Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Stahl Heads South

08/30
The Roger Stahl continued her trip off the lakes Friday afternoon passing through the Iroquois Lock about 2:30 p.m.

The crew reported the tug will be heading to Florida, and jokingly added it will be used to break ice.

Stahl approaching upper end of the Iroquois Lock.
Another view.
After end entering lock.
Below the Lock, Iroquois control dam in background.
Likely the last time the Seaway will see the Stahl and hear her engines throbbing.

Reported by: Chris Jackson

Badger Ferries Motorcycles Bound for Milwaukee

08/30
The Lake Michigan Carferry Badger has ferried hundreds of motorcycles during the past few days. The Harley riders are heading to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary.

Riders board the cardeck.
Another view.
Full load.
The Badger has hosted Harley owners from England, Australia and Germany. In this picture the leader of a German group was being interviewed by 9 & 10 News.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Navy Ships Dock in Kingston

08/30
The HMCS Kingston and HMCS Summerside, new Canadian Navy Coastal Defense vessels, were moored at the Filtration Plant dock , in Kingston, Ontario Friday. They arrived about 10 a.m. that morning.

Reported by: Ron Walsh and Tom Rutledge

Anderson Loads

08/30
Thursday the Arthur M. Anderson was in Calcite, Mi. loading. Loading stopped for a time as Calcite was experiencing a power failure.

Anderson docked at the north loading dock.
On deck looking aft.
Windlass.
Pilot house.
Stern windlass.
Engine Room.
Lunch menu.
Preparing lunch.
Enjoying lunch.
Power restored, loading continues.
Another view.

Reported by: Robert Doyle

Twin Ports Report

08/30
Mesabi Miner paid an unusual call to the BNSF ore dock on Friday. The vessel lay off the Superior entry through Thursday evening waiting for the dock to clear, then entered overnight.

After seeing few vessels this season, the Peavey grain elevator in Superior was busy again Friday loading Regina Oldendorff.

Superior Midwest Energy Terminal was expecting a busy afternoon and night, with Columbia Star expected late afternoon, to be followed by Algowood. Also expected in port Friday was Adam E. Cornelius, which was due at the Cutler dock to unload, then scheduled to shift to DMIR to load.

Cruise ship Grande Mariner was tied up at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Friday on its second visit to Duluth this season. The ship is expected to depart Sunday afternoon.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Report

08/30
The Jean Parisien finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Friday afternoon. The John J. Boland was due into the CSX Docks Friday evening to load coal. The dredge Columbia continues dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay north of the Pump Out Station.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up. The railroad carfloats Pere Marquette 10, Roanoke, and Windsor are at the CSX Docks "Frog Pond" area.

The next scheduled boats due into the CSX Docks to load coal will be the John G. Munson on Saturday afternoon. The Arthur M. Anderson on Sunday afternoon, followed by the Algolake on Wednesday afternoon. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Docks will be the CSL Laurentien Saturday morning followed by the James Norris late Saturday evening. The Atlantic Superior is due Sunday morning. The next scheduled stone boats due into the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock will be the Algoway on Wednesday followed by the Canadian Navigator on Friday.

J. B. Ford upbound the Maumee River from the Craig Bridge bound for the Huron Cement Dock to unload cement.
The Frankcliffe Hall with the "G" tug Utah upbound the Maumee River from the Hi-level Bridge bound for one of the elevators to load grain.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

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

Haida Towed to Hamilton

08/29
The HMCS Haida was towed from Port Weller Dry Docks about 9 a.m. Thursday morning headed for Hamilton. She entered Lock 1 under tow of tug Vigilant 1 on the bow and Seahound on the stern. The Vigilant is the former navy tug HMCS Glenlivet

Thursday afternoon the Haida arrived in Hamilton, her new homeport, and be temporarily tied up at Pier 26 on Eastport. At noon on Saturday, the legendary warship will be joined by two Canadian navy minesweepers, HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Glace Bay, the city's fire tug, Judge McCombs, and two police boats for a slow tour of the harbor from north to south before being moored permanently beside the new $10-million Marine Discovery Center.

Last December from the historic vessel was towed from Toronto to St. Catharines for a $3.5 million refit.

Pictures by: R. S. Barrons
Haida Tow Arrives.
Close up.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and R. S. Barrons

Marquette News

08/29
The Lee A. Tregurtha finally got her turn at the ore dock on Thursday and took on a load on a very windy day. The James Barker brought a load of coal.

The Michipicoten and Middletown are both expected on Friday at the ore dock.

Lee A. Tregurtha getting her turn to take on a load of ore.
Backing out and on her way.
James Barker unloading coal.
Stern view.
Train engines on ore dock trestle.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Report

08/29
Thursday was an active day in port with three vessels coming in. The Reserve arrived in the early morning hours with a load of coal for the Louisiana Pacific plant. While the Reserve was still unloading the Paul H. Townsend headed into Lafarge about 9 a.m. to take on cargo. The Alpena was not far behind also making its way into port to wait at the coal dock until the Townsend finished loading.

The Reserve was backing out of the river and into the bay before 11 a.m.

The Jacklyn M and barge Integrity were in port Wednesday evening and is delivering to Detroit and Toledo. The J.A.W Iglehart has been on Lake Michigan stopping at Chicago and Waukegan, IL.

Reserve sunrise.
Townsend silhouette.
Alpena.
Reserve departing.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Erie Update

08/29
After a season consisting mostly of visits by the Adam E. Cornelius, David Z. Norton and American Republic, a variety of vessels have been sent to Erie lately.

Tuesday the Middletown arrived at 11 p.m. and docked at the Mounfort Terminal to unload stone from Calcite. The vessel departed at about 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, bound for Marquette to load iron ore for Cleveland.

Thursday evening the John J. Boland arrived at 10 p.m., docking at the Old Ore Dock with stone from Calcite. The Boland expected to depart Erie between 3:30 and 4 a.m. making room for the J.S. St. to get into the Old Ore Dock to unload sand. The St. John cannot get past the Boland and into the dock. Both the Middletown and Boland made their first visits of the 2003 season to Erie.

The Reserve is due in Erie sometime Saturday afternoon to unload stone from Calcite. The vessel is also making its first visit to Erie in 2003. This will possibly be the Reserve's first visit to Erie in over a decade.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Workboat Report

08/29
On August 1, the steam dipper dredge Col. D.D. Gaillard was removed from Barkers Island where she has been since her retirement in the early-80's. As the lake-level is down, she was stuck "up a hill" in the park and Billington Contracting used an interesting method to get her afloat.

The dirt on the Lake side was dug and pulled out into the lake to form a large dike. Water was pumped into the dike (much like in the Locks) and the old dredge began to float. The bottom was then dredged to lake-level and the dike removed.

The tug Seneca was on the scene to pull her free. After a lot of doubt over the condition of the dredge's hull, when the dirt was removed, it was revealed her hull was in mint condition with the draft marks still with perfect paint.

She was taken over to N.P. #2 and will be scrapped down to the hull which will be saved for use as a spud barge.

In tug news, the 1910-built Tolsma Bay, a new arrival in the Duluth harbor, is being offered for sale by her new owners. She was advertised in a recent edition of Boats & Harbors. Also in the latest B&H is the 1900-built Sea Bird. This was an old Zenith Dredge tug that began life as an excursion steamer. She is currently in Ashland, WI.

Marine Tech of Duluth is in Oswego, NY with their big tug to pick up a barge for delivery west. The 1600-HP Miss Laura is on her way home from Baltimore after under-going an engine rebuild.

The canal tug Harbor Star is being offered for free "as is" in New York Harbor. The tug has recently been rebuilt and has an excellent hull, but no running engine. She is an 88' Jakobson hull of the "canal tug" style.

The Indiana Harbor was in, for the second time this month, at the Lakehead Pipeline dock for repairs. It is extremely rare to see a vessel at this dock. She looked huge at this small pier, with her bow sticking out into the channel and her stern almost in the woods.

Dredge Gaillard afloat again in her "lock" after nearly two decades in the park.
Her massive steam engine and main hoist.
Digging out.
Bob Billington directs his crew.
Tug Seneca stands by.
The tow heads across the front channel.
Seneca crew: Capt. Tony Gozanksi (at the capstan controls), Engineer Butch Spindler and Deckhand Chris Gozanski are shortening the tow as the dredge comes along side.
Gaillard docked at N.P. #2 along with the tugs Tolsma Bay, Houghton, Seneca and Essayons.

Indiana Harbor rests for repairs at Lakehead in Superior.
Tugs James Harris, Capt. Roy, and the Native in Holland.
Mapleglen as she looked exactly one year ago.
These recent shots of the Oakglen are enough to make any Boatnerd cry when thinking about this going for scrap.
Engine room.
Builders plate.
Tug Roger Stahl walks past the other tugs nearing the finish line at this years race.
Nice quarters.
Heading into the galley.
Towline ready to go.
Company name.
Engineer's station.
The tug's namesake, Roger Stahl himself, engineering on "his" tug.
Unknown fish tug near the Upper Entry in the Keweenaw.
Marine Tech's DPC tug Miss Laura at Waterford, NY.

Reported by: Franz VonRiedel

Federal Fuji Re-Visited

08/29
The following images were taken on an assignment from Detroit Pilot Station to Lock 7 on Wednesday. For more information on the Federal Fuji as well as related pictures check out August 21st news on the News Channel.

Looking aft from the forecastle. Federal Fuji measures 182,80 metres (599’06”) in length.
Federal Fuji is loaded with wheat from Duluth to Antwerp, Belgium.
Chief Officer Marcelo Alon co-ordinating the placement of the deck cooling hoses.
The crew begin cooling the main deck to avoid excessive hogging.
Old discarded fire hoses are purposely slit at regular intervals to allow water to “spray all over the place” thus applying water over a larger deck surface area.
A wonderful task on a scorching hot day!
Builder’s plate. This is the same shipyard that constructed the “Olympic Miracle” type vessels.
Accommodation as viewed from the number 4 deck crane.
Close up of the bridge windows.
Inside the bridge. The third officer and A.B.
Third Officer Joey Umpad looking into the radar. He is calculating a range and bearing off Long Point in order to fix the ship’s position.
Applying that information to the chart.
Plotting the position.
Officer’s Dining Saloon.
Ship’s Office.
Overtaking the Algocen.
Passing Wharf 18.1 in Port Colborne where the Le Levant was secured a few days ago.
Cuyahoga loading stone for Cleveland at Wharf 12 below Lock 8.
Pilot’s view from the front window at Ramey’s Bend.
Just through the Guard Gate and on final approach to the wall above Lock 7.
Meeting the Jean Parisien in the Pond.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Tugboat Party to Take Place in NY

08/29
The 5th annual "Tugboat Roundup" will take place September 5th through the 7th at Waterford, NY. This is where the New York State Barge Canal meets the Hudson River.

