Atchafalaya.
Stern view.

Repairs in Escanaba. Dick Lund
Joseph H. Thompson & Joseph H. Thompson, Jr. at south side of dock with a crane ready to lift the winch aboard.
Stern view with empty conveyor in foreground and shiploader in the "rest" position.
Close-up of the tug.
Close-up of the barge.
Preparing to hoist the winch on board the tug.
Another view.
Wide view of the Thompson with the tug out of the notch.
Wide angle of the tug out of the notch.

More repairs by Lee Rowe
Side view.
Close up.
Stern view.

Marquette Traffic. Lee Rowe
Herbert C. Jackson brought a load of coal to Marquette's Presque Isle power plant on 8/24.
Close up.

Paul R. Tregurtha in Marquette. Eric & Sandy Chapman
Tregurtha backing in .
View from the north side of the dock - note the stack and radar tower over the top of the dock.
Unloading coal .
Coal delivered, on the other end of the conveyer system - across the road at the power plant.

Unusual summer visitors for Bay Shipbuilding Lee Grota
The Southdown Conquest & tug Susan W. Hannah.
State of Michigan .
Alpena in floating dry dock.
Another view.
Tall ship Dennis Sullivan was also in Sturgeon Bay on tour Docked in front of the Selvick Tugs.
New barge.


Kaye E. Barker in Escanaba Dick Lund
At the C. Reiss dock.
Close-up of her bow.
Meanwhile, the L. E. Block continues to waste away. Notice the "Mr. Mickey" & the huge pile of stone behind her.

Ashtabula, Conneaut & Fairport pictures Dave Merchant
Maumee.
Loading.
Algosoo unloading.
Another view.
Panoramic.

Agawa Canyon unloading in Parry Sound R. Walker
Unloading.


St. Clair River Traffic Stephen Hause
CSL Tadoussac, upbound past Algonac State Park, Monday afternoon.
Southdown Challenger, downbound Monday afternoon.
Southdown Challenger, passing the upbound Algosoo.
Mesabi Miner, upbound Monday evening.
Capt. Ralph Tucker, downbound Monday evening. Note the painted-over ACM logo and name.
American Mariner, downbound early Tuesday morning.
Oglebay Norton, upbound at St. Clair Tuesday afternoon.
John J. Boland follows the Oglebay Norton.
Courtney Burton, downbound early Wednesday morning.
CSL Laurentian, upbound Wednesday afternoon.
Middletown, upbound Wednesday afternoon.
James R. Barker, upbound Wednesday afternoon.
George A. Stinson, downbound Wednesday evening.
Roger Blough, downbound Wednesday evening.
Algomarine, downbound at dawn on Thursday.

Remains of the tug B.E.West (J. P. Manning) at Port Clinton, Ohio. Bob Densic
Wide view on the beach on Sandusky Bay, south of Port Clinton, Ohio.
Stern view.
Close up Port bow.
Starboard side view.
Close up.
Photo of the tug taken at the MCS yard in Chicago about 1967. Bill Hoey.

Today in Great Lakes History - August 30

The CHARLES E. WILSON was christened August 30, 1973 at Bay Ship and completed her sea trials on September 6th.

On August 30, 1942, the A. H. Ferbert (2) ran aground in the St. Mary's River, just a day old. The vessel returned to the builder's yard in River Rouge, Michigan for repairs.

On August 30, 1988, the Willowglen made its first visit to Duluth-Superior under that name. She loaded grain at Harvest States in Superior, arriving early in the morning and departing in the early evening the same day. Her last visit to Duluth before this was in 1981 under the name Joseph X. Robert.

The H.G. DALTON entered service on August 30, 1903.

On August 30, 1985 the tug CAPTAIN IOANNIS S. departed Quebec city with MENIHEK LAKE and LEON FALK, JR. in tow, bound for Spain to be scrapped.

On 30 August 1873, CAMBRIDGE (3-mast, wooden schooner, 162'/445T, built in 1868 at Detroit, MI) was bound from Marquette, MI for Cleveland, OH with a load of iron ore. In rough seas, she was thrown onto the rocky shore near Marquette where she broke up. No lives were lost.

On 30 August 1900 thousands of people gathered at the Jenks Shipbuilding Company near the Grand Trunk Bridge on the Black River in Port Huron, MI to watch the launching of the large steel steamer CAPTAIN THOMAS WILSON. Superintendent Andrews gave the word and the blows were struck simultaneously at the bow and stern. Slowly the vessel started quivering slightly from deck to keel and then with a mighty rush, slid sideways into the river. Her stern stuck in the mud. Mrs. Thomas Wilson christened the ship.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, 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

Fraser Grounds

08/29 9:40 p.m. update
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday night the saltie Fraser departed Duluth after being aground for one day. Several unsuccessful attempts were made Thursday to free the grounded Fraser using the ship's engine and tugs from Great Lakes Towing. About 6 p.m., four tugs began working on the vessel in another attempt to free it. That evening the vessel was pulled from the silt and haded for the lake. The vessel will undergo inspection Friday morning.