The event will host a large flotilla of tugboats from all over, including many pieces from the vintage Canal Corporation's fleet. It is a great time to see tugs in action and enjoy the rich history of the Erie Canal.

Some of the tugs that will be attending are pictured below. For more information, the official website is: http://www.tugboatroundup.com/

Canal Corporation's 1901-built Urger in the Waterford Dry Dock.
The classy 65-foot Seneca of 1932.
1800-HP canaller Cheyenne rests after a job in Albany.
Canallers Frances Turecamo and Chancellor at the Kingston Tugboat Museum.

Reported by: Zenith Tugboat Company

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

Roger Stahl Heads South

08/28
Gaelic Tugboat Company's tug Roger Stahl has been sold to unnamed southern interests. The buyer's crew arrived in Detroit on Sunday and the tug departed Gaelic's yard about 6 a.m. Wednesday morning and is expected at the Welland Canal sometime Friday Morning.

The crew plans to transit downbound the Seaway and through the Canso Canal then turn South along the Canadian and U. S. coast.

The Roger Stahl was a favorite among boatwatchers and many viewers of this site followed along with a number of her adventures. The Stahl will be missed on the lakes.

Please e-mail with any pictures of her trip off the lakes.

Frantz Loads in Port Stanley

08/28
The veteran laker Joseph H. Frantz arrived in Port Stanley, Ontario about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. It is believed that this is the first time the Frantz has ever visited Port Stanley.

The Frantz is loading wheat for delivery to General Mills in Buffalo. It has been a bumper crop for southern Ontario farmers and a fourth ship is expected to finish the wheat deliveries.

Frantz docked in Port Stanley.
Bow view.
Loading arm.
On deck.
Wheelsman Steve Schivel in the pilot house.
3rd AE Bill Lambert in the engine room.
Dinner is prepared in the galley.
Table.

Reported by: Ted Coombs

Lone Ranger Heads for Lake Huron

08/28
On Wednesday morning the convert tug Lone Ranger was anchored off Put in Bay, Ohio. The yacht traveled upbound passing Detroit Wednesday evening as it headed for a Lake Huron Port.

Lone Ranger anchored.
Starboard view with the larger of her tenders alongside. One of the Miller Ferry boat is passing just behind the stern.

Reported by: Bert Dopp

Birchglen Stops

08/28
The Birchglen was disabled in the St. Lawrence Seaway at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday. She was fully loaded for Quebec City when she experienced electrical problems which shut down her engine. Dead in the water, Birchglen immediately dropped both forward anchors and tugs were called and they proceeded to the disabled vessel.

About 9:35 p.m. the crew reported that they had restored power and were moving forward under their own power.

Birchglen proceeded to the upper wall at St. Lambert Lock, there an inspection will be made and determine what caused the failure and see if further repairs are needed.

The Birchglen was built in 1983 at the Govan Shipyards Scotland as the Canadian Marquis.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Zeus in Duluth

08/28
One of Wagenborg's newer vessels, Zeus, paid a visit to Duluth recently. The small saltie came in on an overcast Sunday afternoon and proceeded directly to the Port Terminal to unload. She then moved over to General Mills 'A' to take on a load of beet pulp pellets for overseas shipment

Zeus docked and loading at General Mills 'A'.
Crewmembers supervise the loading.
Beet pulp pellet dust covers stacked hatch covers.
Stern view.

Reported by: Tom Anderson

Grande Mariner Heading for Duluth

08/28
The Grande Mariner, a 183-foot, 100-passenger U.S. cruise vessel, is scheduled to make its second visit to the Port of Duluth-Superior today.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) dock at approximately noon and will be greeted shortly thereafter by the Proctor Community Band under the direction of Tracey Gibbens.

The Grande Mariner will have visited the Port twice this month as part of “Lake Superior Grande Tours” offered by American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL), Warren, R.I. This is the first time in recent history that the Port of Duluth-Superior has been used as an embarkation, debarkation point for a cruise vessel.

“We've been working very hard to establish Duluth as a starting and stopping point for visiting cruise vessels,” said Barb Oswell, director of public relations for the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau and member of the local cruise committee.

“While vessels that schedule day-long stops here result in considerable economic impact, our long-term goal has been to have passengers travel to the area, stay in local hotels and spend more time visiting local restaurants and attractions,” she said.

The vessel is scheduled to depart at 3:30 a.m. on August 31 with a new set of passengers. The tours commence and end in Charlevoix, Mich., and include stops at the Soo Locks, Whitefish Point, Munising, Marquette, Houghton and Isle Royale, Mich., Grand Marais, Minn., and the Apostle Islands, Wis., (in addition to Duluth-Superior).

The Grande Mariner, ranked at two-plus stars by the Berlitz Guide, was built in 1998 at Blount Industries, Inc., Warren, R.I. Vessel features include a patented bow ramp that allows passengers to disembark without the need for docks, a draft that allows the vessel to access shallow waterways, a retractable pilot house ideal for sailing under low locks and a stern swimming platform.

Reported by: Lisa Marciniak, Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Marquette News

08/28
It was a case of "musical ships" at Marquette on Wednesday. The H. Lee White brought a load of stone to the lower harbor dock while the Lee A. Tregurtha brought a load of coal to the Presque Isle power plant. The Michipicoten came in for a load of ore.

Once the Lee A. finished her unloading, she backed out so the H. Lee White could take her load. The Lee A. Tregurtha will take on a load of ore on Thursday while the James Barker brings in a load of coal.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Port Lambton made a stop for fuel at Marquette's lower harbor on Wednesday.

H. Lee White finished unloading stone, waiting for a berth at the ore dock.
Lee A. Tregurtha unloading coal, bow view.
Michipicoten at dock, Lee A. Tregurtha visible on other side.
Lee A. Tregurtha, Michipicoten bows.
CCGS Port Lambton fueling at the lower harbor marina.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw River News

08/28
The Pathfinder - Dorothy Ann was inbound on the Saginaw River Tuesday morning passing through Downtown Bay City around 10:30 a.m. She went upriver to unload at an unknown Saginaw Dock. The pair were back outbound for the lake again passing Bay City at 7 p.m.

Wednesday morning saw the Wilfred Sykes calling on the Saginaw. She stopped at the Essexville Sand & Stone Dock to lighter before continuing upriver to the Wirt Dock in Saginaw to finish unloading. The Sykes was outbound late on Wednesday.

Wilfred Sykes upbound at Veteran's Memorial Park.
Stern view past the Princess Wenona.
Wilfred Sykes flying her many flags.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Official launching of the new scientific icebreaker CCGS Amundsen

08/28
In Quebec City Tuesday, Ministers Allan Rock (Minister of Industry) and Robert G Thibault (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans) attended the unveiling of a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker destined to host over 145 researchers from 41 Canadian and foreign universities under the umbrella of ArcticNet, a new Canadian Network of centres of Excellence. Headed by Louis Fortier of Laval University (Quebec City), ArcticNet will study the scientific and social economic changes and challenges resulting from Arctic warming.

The scientific icebreaker was named CCGS Amundsen , in honour of a courageous Norwegian explorer of the early 20th century, Roald Amundsen, the first person to navigate the Northwest Passage in the High Canadian Arctic 100 years ago. In a 70-foot fishing boat, Amundsen took three years ( 1903-06) to complete his heroic journey. Amundsen was also the first person to reach the South Pole. The ship's sponsor, Lily Schreyer, is the wife of the former Governor General of Canada, Rt. Hon Edward Schreyer.(Mrs Lily Schreyer has been the sponsor of this vessel since launched as Sir John Franklin in 1979)

The CCGS Amundsen will sail from Quebec City on September 8 for the Beaufort Sea on its first scientific icebreaking mission and will sail by King William Island , the exact location where Amundsen and his crew spent his first winter. The Amundsen will spend a year in the Arctic for research purposes and will be frozen into the ice during the winter months.

The CCGS Amundsen is the former Sir John Franklin a popular icebreaker working out of St-John's Nfld (built at Burrard Dry Dock -North Vancouver BC-98.15m -325 f long-19.5 m-65 f wide-7.16 m-25 f draft-diesel 10,142 hp)

Reactivated and refitted by Verreault Shipyard of Les Méchins Québec at a cost of 30 M $ the Admunsen has become a state-of-the-art science vessel outfitted with the following capacities:
Capacity to conduct ocean-floor mapping and shallow marine drilling. Wet and dry laboratories.
Fast-launch capability to deploy and recover a 7 m -25 f survey boat while sailing at up to 6 knots
Meteorological instruments to calibrate satellite images directly from ship's path.
Ability to take oceans sample in adverse weather through access hole in ship's bottom hull.

The CCGS Amundsen is based in Quebec City (Canadian Coast Guard Quebec Region Base) and is crewed by Coast Guard personnel of the Quebec region. Its present Master is Capt. Stéphane Julien.

Amundsen Docked in Quebec City Tuesday.

Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Cleveland Update

08/28
The American Republic unloaded stone at Ontario 4 and then backed out over to the Cleveland Bulk Terminal to load for ISG. The Agawa Canyon came in Wednesday afternoon with the tug Mississippi and California for West Third.

American Republic.
Stern view.
Agawa Canyon arrives.
Passing the old Coast Guard Station.
Close up of the Mississippi.
Tug California on the stern.
Passing.

Reported by: TZ

Hamilton Update

08/28
On Wednesday evening the saltie Sealink was at Pier 8 unloading steel products.

Early that morning the Canadian Provider arrived in Hamilton and went to unload iron ore at Dofasco.

By early evening the vessel had completed unloading, did a fast cleanout of the holds and began their approach to Pier 25/26 to load grain for Quebec. The Canadian Provider approached bow first, secured the bow to the wharf and swung her stern around with the assistance of the Lac Como so that she would be facing out bow first.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

08/28
Atlantic Teak towing barge Pugwash loaded with containers from Valleyfield to Iqualuit, Aug. 23.
Atlantic Teak, a rare caller on the river off Verchères, Aug. 23.
OOCL Montreal showing her immense length (965 feet), downbound off Varennes from Montreal, Aug. 24.
OOCL Montreal, stern view, Aug. 24.
Nova D. moored at the Côte Ste. Catherine wharf awaiting permission to sail for the Northern Regions, Aug. 24.
Canadian Empress downbound above Côte Ste. Catherine lock, Aug. 24.
Niagara Prince following Canadian Empress, Aug. 24.
Niagara Prince, stern view, Aug. 24.
Saturn possibly her last transit in the Seaway, downbound above Côte Ste. Catherine lock, Aug. 24.
Saturn, stern view, Aug. 24.
Saturn awaiting Sealink's exit of the Côte Ste. Catherine lock chamber, Aug. 24.
The inimitable Kent Malo posing for posterity, Aug. 24.
Sealink upbound above Côte Ste. Catherine lock, Aug. 24.
Sichem Holger downbound off Verchères from Montréal to Vera Cruz, Mexico, Aug. 25.
Sichem Holger, stern view on a dull day, Aug. 25.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Un Bon Voyage Sur Le Levant

08/28
On Sunday the French passenger vessel Le Levant sailed from Toronto to Windsor and points beyond. Le Levant was constructed in St. Malo, France in 1998. She measures 99,88 metres in length and carries 95 passengers in luxurious comfort. Le Levant has found herself a niche market here on the Great Lakes stopping at smaller out of the way ports and anchorage’s. Several larger ports are also called on such as Montreal, Toronto, Cleveland and Milwaukee.

This is the vessel’s fifth summer on the Great Lakes and has so far met and exceeded passenger expectations.

For more information go to: www.lelevant.com

Below are images taken onboard from Lock 7 to Windsor, Ontario on Sunday August 24th.

Le Levant about to enter Lock 7.
The impressive knife shaped bow.
While secured at the old tin shed Alioth passes by.
While disembarking passengers it’s time to “test out” the French cuisine. Le petit déjeuner (breakfast) and le déjeuner (lunch) are served in the informal Restaurant Panoramique on le Pont La Pérouse. Le Restaurant Panoramique offers a wonderful view to each side of the ship as well as aft. Note: Le déjeuner was two thumbs up!
Commandant Jean-Philippe Lemaire looking back at the Petite Forte coming up through Ramey’s Bend.
Pleasure and business.
Petite Forte/St. Mary’s Cement entering Lock 8 astern of us. A tandem lockage is rare with commercial vessels these days.
Petite Forte almost in position.
Secured alongside Wharf 18.1 in Port Colborne.
Passengers embarking after a day excursion in Niagara Falls. Such excursions are available in every port including the Welland Canal. Some passengers elect to stay with the ship and sail through the locks and see vessel and lock operations up close. Others prefer to go ashore. The choice is theirs.
Now let’s have a quick look inside: Le Pont La Pérouse. The ship is equipped with an elevator for passenger convenience and comfort.
If you prefer to walk wide staircases are available.
The ship’s decorations have an early French Canadian explorer theme to honour its trading area as well as France’s heritage in these parts of both nations. Many cities, towns, streets, rivers etc. in the Great Lakes region still have a French connection dating back to the early French explorers. The city of Detroit is a fine example of such, as its name literally translates as “Strait”. The Detroit River is commonly referred to as a river but in fact, is actually a strait, hence the name Detroit.
La Bibliotheque.
Une autre vue.
Now let’s go back outside: La Passerelle.
Looking aft outside the Passerelle (Bridge) on Le Pont Boungainville.
Le pavillon Français (French flag). An hour past Port Colborne we cruise along at 14,8 knots. The vessel is fitted with twin screws and two Wartsila Diesels each developing 2020 BHP. The ride is smooth and very quiet.
Time to head down to Le Pont La Fayette and check out where supper will be served. The French tend to eat supper late, I have another 30 minutes to go. Sure smells great and looks good!
Le souper will be served at 1930 hours in the aptly named Restaurant Gastronomique.
Soon this table will be full of excited guests in anticipation of a gourmet meal ahead and an evening of fellowship.
No French meal is served without wine and bread.
Le vin is “breathing” and waiting to be enjoyed.
View of Lake Erie from one of the tables. We are an hour from Long Point.
Une autre vue.
Le Levant le prochain matin. (Sunrise the next morning). Le Levant translated means sunrise.
The former Colonial Steamships Ltd. (Scott Misener Steamship Ltd.) canaller Queenston at Bob-lo Island.
Centennial Light D77.
L’interieur de La Passerelle.
La table de carte.
Engine, steering, bow thruster controls, radar’s, etc…
At 0915 we are approaching our berth at Dieppe Park in Windsor. Dieppe Park is an appropriate port of call for Le Levant. Dieppe, France is a small town where Canadian soldiers landed on the beach and fought a heroic battle against German forces on August 19, 1942. Unfortunately, there were heavy Canadian casualties in the conflict. Dieppe Park in Windsor honours the memory of this battle and all those who fought so gallantly.
A view from le Pont Le Soleil.
This is my kind of ship!
I knew I should have brought my bathing suit for a quick dip before disembarking… Oh well next time!
Le Levant is registered in Mata Utu (Wallis & Futuna). This is a small French territory island in the South (Polynesian) Pacific.
Just in case one is inclined to work off some that fine cuisine.
A fitness instructor is available to help out if so desired.
Embarkation platform.
Alongside.
Close up view at Dieppe Park.
Le Levant with the beautiful Detroit skyline in the background. After another shore excursion the ship will sail at 1800 hours for Midland, Ontario. Bon Voyage Le Levant!

Reported by: Capt. Alain M Gindroz

Duluth Boatnerd Gathering 2003

08/28
September 5-6-7, 2003

Friday, September 5 – 2:15 PM
Vista Fleet harbor cruise - $10.00
No special rates or arrangements – 1-1/2 hour narrated harbor cruise
Introduce yourself to other Boatnerds
Cruise leaves from behind Duluth Exhibit & Convention Center
Next to the William A. Irvin http://www.vistafleet.com

NOTE – This cruise may be superceded by a Special Harbor Cruise. Watch this site for last minute notice.

Saturday, September 6 – 1:00 PM
“Jody Aho Special” Tour of the museum freighter William A. Irvin
E-Mail Wobser@GreatLaker.com, before August 31 if you plan to attend.
We need a head count to make these special arrangements.
http://www.williamairvin.com

Other Things To Do:
Corps of Engineers, Lake Superior Maritime Visitor’s Center Next to the Lift Bridge in Canal Park http://www.lsmma.com
Two Harbors Ore Docks - 25 miles north of Duluth
Gooseberry Falls - 30 Miles north of Duluth
Split Rock Lighthouse - 45 north of Duluth, Highway 61
Lake Superior Railroad Museum - The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street, Duluth http://www.lsrm.org
North Shore Scenic Railroad – 1-1/2 hour narrated train ride The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street, Duluth http://www.lsrm.org

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

Haida Tow Expected to Depart Thursday

08/27
The museum ship HMCS Haida tow is expected to depart Port Weller Dry Docks on Thursday 8 a.m. It is estimated that the tow will take 5-6 hours to Hamilton and the ship will most likely come through the Burlington Canal between 4 and 4 p.m. Haida will dock overnight in Hamilton on Thursday and Friday nights prior to her parade through the harbor for the 60th anniversary and grand arrival celebration on Saturday.

Haida will do a sweep of Hamilton Harbor, passing Lasalle Park in Burlington, before coming to rest offshore from Bayfront Park in Hamilton Harbor. She is expected to leave her temporary overnight berth around noon on Saturday and should be anchored off Bayfront Park by about 1 p.m.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. starting with a variety of entertainment and nautical demonstrations. There will be a parade of former Haida crew members at 1 p.m., with the formal proceedings of the event starting at 1:30 p.m. It is expected that the formal proceedings to end around 2:30 p.m., with cake and lemonade being served to all guests at that point. Entertainment will then resume until 3 p.m. when the ceremony will come to a close.

Haida will not be open to the public on Saturday, August 30, as it will be berthed at Pier 9, her new home.

For more information visit Friends of H.M.C.S. HAIDA Reported by: Ron Taylor

Mapleglen Tow

08/27
Crews continued to prepare the Mapleglen for tow to the scrap yard in India. Shore crews are working in the ballast tanks and other areas that need work before the tow can begin. The tug Seaways 2 remains moored along side the Mapleglen and will be until the tow is finalized.

The departure date is unknown at this time.

Seaway 2 along side the Mapleglen.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Sequoia Launch

08/27
Saturday morning the newest member of the U.S. Coast Guard's WLB class was launched at Marinette Marine Co. The USCG Sequoia (WLB-15) was side launched into the Menominee River just before 11 a.m. Saturday.

The Sequoia will be stationed in Guam, after it completes trials and fit-out early next spring. The USCG Hollyhock (WLB-14) is expected to depart for Port Huron sometime this fall.

The next launch at Marinette Marine is scheduled for September 20, and it will be one of the Staten Island ferries.

Sequoia moments before launching.
Sequoia hits the Menominee River.
Just after launching.
Almost back to an even keel.
Another view just after launching.
Erika Kobasic and Krystal prepare for the launch.
Krystal moves into position before the launch.

Reported by: Scott Best

Michipicoten Loads in Marquette

08/27
The Michipicoten arrived on a hazy Tuesday morning in Marquette which turned out to be a beautiful day for watching her come in and load. Her quick turn-around will have her back in Marquette on Wednesday evening.

The H. Lee White will bring stone to the lower harbor dock, then take on a load of ore on Wednesday. The Lee A. Tregurtha will bring a load of coal to the Presque Isle power plant, then take on ore.