11:00 a.m. update
Vessel agents and tug operators this morning are devising a salvage plan for the saltie Fraser, which grounded Wednesday evening as it was departing Duluth. Once the plan is approved by the Coast Guard, efforts will resume to refloat the vessel. No work is expected to begin until at least this afternoon.

The Duluth Ship Canal remains open to commercial traffic although a Notice to Mariners has been issued to caution vessels using the entry.

The 730-foot Fraser grounded in about a foot of silt. Coast Guard inspectors reportedly have found no damage to the vessel.

Moving in dense fog, the vessel apparently missed the turn to line up on the ship canal. The vessel came to rest less than 200 feet from the concrete dock of the LaFarge Cement terminal in Duluth.

A slow-moving cold-air mass has shrouded Duluth harbor in heavy fog the past several days. The fog Wednesday evening was so thick that a local minor league baseball game was called because players and fans could no longer see the outfield.

Pictures by Al Miller
The Fraser aground near the Lafarge Cement terminal.
Close up.
Closeup of the draft marks showing the vessel in 25 feet of water.
Two tugs from Great Lakes Towing were standing by Thursday morning waiting for word to begin salvage operations.

Original Report
The Panamanian-flagged Fraser grounded at about 8 p.m. Wednesday evening as she attempted to depart the Duluth harbor in a heavy fog. Loaded with wheat and sailing in near-zero visibility, she apparently missed her turn around the traffic bouy and ran her bow into the mud just off of the Lafarge terminal. At one point her bow was reportedly only twenty feet off of the dock.

The G-tugs that had assisted her from her berth at Cenex-Harvest States in Superior were quickly on the scene. The Minnesota and North Dakota worked for about one and a half hour wriggling the Fraser back and forth to free her bow from the bottom. At 10 p.m. as the tugboats were beginning to make some progress and a third tug (the Kentucky) was ordered, the Coast Guard ordered all tugging operations halted.

It is unknown why the operations were stopped but at 12:30 a.m. Thursday the Fraser was still aground, her bow 100 feet off Lafarge and her stern near the Irvin L. Clymer pilothouse. By this time she also had a bow anchor dropped. The Coast Guard's 47' boat was patrolling alongside, and the G-tugs were rafted just off of the Fraser's bow at the end of the Lafarge pier waiting to resume their efforts to free the Fraser.

Reported by: Al Miller and Glenn Blaszkiewicz

Tow Continues

08/29
The Louis J. Goulet tow was proceeding through the lower St. Lawrence Wednesday. The tug Ocean Jupiter has taken up position as the lead tug with the Triton trailing the tow.

The Goulet was purchased by Bahamas Oil and is headed to Walker's Cay, Bahamas. The Goulet will be renamed Liberty Hunter.

Coming out of the narrows.
Another view.
Stern view.

Reported by: Peter Carter

PM 41 Loads

08/29
The tug Undaunted and barge Pere Marquette 41 were loading scrap metal in Holland, Michigan Wednesday. The pair shifted after completing the unload of stone at Brewer's Wednesday morning.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary Expedition Takes To The Water

08/29
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) will continue a unique collaboration with Dr. Robert Ballard (discoverer of the Titanic, PT109) and his scientific team from the Institute for Exploration (IFE) in a mission to explore and document the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve off the coast of Alpena, Mich.

Using IFE’s Little Hercules, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the Thunder Bay Exploration 2002 expedition team will collect video and still images of known and newly discovered shipwrecks located in last year’s expedition. NOAA, HAL and IFE are focusing on Thunder Bay because of its high concentration of wrecks that span more than a century of maritime history.

“Preserved by the waters on which they served, these vessels offer a look back in time when steamers and schooners ruled the Great Lakes,” said Jeff Gray, Thunder Bay sanctuary manager. “Our work with IFE will not only provide information about our maritime past, but it will help us ensure that these sites are preserved for future generations.”

In June 2001, NOAA and IFE used sidescan sonar technology to search for the deepwater shipwrecks in the sanctuary. Of these targets, 11 are known shipwrecks and three are unidentified wrecks. The team hopes work this season will help identify these sites. It will also investigate limestone sinkholes that may reveal important artifacts and evidence of human habitation by Paleo-Indians during low lake levels 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Many Americans don’t even know that we have national marine sanctuaries,” said Dr. Ballard. “We are working with NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) to change that. We are going to explore these sites, as we have so many other important sites around the world. Thunder Bay offers a unique set of possibilities and challenges and opportunities.”

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve was designated in October 2000 to protect a nationally significant collection of underwater cultural resources. Thunder Bay is the 13th national marine sanctuary and only the second sanctuary to focus solely on the protection of historic shipwrecks. Based on historical records, the sanctuary estimates that 116 shipwrecks lie within the 448-square-mile boundary, although thus far only 40 have been located. The sanctuary is co-managed by NOAA and the state of Michigan. For more information about the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, visit www.glerl.noaa.gov/glsr/thunderbay.