The Michipicoten arrives in Marquette on a hazy morning.
Using her bow thrusters to stay near the dock.
Bow view of the Michipicoten at the dock.
Wide view of the Michipicoten at the dock. Stack of the Presque Isle (WE) power plant in the background.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Toledo Report

08/27
Tuesday the Reserve was at the CSX Docks loading coal. The dredge Columbia continued dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay north of the pump out station.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will now be the Charles M. Beeghly on Thursday. The Jean Parisien and John J. Boland on Friday, followed by the John G. Munson, Lee A. Tregurtha, and Philip R. Clarke on Saturday.

The next scheduled ore boats scheduled into the Torco Ore Docks will be the Canadian Navigator on Wednesday The Jean Parisien on Thursday. The CSL Laurentien and James Norris on Saturday, followed by the Atlantic Superior on Sunday.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up.

Classic views of Toledo Shipping
William Clay Ford (ex Walter A. Sterling) at CSX #2 Dock waiting to load coal.
Nicolet at CSX #2 Dock waiting to load coal. She just arrived from Toledo Shipyard after having her forward cabins replaced due to a fire that happened aboard her during winter lay-up.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

The International Ship Masters’ Association to re-establish the original Buffalo Lodge #1

08/27
An open meeting to re-establish the Buffalo Lodge #1 of the International Ship Masters’ Association will be held Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 6:00 PM at the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Downtown Buffalo, New York.

All professional mariners, active or retired, deck or engine depts., large or small commercial vessels, plus maritime business and government professionals, and shipping enthusiasts are invited to attend. A social hour with catered snacks will be followed by a presentation about the organization.

The ISMA was originated in 1886 by a group of ship captains in Buffalo, N.Y. as a benevolent association to assist widows and orphans of sailors lost on the Great Lakes. As the lake captains embraced the idea, other lodges were soon formed at various ports. In 1891, the first convention was held in Buffalo were the Grand Lodge was established to oversee the entire organization. The Buffalo Lodge #1 was active up until the late 1970’s.

Today, at 118 years old, the ISMA still thrives with the Grand Lodge and 16 local lodges around the Great Lakes in the US and Canada and over 750 members. While it no longer has a benevolent fund, the Association serves as a voice for licensed maritime professionals and works closely with shipping companies and government authorities on both sides of the border to promote safety in navigation on the Great Lakes. Through local lodge meetings and the annual convention, the ISMA brings together mariners and maritime professionals from all parts of the marine community. Membership categories include Active Professional, Retired Professional, Associate, Cadet and Honorary.

For more information about joining the Buffalo Lodge, or joining any ISMA lodge, please call (810) 982-2483 or visit our website at www.shipmaster.org. For directions to the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery please call (716) 856-2337 or visit their website at www.pearlstreetgrill.com. If you cannot attend the meeting, please pass on your name and contact information so you can receive mailings about future meetings.

Reported by: George Haynes, International Ship Masters’ Association

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

Mapleglen and Saturn Ready to Go

08/26
Work crews are busy at Montreal preparing Mapleglen for her one-way trip to the shipbreakers. Although the tow was scheduled to depart Monday, last-minute work kept Mapleglen and the tug Seaways 2 in port. A new departure date has not been given.

Seaways 2 was observed Monday tied alongside the Mapleglen facing aft. Ocean McAllister is expected to supply a Montreal-based tug that will take up the stern of the tow for the voyage down the river as far as Les Escoumins, but as last report the tug had not arrived.

Seaways 2, built in 1990 and operated by Seaways International LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is rated at 741 gross tons and has approximately 3,000 h.p.

Next scrap tows will be Oakglen and Algosound, also laid up at Montreal. Also at Montreal, according to the Port of Montreal website, is the tanker Saturn, owned by Cleveland tankers, which has reportedly been sold for off lakes use. It is listed as departing today for ports unknown. It has been rumored that the small tanker will become a fueling vessel on the Panama Canal.

Reported by: Kent Malo and Roger LeLievre

Nova D. heads for Arctic

08/26
The Nova D. tow got underway Sunday after high winds delayed the tow. The big tug Reliance pulled away from the dock with the barge in tow heading for the Arctic.

It was slow going from Cote Ste. Catherines Lock to St. Lambert Lock, their speed was approximately 2 knots.

Pictures taken Sunday at Cote Ste Catherines
Tug Reliance and the Nova D. at the wharf waiting for the traffic to move before starting with the tow.
Cedarglen heading towards the lock down bound.
Tug James A Hannah and barge up bound.
Marc Piché who contributes many photos on News Channel with the Sealink and the Saturn barely visible over his right shoulder.
Sealink up bound, with the Niagara Prince, and the Canadian Empress in front, at the long approach wall, they were waiting for the Saturn to lock down before there order of turn.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Maumee Departs

08/26
The Maumee departed the north slip in Point Edward late Monday night. She cleared Buoys 1 & 2 upbound at 11:14 p.m. She had arrived at the Government Dock in Sarnia over one week ago for apparent repairs to her unloading equipment.

She shifted to north slip earlier in the week to make room for the Tall Ship Festival this past weekend in Sarnia.

The Maumee is heading upbound to load at Drummond Island.

Reported by: Marc Dease

Le Levant Visits Windsor

08/26
The cruise ship Le Levant was moored at Windsor Monday afternoon and departed north around 5:40 p.m. The cruise ship is upbound for Midland, Ontario.

LeLavant moored at Riverside Park, Windsor Monday.
Closeup of bow.

Reported by: Frank Bachnak

Sykes Upbound

08/26
The Wilfred Sykes departed Rouge Steel in Detroit Monday afternoon. The Sykes cleared the Rouge River and turned upbound into the Detroit River.

Sykes passing St. Clair, Michigan Monday afternoon.
Close up.

Reported by: Matt Lemon

Twin Ports Report

08/26
Almost as though someone flipped a switch, the sluggish Twin Ports grain trade suddenly is perking right along. For the first time in months, four grain berths were active Monday. In Superior, Lake Superior was loading at Cenex Harvest States. In Duluth, Algocape was loading at AGP (coming in on the heels of Federal Fuji), Bogdan was sliding into the Cargill B1 berth about 7:30 a.m. to start loading, and Medemborg was loading at General Mills. In addition, the Olympic Merit was anchored on the lake waiting for AGP, and Pintail showed up later, dropping anchor on the lake to wait for Cenex Harvest States. Railcars also were being unloaded at General Mills' Elevator S in Superior, a sign that either Joseph H. Frantz or one of the Wagenborg vessels likely will call there soon.

Elsewhere in port Monday, Canadian Olympic was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal, to be followed by Walter J. McCarthy Jr. The tug W.N. Twolan was at Hallett 8 with lumber barges, and Alpena was due later in the day.

James R. Barker will be a common sight in the Twin Ports this week. It's scheduled to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal on Wednesday

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw River News

08/26
The Paul H. Townsend was downbound Monday evening, passing through Bay City around 8 p.m. The Townsend had arrived on Sunday and unloaded at the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton.

Once the Paul Townsend had passed the Essroc Dock in Essexville, the CSL Tadoussac departed stern first out into the Saginaw Bay to turn around. The Tadoussac had arrived earlier and unloaded clinker at Essroc.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

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

McKee Sons Visit

08/25
Sunday afternoon the barge Mc Kee Sons and tug Invincible answered a master salute from a local pleasure boat announcing it arrival through the pier head in Holland, Mi. By 3 p.m. she had moved up river past Kolen Park and was pulling up near the Verplank's Dock.

It then kicked up the bow thrusters, pushed out and made the slight turn for the James De Young power plant. By 3:30 p.m. it was unloading its cargo of Western coal.

At 7 p.m. the pair continuing to unload. With the winds being high and the waves starting to pick-up (four to six feet at 8 p.m.), the tug and barge may remain in port until morning.

Reported by: Dale Rosema

Leitch Loads

08/25
The John D. Leitch, the former Canadian Century, made its first ever appearance in Milwaukee Saturday morning. They arrived late Friday night at the Nidera Grain Elevator to load corn.

bow.
stern.
The deckhands paint the anchor pockets as loading continues on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Nina Visits Ludington

08/25
The full sized replica of Christopher Columbus' favorite ship the Nina was recently in Ludington. The Saturday edition of the Ludington Daily News stated that since she arrived on Tuesday that it has averaged 500 people touring the ship each day. The Nina will be departing the Ludington City Marina on Monday.

For more information visit www.thenina.com

People along the break walls and the beach were also treated to a nice sunset as the SS Badger departed on Sunday evening.

Nina Docked.
Badger Departing.

Reported by: Becky W.

Alpena Update

08/25
The steamer Alpena arrived in port Saturday evening to take on cement at Lafarge. It departed around midnight and is headed for Superior, WI.

The Paul H. Townsend was due in port early Sunday morning and also the J.A.W Iglehart was expected on Sunday evening to load.

Vessels scheduled to load at Stoneport on Sunday were the David Z. Norton followed by the tug/barge Joseph H. Thompson. Also the Kaye E. Barker and St. Clair.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

08/25
The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. was inbound Saturday morning for the Karn-Weadock Power Plant in Essexville to unload coal. She finished her unload and was outbound for the lake later in the day, backing out into the Saginaw Bay to turn around.

On Sunday, the tug Gregory J. Busch was inbound early in the evening headed upriver to her berth in Carrollton.

The Paul H. Townsend was inbound a few hours behind the tug Busch, headed upriver to the Lafarge Terminal in Carrollton to unload cement. She is expected to be outbound tomorrow evening.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan, Todd Shorkey

St. Clair River Traffic

08/25
Below are images taken over the weekend of traffic on the St. Clair River.

Ferry City Of Algonac crossing the St. Clair River.
Ferry Daldean crossing in the fog.
Kwintebank downbound off Marysville.
Stern view.
Bristol Bay & CGB 12001 downbound off Marysville.
Another view.
Algonova loading at Sun Oil North Dock in Sarnia.
Diamond Star approaching the Sun Oil North Dock.
Stern view.
Another view.
Finnish tanker Tavi at Sun Oil North Dock.
Left to right Michipicoten, tug Shannon barge Marysville and Tavi.
tug Keewatin upbound off Marysville.
Tavi backing down for the Shell Corunna Dock.
Another view.
St. Clair Crib Light.
Windmill Point Light.
Livingstone Light.
Mesabi Miner and barge Marysville downbound off Zug Island.
Construction continues on the new cement silos.
tug Roger Stahl at the Gaelic Dock for the final time.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo News

08/25
On Sunday the Kapitonas Marcinkus was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator loading grain. The Cuyahoga made a return visit to Andersons "E" Elevator to load grain. The Nanticoke was at Andersons "K" Elevator loading grain. The Canadian Enterprise was at the CSX Coal Docks loading coal.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up. There were no vessels at the Shipyard.