Reported by: Ellen Brody

Medical Evacuations

08/29
The U.S. Coast Guard remained busy last week completing two medical evacuations.

On Friday a 53-year-old male suffering from a large laceration to his right thigh was evacuated from the Canadian Progress to the Alpena Hospital. After the flight surgeon approved the MEDEVAC, a rescue helicopter was launched and it hoisted the individual.

On Thursday the same crews from Air Station Traverse City lifted a crewmember from the James R. Barker on Lake Superior. The man was suffering from internal bleeding. The flight surgeon recommended that the patient be flown to the nearest hospital for treatment. The rescue helicopter hoisted the patient and transported to awaiting EMS at the K.I. Sawyer airport.

Reported by: Mike Ferris

Soo Traffic

08/29
Below are images of traffic at the Soo on Wednesday.
EPA vessel Lake Explorer makes a fuel stop in Soo Harbor on her way to Marquette and Duluth.
Atlantic Erie near Six Mile Point in the St. Mary's River Wednesday.
Algonova.
Algocen.
Oglebay Norton.
Soo's museum ship Valley Camp shows off a new Republic Steel red paint job on her smokestack.
McKee Sons unloads at Saginaw Tuesday evening.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Detroit Traffic

08/29
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River Wednesday.
Barge Ocean Hauler and tug Doug Mc Keil upbound at the Livingstone Crossing after departing the General Chemical Dock in Amherstburg.
Close up of tug.
Stern view.
Stokmarnes (Hong Kong) upbound at the Livingstone Crossing. She anchored at Ojibway for the evening.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo News

08/29
The Algosoo was at the Kuhlman Dock unloading cargo. The Capt. Henry Jackman was unloading stone at the Midwest Terminal Dock. The salt water vessels Greenwing and Stokmarnes were at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo. The Gemini was at the B-P Dock loading cargo. The Fred R. White Jr. followed by the Courtney Burton were unloading ore at the Torco Ore Dock.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algolake on Thursday. The Reserve on Friday, followed by the John G. Munson and Charles M. Beeghly on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will now be the Adam E. Cornelius on Saturday, followed by the Buckeye on Sunday.

The sailing vessel the "Brig" Niagara, and the Red Witch are due to arrive in Toledo on Thursday and will tie up at the City Docks directly across from downtown Toledo, both vessels are scheduling tours from Friday right through the Labor Day weekend.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Welland Traffic

08/29
Below are images of traffic on the Welland Canal Wednesday.
Oakglen.
Stern view.
Bow view.
Stern view.
Yankcanuck at Port Colborne unloading gypsum.
Close up.
Scrap fleet at IMS.
Profile.
Jean Parisean was going into #2.
Barge St. Marys Cement II.
Port Weller Dry Docks.

Reported by: Dan Sweeley

Today in Great Lakes History - August 29

On August 29, 1942, the A.H. Ferbert (2) entered service.

On her maiden voyage August 29, 1979 the INDIANA HARBOR sailed for Two Harbors, MN to load iron ore pellets for Indiana Harbor, IN. In August, 1982 INDIANA HARBOR became the first U.S. flag laker to receive satellite communication.

On August 29, 1972 the lightship HURON was placed in an earth embankment at Port Huron's Pine Grove Park along the St. Clair River and was opened to visitors on July 13, 1974.

Canada Steamship Lines' ATLANTIC SUPERIOR returned from Europe on August 29, 1985 with a cargo of gypsum for Picton, Ontario.

On 29 August 1871, GEORGE M. ABEL (2-mast wooden schooner) broke up on a reef near Port Burwell, Ontario.

On 29 August 1858, CANADA (3-mast wooden bark, 199', 758 t) was carrying a half million board feet of lumber to Chicago in bad weather when she settled just north of downtown Chicago. The next day during a salvage attempt, she blew southward, struck a bar off the old waterworks, broke her back, then broke up. She had been built in Canada in 1846 as a sidewheeler and was seized by the U.S. in 1849 and rebuilt as a bark in 1852.

August 29, 1998 - The BADGER was designated a spur route on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Max Hanley, James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, 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

Elm Refloated

08/28
The saltie Elm was pulled free Tuesday evening and was anchored at Wilson Hill waiting for divers to inspect her hull. The tug Ocean Jupiter and St. Lawrence Seaway tug Robinson Bay were credited with freeing the vessel.

The vessel grounded three nautical miles below the Eisenhower Lock on the mud bottom. The Elm was floated and anchored nearby for divers to survey. The traffic system in the vicinity of American locks was closed for six hours with two commercial vessels delayed. Overall, there was minor economic impact.

The Ocean Jupiter was on her way up to meet with the tug Triton and Louis J Goulet tow when it was diverted to help pull the Elm free.

Reported by: Walt Statham and Kent Malo

Armco Departure

08/28
Armco appeared to be ready to depart Fraser Shipyards late Tuesday. The vessel had steam up and a GLT tug was standing by the stern about 4:30. The vessel had been in the yard about a day and a half for rudder repairs.