The dredge Columbia continues dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay north of the pump out station.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Reserve on Tuesday. The John J. Boland, Charles M. Beeghly, and Jean Parisien on Thursday, followed by the Arthur M. Anderson, Lee A. Tregurtha, and John G. Munson on Saturday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Canadian Navigator on Wednesday. The Jean Parisien and James Norris on Thursday. The CSL Laurentien on Saturday, followed by the Atlantic Superior on Sunday.

Classic Views of Toledo Shipping
The dredge Markham downbound from the Craig Bridge. She just finished dredging the ship channel upriver and is headed out to the pump out station located in Maumee Bay to unload her mud cargo.
Steamer Bethlehem in winter lay-up at the Lakefront Coal Docks.
The Joseph S. Young going through spring fitout at the C&O Coal Docks.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Lone Ranger in Cleveland

08/25
The private yacht Lone Ranger was docked at the Port of Cleveland over the weekend. Sunday, one of the yacht’s runabouts was tied up port side to ferry visitors aboard.

Docked.
Runabout along side.
Close up.
Stern.
Another view.

Reported by: Tim & Karen Zehe

Cuyahoga Unloads

08/25
The Cuyahoga returned to Port Stanley on Lake Erie Saturday. She was in port to load corn, which she did in record time.

The corn was off loaded into the old pot ash domes. This was a first for such deliveries.

Cuyahoga inbound.
Unloading.

Reported by: Ted Coombs

Hamilton Report

08/25
The saltie Thor Sofia arrive in Hamilton Harbour at 10 a.m. Sunday after stopping in Montreal. On Saturday the Halifax arrived at 10 a.m. with taconite for Stelco from Superior, Wisconsin. After unloading she headed to Bowmanville, Ontario at 5:30 p.m. in ballast.

The Regina Oldendorff moved from the anchorage to Pier 23. The Canadian Miner departed for Thunder Bay at noon. The saltie Spar Garnet departed at 1 p.m.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Toronto Traffic

08/25
Arrivals Saturday were the French passenger vessel Le Levant, which departed Sunday morning for the Welland Canal. The saltie Goldeneye went to Redpath Sugar dock, assisted by McKeil's harbor tugs.

Also in port was the Oakville based hobby tug Pascol, which departed later on Saturday. The local hobby tug Wendy B. went out to Humber Bay, where fireworks were the order of the evening, from a barge anchored off Ontario Place. The fireworks are in conjunction with The Ex celebrations.

Thursday saw the arrival of four Canadian minesweepers, which are rafted two deep and stern to stern near the foot of John St. HMCS Halifax (700) and HMCS Shawinigan(704) are on the outside with HMCS Summerside (711) and HMCS Glace Bay (701) at the wall.

The tugs Carrol C. 1 and Bonnie B. II were forced to tie up at Pier 52 as the saltie Tramper is still unloading at Pier 35, where these tugs normally tie up when in port. The tugs have completed another pipe tow for the deep-water cooling project.

Reported by: Art Church

Reliance Heading for Arctic

08/24
The tug Reliance and the tug Lac Vancouver along with the barge Nova D. were preparing to depart the Cote Ste. Catherines wharf Saturday afternoon for the Arctic.

The barge Nova D. is loaded, all between deck cargo stowed, the deck cargo lashed down and secured. Saturday the tug Lac Vancouver took up her place at the stern of the Nova D. and the tug Reliance at the bow, the pilot asked the Lac Vancouver for a test pull from the rear, the test was successful and barge was secured once more at the wharf, the winds were not cooperating with the tow as they increased to 25 knots.

With winds at that velocity the tow had to be rescheduled for early Sunday morning, officials said winds and traffic necessitated the tow to be cancelled for the time being, the winds are still quite strong hopefully they will abate for the new departure time.

The tow is expected to take 10 days before reaching the first Arctic community. The tow of the Nova D. will have the tug and barge returning to Montreal within 40 days. Upon return they will load once more for the Arctic.

Tug Lac Vancouver.
Nova D. loaded for the Arctic.
Reliance forward view.
Stern view of the tug Reliance with Rosaire Desgagnes in the plaid shirt, walking along the wharf.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Frantz in Goderich

08/24
The Joseph H. Frantz paid her first visit to Goderich on Friday evening, entering the harbor with the assistance of the MacDonald Marine tugs.

She docked at the grain elevators and is taking on a load of wheat.

Reported by: Dale Baechler

Marquette Update

08/24
The Wilfred Sykes made a rare trip to Marquette on Saturday and took on a load of ore. She was followed in by the Reserve, also in for ore. Many boatwatchers enjoyed the view. The Herbert Jackson is expected in with a load of coal for the Presque Isle plant, and will then take on ore on Sunday.

Wilfred Sykes loading, viewed from under the coal hopper.
Bow view of Wilfred Sykes at the dock.
Reserve approaching dock, putting man down.
Reserve, pulling out forward line.
Reserve at dock, wide view.
Boatwatchers observing the Reserve's approach.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw River News

08/24
The Walter J. McCarthy JR passed the pump out station at the mouth of the Saginaw River this morning at 1056. She is currently at the Essexville Power Plant unloading coal.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Hamilton Update

08/24
Friday morning saw a flurry of activity in Hamilton Harbor. The saltie Flintermaas departed as the Canadian Progress was arriving with a cargo of coal for Dofasco Dock No.2.

Then the CSL Laurentian departed after the Progress had entered the harbor. The Regina Oldendorff was sitting in the Hamilton anchorage. The Canadian Miner arrived at 8:30 p.m. from Port Cartier Quebec with a cargo of iron ore pellets for Dofasco.

The Canadian Progress then departed going through the Burlington Ship Canal using the same lift as the Progress. The refueling ship Hamilton Energy departed at 9 p.m. heading to Clarkson, Ontario.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Toledo News

08/23
The Kapitonas Marcinkus was at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator loading grain. The Cuyahoga ended up at Andersons "E" Elevator to load grain, she was expected to depart Friday afternoon. The Algorail finished unloading stone at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock and departed Friday morning.

The dredge Columbia is dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay between Light 29 and Buoy 34 which is north of the pump out station. The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up at their respective docksites. There were no vesels at the Shipyard at this time.

The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the Canadian Enterprise on Saturday. The Reserve on Tuesday, followed by the Charles M. Beeghly, Jean Parisien, and John J. Boland on Wednesday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Algosteel late Friday evening. The CSL Niagara on Saturday, followed by the Canadian Navigator, Jean Parisien, and James Norris on Wednesday.

On the James Norris she will most likely be delayed arriving at this port as she is having engine problems and had to stop at a St Lawrence port for repairs.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Association for Great Lakes Maritime History Awards

08/23
The Association for Great Lakes Maritime History has announced the winners of its 2003 Awards for Historic Preservation and Historic Interpretation.

Dick Moehl, president of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, has been awarded the Association’s 2003 Award for Historic Preservation. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a major contribution, over many years, to the preservation of Great Lakes maritime history, in furtherance of the goals of the Association. Moehl is being honored for his more than 20 years of work to preserve the historic lighthouses of the Great Lakes region, including the St. Helena Light Station near the Straits of Mackinac.

John Burke, a trustee emeritus of the Great Lakes Historical Society, has been awarded the Association’s 2003 Award for Historic Interpretation. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a major contribution, over many years, to the interpretation of Great Lakes maritime history, in furtherance of the goals of the Association. Burke is being honored for his more than 30 years of involvement in the Great Lakes Historical Society and many years of volunteer work in the fields of maritime history education, exhibit creation, video production and publishing.

In addition to the award winners, the Association would also like to recognize the work and dedication of those who were also nominated for this year’s awards:

Ellen Brody was instrumental in the creation of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary as a unique partnership between the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Michigan. For more than 14 years, she personally coordinated efforts to create the sanctuary which was finally established in 2001 and will protect the more than 100 shipwreck sites in Lake Huron.

Ted Friedlander has been a major driving force in the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society and its efforts to create a comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels, for more than 15 years. In addition to serving as president and trustee of the Society, Friedlander has contributed considerable time and financial support to the Society’s vessel enrollment project which recently published The Age of Sail on the Great Lakes 1678-1911 which provides significant new insights into the history of sailing ships and shipbuilding in the Great Lakes region.

Holly Holcombe has served as director of the Steamship William G. Mather Museum during 10 of the most difficult years in the museum ship’s history. During those years, the historic vessel had to find a new parent organization and faced opposition from city officials. Holcombe was able to overcome those obstacles and organize a major restoration effort for the ship. Her efforts reached a milestone this July when the City of Cleveland signed a 40-year lease for the museum ship’s North Street Pier site with its parent organization, the Harbor Heritage Society.

Mike Sterling of the Southampton Marine Heritage Society has led the local effort to preserve and restore the historic lighthouse and keeper’s quarters on Chantry Island in Lake Huron for more almost seven years. During those years, over $250,000 has been raised for the site’s restoration effort and more than 250 volunteers have contributed more than 27,000 hours of work. Although work is still ongoing, the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters were sufficiently restored to be re-opened for public tours in August 2001.

Founded in the late 1970s, the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History is an international association of institutions, museums, societies and individuals involved in preserving and interpreting the maritime history of the Great Lakes. More information on the Association is available on its web site: www.aglmh.org

Reported by: Bob O'Donnell

Haida Schedule to Arrive August 30

08/22
The museum ship HMCS Haida will be moved to her permanent home in Hamilton Harbor at noon on August 30. The vessel will be towed from Port Weller Dry Docks arriving on August 29. She will tie up at the Burlington Pier 10 until 11:00 a.m. on the 30th and then go through the Burlington Ship Canal in parade at noon.