Reported by: Al Miller

Goulet Tow

08/28
The Louis J. Goulet tow was proceeding across eastern Lake Ontario last night. The tug Triton is expected to meet up with the tug Ocean Jupiter for the tow through the Seaway.

The Goulet was purchased by Bahamas Oil and is headed to Walker's Cay, Bahamas. The Goulet will be renamed Liberty Hunter.

Bahamas Oil plans to drill an exploratory well off Walker's Cay to test for the presence of commercial quantities of gas and oil. If found, the well will be converted to a production well with the Liberty Hunter serving as a materials storage, accommodation, logistics facility and well control vessel.

View of the Louis J. Goulet.
Triton approaches Wharf 19 to make up tow.
Triton backing drill barge out of the slip.
Approach lift bridge.
Triton and barge transiting lift bridge.

Reported by: Jerome A. Popiel

Greenwing damages Toledo Dock

08/28
The new saltie Greenwing last Friday struck a wharf in Toledo as it was docking, damaging the structure and tarnishing the ship's maiden voyage.

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority hired a contractor to build a cofferdam around the damaged area to assess its extent.

The impact caused part of the wharf behind a bulkhead to collapse, leaving railroad rails hanging in the air. Workers filled the 20-foot-wide hole with gravel to keep river current from undermining the wharf.

No one on the wharf or aboard the Greenwing was injured in the crash, which occurred at 8:30 a.m. Friday. The Greenwing was making the dock when it struck the bulkhead with its bulbous bow.

Lt. Michael Block, a spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard marine safety office in Toledo, said an investigation is continuing.

Fritz Tepper, the company’s local agent, told the Toledo Blade that the ship’s master believes he might have struck an underwater obstacle, perhaps a high spot in the river bottom, that kept the Greenwing from navigating its intended course as it approached the dock.

The Greenwing was launched in June at Wuhu Shipbuilding in China. The vessel sailed from the ship yard on August 5.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman and Dan Smart

Republic in Lorain

08/28
On Monday the American Republic arrived in Lorain to load for the ISG Mill in Cleveland. The Republic was built to server this shuttle run from Lorain to Cleveland.

Pictures by TZ
Inbound.
Passing the lighthouse.
Close up.
Backing to the pellet terminal.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Comeaudoc Tow

08/28
Below are images of the Comeaudoc tow.
Dave Wobser
Arriving at Wharf #2.
Lead tug Progress.
Steering and braking tugs Vac and Seahound.
Dalhousie Princess.
Diver enters the water.
Diver climbs back out of the water.
Pulling the loosened hawser back aboard Progress.
Headed for Lock #3.
Another view.
Tight fit.
Salty Irma passing Comeaudoc at Wharf #16,Sunday morning.
Comeaudoc at Wharf #16, Port Colborne.
Stern View.

Brian Harrison
In Lock 1.
Exiting Lock 1.
Stern tugs.
Tug Progress.
Close up of stack.
Approaching Lock 2.
Guided in.

Bill Bird
Bow View at dock.
Goulet tow.
Close up.
Algomarine passing.
Stern view.

Detroit Traffic

08/28
Below are images of recent traffic on the Detroit River.

Integrity & Jacklyn M upbound at Grassy Island. She stopped at the Detroit Lafarge Dock.
Stern view.
Close up.
Algocen upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
barge Ocean Hauler & Doug Mc Keil downbound at Fighting Island North light. She was bound for the General Chemical Dock in Amherstburg.
Stern view.
Close up.
Federal Ems (Cyprus) arriving at Nicholson's after spending the night at Ojibway Anchorage.
Stern view.
tug Curly B departing Warner Petroleum in the Rouge River after fueling.
yacht Kismet (Cayman Islands) downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
tug Manitou on Nicholson's Drydock.
barge BMI-105 at Nicholson's. This is the barge the Curly B is towing.
Cedarglen unloading at the ADM Dock in Windsor.
Stern view.
tug Allie B upbound at Grassy Island. She stopped in the Rouge River for fuel.
Stern view.
Jacklyn M & Integrity at the Lafarge Dock in Detroit.
Close up.
Stern view.
Close up.
yacht Kismet (Cayman Islands) at the head of Belle Isle. She tied up at the Detroit Boat Club.
Stern view.
Detroit Sunset.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Welland Canal Update

08/28
The Welland Canal was busy Sunday morning. At 6:30 a.m. the Comeaudoc was tied up at Wharf 16, with the Progress and Seahound in front of her. At 7 a.m. the tug Vac shifted across the Canal and moored next to the Seahound in preparation for the late morning move of the Algogulf. Also upbound below Lock 8 at 6:30 were the saltie Irma and the Algosoo. The freshly-repaired Algosoo was sailing upbound with a load of iron ore from Pointe Noire, Quebec to Ashtabula. Later that morning the Algocape and Federal Ems were upbound. Downbound were the saltie Arklow Bridge, with wheat, and the Everlast and Barge Norman McLeod. In the early afternoon, the Canadian Navigator was upbound at Lock 1, also loaded with iron ore for Ashtabula, and the Tug Allie-B, destined for Green Bay.

Comeaudoc tied up with tugs in front of her.
Stern View.
Irma slowly creeps by the Comeaudoc.
Another view.
Irma upbound below Lock 8.
Stern View.
Another view.
Algosoo upbound below Lock 8, destined for Ashtabula.
Stern View.
Enterprise tied up at IMS.
Algocape tied up above Lock 8.
Norman McLeod inbound Port Colborne.
Stern View.
Arklow Bridge downbound below Lock 8.
Norman McLeod downbound below Lock 8.
Stern View.
Federal Ems upbound below Lock 8.
Stern View.
CSL Tadoussac, upbound in the Welland by-pass.
Stern View.
Canadian Navigator upbound above Lock 1 destined for Ashtabula.
Stern View.
Allie-B above Lock 1, upbound for Green Bay.
Stern View.
Port Weller Dry Docks, Canadian Miner and Coast Guard Cutters.
Canadiana.
Old cabin from the tug James Battle.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Drought drops wheat harvest

08/28
Wheat production in western Canada will hit a 28-year low because of the worst drought to hit the region in recent memory.

Total wheat production this year will drop 25 per cent to 15.4 million tonnes -- the lowest level since 1974, Statistics Canada reported.

"Many producers believe that conditions were the driest ever experienced in the West," the government agency said.

The latest figures are also below other recent forecasts, which had estimated wheat output of between 17.1 million and 18.25 million tonnes.

Central and northern Saskatchewan and Alberta were both hit especially hard with a drought and grasshopper infestation, the agency said. Unseasonably cool temperatures in early August also suggested the potential for an early frost, according to the report.

A significant amount of the grain raised in western Canada is shipped through Thunder Bay to overseas customers.

Reported by: Brian Harrison

Toledo Update

08/28
The tug Jacklyn M and the barge Integrity were unloading cement at the Lafarge Dock Tuesday. The Gemini was at the B-P Dock loading cargo. The salt water vessels Stokmarnes and Greenwing were at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo.

The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge and the Joseph H. Frantz remain in layup. There are no vessels at the Shipyard at the present time.

The Buckeye was at the Torco Ore Dock unloading ore. The sailing vessel the "Brig" Niagara and the sailing vessel Red Witch are due in Toledo on Thursday and will tie up at the City Docks across from Downtown. They will be open for tours starting on Friday right through the Labor Day weekend.

The following tugs are currently in Toledo: Great Lakes Towing Company: Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana. Gaelic Towing Company: Susan Hoey, William Hoey. George Gradel Company: Mighty Jake, Mighty Jessie, Mighty Jimmy. Other tugs here are the Bessie B. and Pioneerland.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algolake on Thursday. The Reserve on Friday, followed by the John G. Munson and Charles M. Beeghly on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Fred R. White Jr. and Courtney Burton on Weds. The Reserve on Thursday. The Armco on Friday, followed by the Adam E. Cornelius on Saturday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Updates

08/28
I've fallen behind on the updates, I hope to be caught up soon. Please check back throughout the next few days.

Today in Great Lakes History - August 28

EDWIN H. GOTT, 78, of Pittsburgh, died on August 28, 1986. The namesake of the 1,000 footer, he retired as Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Steel in 1973.

On August 28, 1962, the Edward L. Ryerson set a Great Lakes cargo record for iron ore. The Ryerson loaded 25,018 gross tons of iron ore in Superior, Wisconsin, breaking by 14 tons the record held by the Canadian bulk freighter Red Wing which was set in the 1961 season. The Ryerson held this record well into 1965.

The PERE MARQUETTE 22 was repowered with two 2,850 ihp four cylinder Skinner Uniflow steeple compound steam engines, 19 1/2", 43" dia. x 26" stroke, built in 1953 by the Skinner Engine Co., Erie, PA and four coal-fired Foster-Wheeler water tube boilers with a total heating surface of 25,032 sq. ft. built in 1953. The repowering work was completed on August 28, 1954. Her 1954 tonnage was 3551 GRT, 1925 NRT, 2450 dwt. A new starboard tail shaft was installed at this time. Her service speed increased to 18 knots (20.7 mph).

The JOHN ANDERSON was outbound through the Duluth Ship Canal on August 28, 1928, the ANDERSON struck the north pier suffering $18,000 in damage.

The REGENT entered service on August 28, 1934. She was built for low clearances on the New York State Barge Canal and was equipped with five cargo tanks and one dry cargo hold.

The WILLIAM A. REISS (2) was laid up for the last time on August 28, 1981 at Toledo, OH and remained idle there until July 15, 1994 when she was towed to be scrapped.

On 28 August 1870, CHASKA (wooden scow-schooner, 72'/50T, built in 1869 at Duluth originally as a scow-brig) was wrecked in a northwesterly storm near Duluth. Reportedly she's the first vessel built at Duluth.