The HMCS Haida will have an escort of the Canadian naval vessels HMCS Glace Bay and the HMCS Shawinigan along with the fire tug Judge McCombs and two police boats. She will be moved along the north shore of Hamilton Harbor to Bayfront Park.

Spectator vessels should anchor along the north shore of the harbor to keep the course of the HMCS Haida clear.

Ceremonies are to start at Bayfornt Park at 1 p.m. and last about two hours. The tugs will then take the HMCS Haida to her new home at the HMCS Star.

For more information visit www.hamiltonport.ca

Reported by: Ian Noble

Twin Ports Report

08/22
Several major Twin Ports docks were busy Thursday and will be again today. Birchglen was loading wheat at the Peavey elevator, a terminal that has seen few vessels this season. The saltie Kent was completing its load at Cenex Harvest States, which has been the busiest elevator in port this season.

Elsewhere the Algowood was due at Midwest Energy Terminal, to be followed late by James R. Barker. Mesabi Miner was due to load the DMIR ore dock. Cason J. Callaway was due late in the day to unload at the Reiss dock, then shift to DMIR to load early Friday. Stewart J. Cort was loading at BNSF ore dock. Joe Block unloaded stone overnight at DMIR, then proceeded up the shore to DMIR in Two Harbors to load.

Midwest Energy Terminal expects to be busy today, with Columbia Star, Algosoo and Canadian Olympic all scheduled to load. The most interesting aspect of this is that the Canadian Olympic is scheduled to carry coal to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

DMIR in Duluth will be handling several vessels over the next few days that are boatwatcher favorites. Presque Isle, Cason J. Callaway and Frontenac are all due today, with Philip R. Clarke scheduled for Saturday and John G. Munson due Sunday.

Reported by: Al Miller

Milwaukee Update

08/22
Noon time visitors on downtown Milwaukee's river walk have something new to look at. The 'Maid of Honour' was purchased by Milwaukee photographer Mark Gubin this spring from Palmer Johnson Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

The 50-foot long diesel powered vessel was built in the 1920's and served as the "admiral's barge" with the H.M.S. Rodney, Nelson and Hood. The King of England demanded that the brass funnel be retained, even though it only purpose is to give the boat a distinctive appearance.

The 'Maid of Honour' survived W.W. II because it was stored in a cave in Malta. It was used as the site for the surrender of Italy's surrender to the Allies.

The boat came to America 1958 and was used as an escort for the America Cup races. Pierre Dupont owned it at one time. He used it to reach his summer home off Connecticut. In 1981 the then owner of Palmer Johnson purchased the boat for his personal use. The British government would like to purchase it for a museum in England but for now Mark Gubin is content to let it share dock space with his other floating toy, the 1903 tug 'Solomon Juneau.'

Iroquois returns from a morning tour.
Maid of Honour.
another view .
another view.
Milwaukee skyline in the background.
The Recovery, a converted fish tug now used for diving and vessel recovery.
The dinner boat Edleweiss approach's the Michigan St. bridge on a lunch cruise Thursday.
Someone has a sense of humor.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Saginaw River News

08/22
The Buffalo arrived in the Saginaw River late Wednesday evening and unloaded during the night at the Bay Aggregates dock. The vessel departed about 4 a.m. Thursday.

The Algoway passed through Bay City after 7 a.m. Thursday on its way up to the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Early in the afternoon, the Wilfred Sykes passed upbound to the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw on its second visit within three days.

The Sykes was outbound from Saginaw about 7 p.m. after unloading in Saginaw, she had lighter at the Essexville Sand & Stone Dock early Thursday morning. Once the vessel had passed Zilwaukee about an hour later, the Algoway departed the Sargent dock and went up to Sixth Street to turn for the outbound trip.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan, Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update

08/22
The Kapitonas Marcinkus was loading grain at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator Thursday. The Cuyahoga was upbound the Maumee River Thursday morning bound for the ADM/ Countrymark Elevator where she will follow the Marcinkus loading grain.

The Alpena was at the Lafarge Dock unloading cement. The dredge Columbia continues dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay between Light 29 and buoy 34 which is North of the pump out station.

The Catherine Desgagnes and Canadian Enterprise were due in at CSX Coal Docks late Thursday afternoon to load coal. The Algorail is due in at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock Thursday evening to unload stone.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Canadian Enterprise for a return visit on Sunday. The Reserve on Tuesday, followed by the Charles M. Beeghly and Jean Parisien on Wednesday.

The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Algosteel on Friday. The CSL Niagara on Saturday followed by the Canadian Navigator, Jean Parisien, and James Norris on Wednesday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Hamilton Report

08/22
Sunday afternoon the Gordon C. Leitch arrived in ballast, transited the Burlington Ship Canal and moored at Pier 25, JRI facilities to take on a load of grain. This cargo is destined for Sorel Quebec with further processing and eventual export at this port.

At 1:30 Sunday afternoon just as soon as the Gordon C. Leitch cleared the canal, the Birchglen steamed out of Hamilton Harbour and into Lake Ontario.

The CCG vessel Simcoe is in dry dock at Heddles.

The Federal Fuji is at Pier 14 unloading steel products.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto Update

08/22
The tugs Carrol C. 1 and Bonnie B. II arrived Wednesday with a pipe tow.

The saltie Tramper unloaded a 510 ton steam generator onto specially designed flatbed rail cars at Pier 35. The saltie Olympic Mentor continued unloading its raw sugar cargo at Redpath.

At Toronto Drydock, the Hurricane Canvas Co. barge Bobbin - a floating sail loft and custom canvas shop - was dry docked for survey; hull cleaning and painting. The hobby tug Rosebud departed port early Wednesday morning for its home port.

Reported by: Art Church

Knudsen Vessel Awakens Clarkson

08/22
The Synnove Knudsen arrived in port Thursday morning. This is the first vessel to call at the Petro Canada refinery dock in at least three weeks. She will likely require about 36 hours to load cargo.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Kingston Traffic

08/22
The Nantucket Clipper continues making trips from Quebec City to Rochester. She was eastbound on August 10 with two more round trips to follow. She will then be heading for the East Coast.

The tour boat Industry seems to have picked up some as the Island Belle, Island Queen and Island Star have been holding to their regular schedule with larger numbers of passengers.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Queen Reported Sold

08/21
Reports from Canada indicate the idle grain carrier Seaway Queen may have been sold for scrap. She is expected to depart Toronto under tow for Montreal by the end of the month, and will then wait for a tug to take her for scrapping at Alang, India.

The 1959-built Seaway Queen has been laid up at Toronto since Dec. 23, 1999. She makes the fourth surplus Canadian-flag bulker sold recently for scrap. The others are Oakglen, Mapleglen and Algosound.

On Thursday the tug Seaways 2 was alongside the Mapleglen. The Mapleglen is expected to be the first to depart for the scrap yard, the exact date of departure is unknown.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Sarnia Update

08/21
The Cedarglen was at the Sarnia elevators Wednesday and the tall ships have started to arrive in Sarnia at the Government docks.

The Maumee is was stopped at the North end of the North Slip. She remains in ballast with the cables on the self unloading equipment are completely slack. She does not appear to have any power up Wednesday night.

The Samuel Risley was docked at the Sydney Smith Dock.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Marquette Update

08/21
The H. Lee White brought stone to the lower harbor at Marquette, then moved to the ore dock on Wednesday to take on a load of ore. The loading process was slowed because of problems with a chute, which was finally resolved. The American Mariner is due on Thursday.

H. Lee White with chute partially down.
H. Lee White at dock on a rainy day.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Detroit Traffic

08/21
Below are recent images of Detroit Traffic

Canadian Olympic upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Fred R White Jr upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Mississagi upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Earl W Oglebay downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Purvis Marine tug Reliance downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Gaelic Tugboat Co.'s Roger Stahl in Nicholson's Drydock.
Stern view
Close up
Pintail (Cyprus) unloading at Nicholson's.
Stern view
Rail barge Detroit raised from the bottom of Nicholson's South Slip!
Roger Blough downbound off Nicholson's Slip.
Happy passengers
Stern view
Algoway unloading at the hopper on Zug Island.
Carolyn Hoey upbound the Detroit River off Zug Island and pulling the stern of the Algomarine past the red buoy that marks the entrance to the Rouge Short Cut Canal.
Close up
Algomarine backing into the Rouge in route to the Osborne Dock with a load of salt.
All fast at the dock
Columbia at Nicholson's Slip.
Agawa Canyon downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view
Birchglen upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Aerial Views

08/21
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Detroit and Lake Erie 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.

American republic.
Stern view.
Algolake downbound in the Livingston Channel.
Stern view.
Charles M. Beeghly.
Stern view.
Birchglen.
Another view.
Silouette.
Caulmet.
Dredge Columbia.
Another view.
Cuyahoga.
Another view.
Passing.
Dredge.
Frontenac.
Stern view.
John D. Leitch.
Another view.
Pintail at Nicholson's.
Roger Stahl on dry dock.
Another view.
Saginaw.
Bow view.
Close up.
Another view.
Stern view.
Turtle Island in Lake Erie.
Another view.
Another view.

Cote Ste. Catherines Traffic

08/21
Atlantic Erie up bound to turn around in Lake St Louis, then head back to the Cote Ste Catherines wharf to unload gypsum
Atlantic Superior stern view, heading East after turning around in Lake St Louis after unloading gypsum at the Cote wharf
Atlantic Superior full view
Bogdan up bound for Toronto
Carola departs the Cote wharf after stopping for repairs
Carola moored for repairs
HMCS Glace Bay upbound for Toronto
Nova D hold looking through the side port, starboard side, the bright light you see inside is the sun shinning through the open deck hatch
Part of Nova D deck load
barge Nova D starboard side, loading door
More of Nova d's load for the Arctic
HMCS Shawinigan along with the HMCS Glace Bay up bound for Toronto.