On 28 August 1763, BEAVER, an armed wooden British sloop built the previous year, was carrying provisions to Detroit to relieve the fort there which was under siege by the Indians led by Pontiac. however the vessel foundered in a storm at Cat Fish Creek, 14 miles from the site of Buffalo. 185 barrels of her cargo were salvaged and went on to Detroit on the schooner GLADWIN.

Data from: Joe Barr, James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, Al Miller, 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

Elm Grounds

08/27 6:00 p.m. Update
The saltie Elm grounded below the Eisenhower Lock Tuesday morning. The vessel is upbound carrying a cargo of steel. The tugs Robinson Bay and Ocean Jupiter were on scene Tuesday afternoon attempting to pull the vessel free. If the tugs are unsuccessful in freeing the vessel some of her cargo may need to be off loaded.

Traffic continues to pass the site of the grounding at a reduced speed.

Please e-mail with updates or pictures.

Reported by: Mike Jackson

Armco in for Repairs

08/27
The Armco pulled into Fraser Shipyards in Superior during the day on Aug. 26. By late afternoon, the vessel was docked with a large crawler crane alongside the stern.

The vessel appeared to have damage to its rudder. It was assisted by the tug North Dakota into Fraser Shipyards and welding was taking place that evening in the area of the rudder.

Reported by: Al Miller and Martin Steidle

Goulet Towed from Port Colborne

08/27
One of the last remaining canallers is on her way off the Great Lakes. The Louis J. Goulet was towed from her lay-up dock in Port Colborne Monday by the tugs Seahound and Triton.

The Goulet was purchased by Bahamas Oil and is headed to Walker's Cay, Bahamas. The Goulet will be renamed Liberty Hunter.

Bahamas Oil plans to drill an exploratory well off Walker's Cay to test for the presence of commercial quantities of gas and oil. If found, the well will be converted to a production well with the Liberty Hunter serving as a materials storage, accommodation, logistics facility and well control vessel.

Built for Hall Corporation as Coniscliffe Hall in 1957, the vessel was sold and converted to a non-propelled drill ship in 1974-75. Initially she was named Telesis but in 1994 she was sold again and in 1998 re-named Louis J. Goulet.

Goulet docked last summer Roger LeLievre
At Port Colborne in March Alex Howard

Reported by: Bill Bird and Jimmy Sprunt

Canadian Venture next to Go

08/27
In early October the Canadian Venture will be pulled from her berth in Toronto harbor and towed to International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne for scrapping. With the addition of the Venture to vessel waiting to be scrapped at the yard, the work of cutting the four ships will keep IMS busy for two or more years.

Reported by: Bill Bird and Jeff Thoreson

Great Lakes Fleet ships in Green Bay

08/27
The Arthur M. Anderson arrived in Green Bay early Monday morning and unloaded coal at C. Reiss Coal. The vessel departed at 10:30 a.m. The John G. Munson arrived in port at 8 p.m. Monday night and was on its way to unload coal at C. Reiss. This is the third delivery of coal for C. Reiss in two Days. The Great Lakes Trader was in port Sunday morning.

Reported by: Jason Leino

Alpena Report

08/27
The J.A.W Iglehart came into port shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday to load cement at Lafarge. Following the Iglehart was the Paul H. Townsend. It waited alongside at the coal dock for its turn to load. The Iglehart departed around 7:30 p.m. heading for South Chicago. The Townsend was expected to finish loading by midnight.

The Sam Laud delivered coal to Lafarge early Sunday morning.

The Alpena is due into port Tuesday afternoon. The Jacklyn M barge Integrity departed from Cleveland on Monday evening.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Toronto Update

08/27
Stephen B. Roman was unloading cement at the Essroc dock Monday morning. The salty Strange Attractor continued to unload raw sugar at the Redpath dock.

The C & C Marine barge Rock Prince returned to its dock Monday with the waste bunker oil recently removed from the Q.C.Y.C. barge/breakwater Rapids Queen. Later in the day, C & C Marine's tug Patricia D. began laying "Keep Out" buoys for the annual air show at the Toronto Exhibition. The air show runs this coming weekend.

The tug King Fish 1 and its consort "Party Barge" went to Hamilton Monday. This may be the end of the charter season for this combo.

Reported by: Gerry O. and Clive Reddin

Today in Great Lakes History - August 27

The AGAWA CANYON was launched in 1971 at Collingwood Shipyards Ltd.

The SAMUEL RISLEY arrived at Toronto, Ont. on August 27, 1985 on her way to Thunder Bay, Ont. where she replaced the retired CCGC ALEXANDER HENRY.

ELMGLEN (2) was launched August 27, 1952 as a) JOHN O. McKELLAR (2) for the Colonial Steamship Co. Ltd. (Scott Misener, mgr.), Port Colborne, Ont.

The WILLIAM CLAY FORD (1) then renamed US.266029 departed her lay-up berth at the Rouge slip on August 20, 1986 in tow of Gaelic tugs and she was taken to Detroit Marine Terminals on the Rouge River, where her pilothouse was removed to be displayed at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Detroit's Belle Isle. The hull was moved to Nicholson's River Rouge dock on August 27th.

MERLE M. McCURDY was launched August 27, 1910 as a) WILLIAM B. DICKSON for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.

The U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Tender (WAGL-305) MESQUITE was commissioned on August 27, 1943 and served on the Pacific Ocean in the 7th Fleet in 1944 and 1945.

On August 27, 1940, the William A. Irvin set the Great Lakes record for the fastest unloading of an iron ore cargo using shore side equipment. The Irvin unloaded 13,856 gross tons of iron ore in 2 hours, 55 minutes (including the time to arrive and depart the dock) in Conneaut, Ohio. This record still stands, and consequently the Irvin is one of the few Great Lakes vessels to be retired while still holding a Great Lakes cargo record.

On August 27, 1929, the Myron C. Taylor entered service.

On Aug. 25, 1923, the Duluth, Missabe & Northern ore dock in Duluth loaded 208,212 tons of ore into 23 ships.

On 27 August 1924, CITY QUEEN (wooden propeller steam tug, 71'/69GT, built in 1900 at Midland, Ontario) burned to a total loss ¼ mile east of the Manitou Dock in Georgian Bay.

The keel for the tug CRUSADER was laid on 27 August 1873 at the Leighton & Dunford yard in Port Huron. The tug's dimensions were 100' keel, 132' overall, and 23' beam. She was built for George E. Brockway.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Al Miller, Jody L. Aho, 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

Comeadoc in Port Colborne

08/26
The Comeaudoc has reached the International Marine Salvage Dock in Port Colborne. To make room for Comeaudoc, the Algogulf was moved up alongside Kinsman Enterprise.

The tow experienced a delay while transiting the canal on Saturday. At 3:50 p.m. the tug Progress prepared to pull the Comeaudoc from Lock 2. However, the towline had become entangled with the rudder or propeller, and the tow did not exit the Lock. The securing lines were dropped from the Comeaudoc back to the lock bollards. A diver was called to the scene and the tow resumed later that day.

A spokesman for International Marine Salvage says Kinsman Enterprise will be scrapped first. Algogulf has a large amount of asbestos that must be carefully removed, it will likely be a few years before she has been scrapped.

Reported by: Bill Bird, Brian Harrison, Dave Wobser and Jeff Thoreson

Acushnet Update

08/26
The tug Acushnet will remain at MCM Marine in the Soo while the grounding repairs are made. The crew returned home until repairs are made. Approximately nine frames are bent and minor damage to the bulkheads. The hull remains intact and no leaks were reported.

Twin Ports Report

08/26
Herbert C. Jackson arrived in Duluth late Sunday afternoon to fuel before moving on to the Cenex Harvest States grain elevator in Superior to load. Clear skies are predicted here today, so the Jackson likely will make it's usual quick turnaround.

Elsewhere in port Sunday, Canadian Progress was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal with coal for Nanticoke. Courtney Burton was to finish unloading at CLM in Superior and then take on taconite pellets at DMIR in Duluth, and Paul R. Tregurtha was to load at DMIR. The saltie Fraser was at Cenex Harvest States.

Reported by: Al Miller

Green Bay Update

08/26
On Sunday the Joyce L Van Enkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader arrived late morning with coal for C. Reiss Coal. Early afternoon the Paul H. Townsend was outbound from Lafarge. Under sunny skies, with the yearly Art Fair Festival going on along the river in downtown, it gave quite a show.

Reported by: Wendell Wilke

Conneaut cameras to help boaters

08/26
Lake Erie boaters will soon be able to see weather and wave conditions before deciding whether to make a trip to Conneaut's lakefront.

The Conneaut Port Authority has mounted three cameras at the Port Conneaut Marine and Yacht Club. The cameras will soon begin providing streaming video of the waterfront, enabling boaters to eyeball conditions through the port authority's website at www.conneautportauthority.com.

The cameras also will be used for security and can be aimed at points of the harbor favored by thieves and vandals. Recording devices will keep images on file in case they're needed by investigators, members said.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Lake Erie Ports Update

08/26
Algosoo was unloading ore in Ashtabula all Sunday evening. Maumee loaded coal in Conneaut Sunday afternoon and evening, and departed eastbound at 2000. Yankcanuck had been waiting for Maumee to clear, then moved under the loader to take stone. No boats in Fairport all Sunday evening.

Reported by: Dave Merchant

Today in Great Lakes History - August 26

The Edgar B. Speer's sea trials were successfully completed on August 26, 1980.

The BEECHGLEN was towed out of Owen Sound by the McKeil tug KAY COLE on August 26, 1994 en route to Port Maitland, Ont. for scrapping.

The MICHIPICOTEN (2) was launched August 26, 1905 as a) HENRY C. FRICK.

EMORY L. FORD (b RAYMOND H. REISS) entered service on August 26, 1916 to load iron ore at Marquette, MI.