Reported by: Kent Malo

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

08/21
Kingston (MCDV-700), upbound off Varennes for Montréal and then Seaway, Aug. 15.
Kingston (MCDV-700), stern view, lead ship of a 12 vessel-class, Aug. 15.
C.T.M.A. Vacancier meeting HMCS KINGSTON off Varennes. The Vacancier had just left Montréal on her regular weekly run to the Magdalen Islands with obviously a full capacity of passengers. Aug. 15.
C.T.M.A. Vacancier downbound off Varennes. A good study of her stern section. Aug. 15.
Stolt Concept, downbound off Verchères. Deck crane handling a gangway. Aug. 16.
Cavalier Maxim with a deck load of happy sightseers, upbound off Verchères to Montréal, Aug. 18.
Synnove Knutsen upbound off Verchères for Montréal and Seaway, Aug. 18.
Glace Bay (MCDV-701) upbound off Verchères for Montréal and then Seaway to Lake Ontario, Aug. 18.
Shawinigan (MCDV-704) accompanying GLACE BAY, Verchères, Aug. 18.
OOCL Belgium, downbound off Verchères from Montréal, Aug. 19.
Aivik downbound off Verchères from Côte Ste. Catherine where she loaded general cargo destined to Canadian Arctic communities, Aug. 19.
Newcastle Voyager, a privately owned 38 meter-long yacht which arrived at Montréal berth 16 last Friday for a 4 day-visit, shown downbound off Verchères for Boston. Aug. 19.
Newcastle Voyager, stern view, built last year in Florida, based at Fort Lauderdale, St. Vincent & Grenadines flag. She had a regular river pilot on board. Aug. 19.

Reported by: Marc Piché

An Evening Onboard Federal Fuji

08/21
On Tuesday evening at 1900 Federal Fuji departed in ballast from Pier 23 in Hamilton, ON bound for Duluth, MN. She will load wheat for Europe. The 1986 built Federal Fuji and her identical twin sister Federal Polaris are both owned by Viken Lakers of Norway and are chartered to Fednav. Federal Fuji has called the Great Lakes home since she made her first visit to the area at Toledo, OH in October of 1986. With the fresh paint barely dry Fednav graciously held an open house/ship to the general public while alongside in Toledo. At the time Federal Fuji was docked downtown while waiting several days for her turn to load.

In addition to operating on the Great Lakes both sisters trade to the Canadian high arctic during the summer months.

A third sister of the triplets is the 1984 built Federal Agno that was originally named Federal Asahi until 1989. She is identical in all respects with the exception that she is not fitted with a bow thruster. Federal Agno hails from Manila and is not part of Viken Lakers.

I had the privilege to accompany Lake Ontario and Harbors Pilot Capt. Gerard Ferrao on his assignment from Hamilton to Port Weller. My sincere thanks and appreciation go to Captain’s Ferrao and Boco for giving me the opportunity to have a peek at operations on Lake Ontario.

Below are images taken onboard.

Cargo operations are complete and the vessel will sail shortly.
Deck view aft.
Accommodation block as seen from number 5 hatch.
Bridge wing view of Pier 23 moments before sailing.
The bridge wing where most maneuvers are carried out.
Federal Fuji is the only name she’s had since her construction 17 years ago.
Here comes the tug Paul E. No.1 to give a helping hand.
Close up adjacent to the former Canada Steamship Lines package freight sheds.
View of four of the eight ramps at the shed.
Singling up the mooring lines in preparation of casting off.
The third officer and A.B on the bridge ready to go.
Another view of the shed and of the Provmar Fuels Inc. Terminal on the face of the berth.
A sign of another era. The name “S/S Fort York Aug. ’77” can be seen. Now this is cool graffiti!
As we back out of the slip we have a good view of the Provmar Fuels Inc. dock.
Another view of the former Ungava Transport and Imperial Sarnia.
Left to right: Pilot Capt. Gerard Ferrao and Capt. Alejandro Boco keeping a close watch on the maneuvers.
Paul E. No.1 giving a gentle push on the starboard quarter.
Backing up into the tight turning area adjacent to Pier 25.
Over the stern is the Pier 25 grain loading facility.
Capt. Gerrard Ferrao giving the tug the “all clear”.
A few minutes later we are out of the slip and almost fully turned. The Dofasco steel plant and ore dock is just ahead.
Heading for the Burlignton Canal.
Dead centre in the canal.
Doing some “back seat” driving over the pilots shoulder.
Passing under the lift bridge.
Clear of the Burlington Canal and Hamilton Harbour we set course for Port Weller.
A Crew member enjoying an evening stroll on the deck.
The basketball mesh prevents the ball from going over the side, particularly when the vessel is rolling.
Sunset over Burlington. In a little over an hour Federal Fuji will arrive at Port Weller and transit the Welland Canal.

MEMORIES – 1977 M/V ONTADOC: Upon completion of my first season of sailing my father presented me with this sketch that he drew of my first ship.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Speedy Victoriaborg Headed for Belgium

08/21
It was a mere nine days ago (on Sunday) that Victoriaborg passed upbound in the canal loaded with wood pulp for Lake Michigan. Since that time she discharged in Menominee and then sailed in ballast to Thunder Bay to load a cargo of flax for Ghent. After a quick turn around in Thunder Bay she arrived in the Welland Canal early Sunday morning.

Below are images taken onboard Sunday from Lock 7 to Port Weller.

Lowered and departing Lock 7.
Entering the first of the flight locks Lock 6.
Entering the last of the flight locks Lock 4.
Fully lowered in Lock 4 and the gates cracking open.
Approaching the Glendale Avenue Bridge.
Final approach to Lock 3.
Just starting to dump in Lock 3.
Passing by the upbound John D. Leitch.
John D. Leitch.
Approaching Lock 2.
CCGS Griffon, HMCS Halifax and HMCS Haida (215).
Entering the final lock for today.
Juleen I (Port Weller Pilot Boat) alongside exchanging pilots.
Another view prior to disembarking.
Victoriaborg heading out of the canal.
On the way back to the pilot boat dock, the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue station can be seen astern. (Photo by: Andy Gindroz)
Son Andy enjoying a Sunday afternoon on the pilot boat.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Picture Updates

08/21
233 pictures were added on today's News Page covering traffic for the past three days. Be sure to browse news items from Tuesday and Wednesday for new pictures.

Picture Guide Lines

08/21
With the availability of digital cameras and slide scanners 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.

For fastest processing and inclusion in the news page it is important to follow these guide lines. Pictures not following this guide take a larger amount of time to process and cannot always be added.

Click here to view.

Leader Arrives for Survey

08/20
The Canadian Leader arrived off Port Weller around noon Tuesday under tow of the tugs Vigilant 1 and Seahound. The tug Vigilant 1 and Lac Como performed the tow across the lake, once the tow got to the anchorage area it was joined by the tug Seahound which took its place alongside Lac Como on the stern while the tow came in and through Lock 1.

By late afternoon she was on the shallow dry dock at Port Weller Dry Docks.

She is in the dry dock for her Five Year Survey. The dry docking shows that she has a secure future ahead, at least for the next five years.

In related Port Weller Dry Dock news, the museum ship Haida was move from the dry dock on Sunday afternoon. It was moved to the fit our wall by the tugs James E. McGrath and Seahound. The Haida is expected to be towed to Hamilton later this month.

Reported by: David Bull and Jimmy Sprunt

Twin Ports Report

08/20
The saltwater trade in the Twin Ports perked up a bit Tuesday. Helena Oldendorff was loading a Cenex Harvest States while Elikon was loading at Cargill B1. Kent is anchored off shore waiting for Cenex Harvest States. Grain traffic has been slow in recent weeks. Most traffic this season has been through the Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior. Cargill, Peavey and AGP have all seen few ships lately, although all three reportedly will have callers in the next several days.

Adolph Ojard, head of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, was quoted in a local newspaper as saying the port might see a good fall grain rush, largely because of growing world demand and the hot weather that's damaged crops in Europe.

Elsewhere in port Tuesday, the Paul R. Tregurtha was loading at Midwest Energy Terminal and Halifax was loading at BNSF ore dock. Indiana Harbor was docked at the Lakehead Pipeline dock in Superior undergoing repair and maintenance work. It was scheduled to follow the Tregurtha into the coal dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

American Mariner Visits Superior, WI

08/20
On a recent kayak adventure, we were treated to a good show as the American Mariner paid a visit to the BNSF dock in Superior, WI. She pulled in on a steamy Sunday morning and immediately began loading pellets. While crewmen were busy with the hatches, there was also a flurry of activity aft as dockside workers filled steel cages with supplies, which were lifted aboard by the stern cranes.

American Mariner arrives.
They're even bigger when you're in the water with 'em!
Finally in place, lines are secured on the dock.

Reported by: Tom Anderson

Marquette News

08/20
The Adam Cornelius had a slow load at Marquette on Monday, problems pumping ballast. While she was loading the Michipicoten arrived for her load and went to the north side of the dock. The Kiyi was tied up at Marquette's Mattson Park, may have been having mechanical problems.

The Herbert Jackson made a trip to the lower harbor with a load of coal for the Shiras Steam Plant. She will move to the upper harbor for a load of ore on Tuesday morning. A busy day in both harbors.

The Adam Cornelius on the south side of the ore dock in Marquette.
Loading ore.
Bow view of the Adam Cornelius at the dock.
The Michipicoten approaching the dock, first man down.
Captain in the center window of the Michipicoten
Michipicoten docked.
Research ship Kiyi tied at Marquette's Mattson Park in the
lower harbor Kiyi stern view.
Herbert Jackson passing the lower harbor light.
Herbert Jackson turning.
Herbert Jackson backing in. Ships back in at the lower harbor to unload coal or stone.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Report

08/20
Tuesday's arrivals at Lafarge included the Alpena coming in around 2pm and the Paul H. Townsend following not far behind its fleet mate to tie up at the coal dock. The Alpena took on more cement and departed by 7pm bound for Detroit. Once the loading dock was clear the Townsend moved into position to take on cargo.

The Jacklyn M barge Integrity is due back in port on Thursday after delivering to Muskegon and St. Joseph. The J.A.W Iglehart is expected to be in Detroit on Wednesday.

The Cason J. Callaway loaded at Stoneport on Tuesday. Its sister ship the Arthur M. Anderson was expected in before midnight. The Wilfred Sykes is also on the schedule for Wednesday.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

08/20
Commercial shipping traffic remained steady Tuesday on the Saginaw River, with outbound vessels meeting inbound ships on several occasions during the day.