SILVERDALE was launched August 26, 1925 as the straight decker a) GLENEAGLES

The CHIEF WAWATAM was launched on August 26, 1911. She was built with three large propellers, two in the stern for propulsion and one in the bow for icebreaking.

The passenger-cargo ship FEDERAL PALM was christened August 26, 1961. She was built on the Great Lakes, but never served their ports.

On August 26, 1934, while on a Sunday sightseeing cruise, MIDLAND CITY damaged her bottom on a shoal near Present Island. She settled with her stern under water and her bow high in the air.

On 26 August 1875, COMET (propeller passenger/package freight, 181'/744T, built in 1857 at Cleveland, OH) was carrying ore and pig iron in Lake Superior on a foggy night. While trying to pass the Beatty Line steamer MANITOBA, 7 miles SE of Whitefish Point, signals were misunderstood and COMET veered into the path of MANITOBA. COMET was rammed amidships and sank in ten minutes. 11 of the 21 aboard lost their lives. This wasn't the first such accident for COMET. In October 1869, she suffered a similar mishap with the propeller HUNTER and that time both vessels sank.

The schooner MATTHEW McNAIR was launched at the Lee & Lamoree shipyard in Oswego on 26 August 1857. Her dimensions were 103' keel, 24'6" beam and 9'6" depth.

August 26, 1911 - The CHIEF WAWATAM was launched by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company.

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

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

Mississagi Returns to Service

08/20
Less than three weeks after entering lay-up the Mississagi has returned to service. Monday afternoon the shutters had been removed, power was up and crews were preparing the Mississagi to depart her lay up berth in Sarnia's North Slip. By early afternoon the vessel had back from the slip and was seen heading upbound onto Lake Huron.

Activity was also seen on the Canadian Transfer which has also been in the North Slip, indicating that she may soon be out sailing again.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

Comeaudoc Tow Departs

08/20
The scrap tow of the Comeaudoc was delayed until late Monday as crews worked out details for pilots to work the tugs. After a full 6 years of lay-up in the Old-Port of Montreal, the Comeaudoc departed shortly after 10:30 p.m. Monday. The tug Bonnie B III will lead the tow from Montreal with the tugs Progress and Lac Vancouver on the stern.

The Comeaudoc is headed to International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne for scrapping. The tow is expected to take five days according to the towing crew.

Reported by: Kent Malo and Laurent Côté

Tug Acushnet Grounds

08/20
Early Monday morning found the tug Acushnet aground on Crab Island Shoal at the lower end of DeTour Passage in the St. Marys River. Soo Traffic was informing upbound traffic that "a 64-foot pleasure craft was aground" and later radio traffic identified the vessel. She may have been assisted by a local salvage tug and at about 7:15 passed Gaffney Point upbound with flags flying and apparently undamaged.

Reported by: Marc & Jill Vander Meulen

Temperature defeats Lake Superior swimmer

08/20
August is the best (and possibly only) month for swimming in Lake Superior, but the big lake's waters were still cold enough to defeat Jim Dreyer in his quest to swim across the lake.

The endurance swimmer quit about three hours into his attempt to swim the 62 miles from Grand Portage, Minn., to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. Cold water was "paralyzing his body," and he was pulled into a support boat, according to his web site. Last year, Dreyer was blown off course and was fighting waves too big to continue when he called off the swim 45 miles short of his goal. Dreyer has swam across the other four Great Lakes. He uses his swimming to raise awareness and money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.

Reported by: Al Miller

Sub Move in Buffalo

08/20
The Buffalo Industrial Diving Co. coordinated the move of the USS Croaker from the Gateway Terminal on the Lackawanna Ship Canal back to the Erie Basin in Buffalo at 9 a.m. on the morning of the 8th. The tugs Washington, New Jersey and Jacklyn brought her out into the South Entrance, turned her around and took her through the Outer Harbor under Coast Guard Cutter and Fire Boat escort. They passed another WWII vet, the Marine Star at the Cargil Pier at about 10 a.m.

The tow arrived at the North Entrance as the Calumet was departing the Black Rock Canal around 10:30 a.m. The tugs docked the Croaker just downstream from the new Naval Park Basin for temporary mooring at the Visiting Ship's Dock.

Croaker Tow.
Close up.
The Sullivans floating free about 100 feet back from her old berth, the Little Rock and the Neah Bay.

Reported by:

Marquette Traffic - Soo Pictures

08/20
The Middletown loaded taconite at Marquette Monday. The Great Lakes Trader arrived Monday about 10:30 p.m. The Armco is expected on Tuesday, and the Kaye E. Barker on Wednesday.

Monday was a busy day at the Soo with many ships going through, including the Quebecois, the John G. Munson, Reserve, Oglebay Norton, Algonova (stopping in the Soo Harbor), Indiana Harbor, and Paul Tregurtha.

Quebecois downbound.
Close up.
Paul R. Tregurtha upbound at Mission Point.
St