The Paul H. Townsend departed Saginaw early in the morning after unloading Monday at the Lafarge cement terminal. While the Townsend was outbound, the Wilfred Sykes was arriving with a split load for the Wirt Stone Docks in Bay City and Saginaw.

The Sykes was outbound from Saginaw late in the afternoon and held up at the Sargent dock near the I-75 bridge at Zilwaukee to allow the inbound Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder to secure at the Burrough's dock a short distance down the river.

The Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder had finished unloading by 9 p.m. and began backing downstream to the Airport Turning Basin to swing around for the outbound transit.

Shortly after departing the dock, the Dorothy Ann made radio contact with the inbound Canadian Transfer and arranged to meet at the old Bay Aggregates dock in downtown Bay City.

Paul H. Townsend downbound past the Wilfred Sykes at Bay City Wirt
Another view
Wilfred Sykes upbound at Wheeler's Landing
Sykes passing through the Central Michigan Railway bridge
Stern view
Pathfinder-Dorothy Ann upbound at Wheeler's Landing
Pathfinder-Dorothy Ann stern view
Taking Photos from the Pilothouse
Canadian Transfer unloading at Bay Aggregates

Reported by: Stephen Hause and Todd Shorkey

West Michigan Work boats

08/20
While no lakers were seen Monday afternoon in Holland, Grand Haven or Muskegon, each port was active with tugs, barges and work boats. In Holland work continues on the floating dry dock being built by Lake Michigan Contractors. (see news archives for initial news report from July 15). The tug Julie Dee was seen leaving port with a work barge. In Grand Haven, several tugs and work boats are moored.

In Muskegon, the barge Integrity and tug Jacklyn M. were unloading at Lafarge while the barge Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted were unloading stone at the Dock Mart, in the same location it was cut down to a barge at.

Floating Dry Dock under construction in Holland
Julie Dee leaves Holland
Stern view
Tug Carol Ann at Grand Haven
Barge B-1 and an unnamed work barge made from a former ship
Integrity/Jacklyn M in Muskegon
Bow view
Pere Marquette 41/Undaunted. Tug uncoupled and barge being unloaded bow to stern.

Reported by: Tom Hynes

Washington Island

08/20
The new ferry Arni J. Richter is now the mainland and Washington Island.
Retired fish tug Ginny (former Alex C.) at the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum at Jackson Harbor on the island.

Reported by: Wendell Wilke

Rouge River Update

08/20
On Monday the Algolake unloaded coal at Zug Island and departed downbound after 1 p.m. A few minutes behind her, the American Mariner was downbound in the Detroit River.

About 20 minutes behind the Algolake, the Charles M Beeghly came down the Rouge River Short Cut Canal and proceeded downbound in the Detroit River.

Reported by: Don Hilliker

Hamilton Traffic

08/20
The Algocape pulled into Dofasco Tuesday afternoon at a snails pace because of the departing fleet mate Algocen. The Federal Fuji was unloading steel beams over by the Provmar fuel terminal.

The CCGS Simcoe was in the Heddle Marine dry dock for unknown repairs. The Canadian Leader departed Hamilton in the early morning hours for Port Weller Dry Docks.

Algocape
Algocape
Algocen backing away from Dofasco dock
Large Scientific Buoy
CCGS Simcoe in floating Dry Dock

Reported by: Neil Walsh

Toronto Update

08/20
Early Monday morning the heavy lift saltie Tramper arrived at Pier 35's Atlas crane, assisted by McKeil's harbor tugs Atomic and Glenside. This is only the third saltie of the season with a non-sugar cargo.

Stephen B. Roman came in with cement for the Essroc plant in mid-morning. The salty Olympic Mentor continued unloading sugar at the Redpath dock.

The tugs Carrol C. 1 and Bonnie B. II departed over the weekend for Belleville to bring another mile long length of pipe from McNally's yard, for the deep water cooling project off Toronto Island. They were heading back Tuesday morning.

Other arrivals during the weekend were the small passenger vessel Samuel De Champlain, which tied up at Pier 52, and the hobby tugs Rosebud and Audacity, both out of Frenchman's Bay.

Reported by: Art Church

Today in Great Lakes History - August 20

The INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT arrived at Toronto, Ont. August 20, 1969 on her maiden voyage with fuel oil.

The R. BRUCE ANGUS in tandem tow with the ULS steamer GORDON C. LEITCH behind the tug IRVING CEDAR arrived at Setúbal, Portugal August 20, 1985 where they were broken up.

August 20, 1920 the WILLIS L. KING, upbound light in Whitefish Bay, was in collision with and sank the downbound Steel Trust steamer SUPERIOR CITY. The SUPERIOR CITY was struck nearly amidships and when the cold water reached her engine room, her boilers exploded. She sank immediately with 29 of her 33 crew members aboard.

The US.266029 (a.WILLIAM CLAY FORD (1) 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 TEXACO WARRIOR (1) punctured her tank in a grounding accident in the Welland Canal near Bridge 10 on August 20, 1964.

On 20 August 1899, HUNTER SAVIDGE (2-mast, wooden schooner, 117'/152GT, built in 1879 at Grand Haven, MI) capsized in a squall or tornado in Lake Huron. 5 survivors, including Capt. Fred Sharpstein, were rescued from the overturned schooner by the steamer ALEX McVITTIE. However, 5 lost their lives, including the captain's wife and their son, the ship's owner's wife and daughter, and the Mate. Capt. Sharpstein patrolled the beaches looking for the bodies of his wife and son for months but they were never found. The wreck was found in 1987 near Grindstone City, MI.

On 20 August 1852, ATLANTIC (wooden sidewheeler, 267', 1155 t, built in 1849 at Detroit) was loaded with immigrants when she collided with the propeller freighter OGDENSBURG and quickly sank south of Long Point on Lake Erie at about 2:30 AM. Of the 600 on board, estimates of death range from 150 to 250. Numerous salvage attempts have been made through the years up through 1989 since there were supposed to be valuables on board when she went down.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Randy Johnson, 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

One drowns, several rescued in surf off Twin Ports

08/19
One man drowned Sunday and numerous swimmers were rescued when brisk winds and 4- to 8-foot waves created a rip tide effect off beaches in the Twin Ports.

Duluth firefighters responded to four emergency calls to aid swimmers in the surf off Minnesota Point. One swimmer, a 21-year-old man, drowned. Superior firefighters responded to three surf rescue calls.

The Duluth News Tribune reported that one man with a boogie board aided six swimmers in distress.

As the danger became apparent, the Coast Guard closed beaches on both peninsulas.

Meteorologists said the weather conditions -- brisk, hot southerly winds -- were typical for August, but created an unusual rip tide effect along the beaches.

Reported by: Ron Jackson

Catherine Desgagnes Unloads & Kwintebank Loads

08/19
Monday was a busy day in Menominee and Marinette. The Catherine Desgagnes arrived at Marinette Fuel & Dock this morning with more pig iron. Marinette Marine got the stack placed on the new Coast Guard buoy tender, Sequoia. The USCG Sequoia is scheduled for launch on Saturday, August 23. The Erika Kobasic remains tied up at Marinette Marine for Saturday's launch.

The Kwintebank remains in Menominee at K&K Warehouse loading wood pulp to take back to Europe. The wood pulp that is exported is a different grade than the Kwintebank brought in. This is the second time this year that a ship has dropped off a load of wood pulp and then remained to load wood pulp. Last month the Vechtborg became the first to do this.

Stern view of Kwintebank loading
Bow view loading
Catherine Desgagnes unloading
USCG Sequoia on the ways with stack intact
Erika Kobasic at Marinette Marine dock
Kwintebank at K&K Warehouse from across the Menominee River
Kwintebank at K&K Warehouse Dock
Kwintebank stern view at K&K Dock
Kwintebank at K&K Dock from about 1/2-mile upriver
On the ways at Marinette Marine Corp.
USCG Hollyhock in the water at Marinette Marine Corp.
Recent photos from Escanaba, MI
Kaye E. Barker at C. Reiss North Dock
Bow close-up

Reported by: Dick Lund

Saginaw River News

08/19
The Tall Ship fleet left Bay City between on Monday morning after a successful weekend in port. The Caledonia will be staying in Bay City for a few more days for repair work.

The tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge were inbound early Monday morning, passing the outbound Tall Ships. The pair unloaded at the Bit-Mat Dock and were outbound around 9 p.m.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Toledo News

08/19
The Kapitonas Marcinkus arrived at the T.W.I. Dock Monday morning. She proceeded up to the ADM/Countrymark Elevator on Monday evening where she will load a grain cargo. The "G" Tugs Idaho and Illinois will be handling the Marcinkus tow.

The Saginaw finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Monday afternoon. She is bound for the Algoma Steel Plant at the Soo. The Charles M. Beeghly is due into the CSX Docks Monday evening to load coal.

The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be the Kaye E. Barker and Canadian Progress on Wednesday, followed by the Catherine Desgagnes and Canadian Enterprise on Thursday. The Algorail is due into the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock on Thursday.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Nanticoke on Tuesday. The Algosteel on Friday, followed by the CSL Niagara on Saturday. The dredge Columbia is dredging the Maumee Bay ship Channel between buoy 34 and Light 29. This area is located north of the pump out station.

There were no vessels at the Shipyard at the time of this report. The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up at their respective dock sites.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Erie Update

08/19
After three weeks without a stone load, Erie has received three in as many days. The American Mariner arrived in Erie Sunday morning and docked at the Mounfort Terminal to unload stone from Calcite. The Mariner gave a security call at 6:30 Sunday evening, departing the Mounfort Terminal, turning in the harbor and departing for the lake. After slowly turning, the Mariner maneuvered alongside the Mounfort Terminal, stopping for a brief moment, and then departing.

Mariner maneuvers alongside the Mounfort Terminal.
Outbound.
Stern View.
Passing the Lighthouse.
Gretchen B. tied up at John Lampe Marina. The crew stays in a hotel when not working, and the tug ties up here.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Cuyahoga returns to Port Stanley

08/19
The Cuyahoga returned to Port Stanley Saturday morning for the second time in two weeks. This time she loaded wheat for Huron, Ohio and departed Sunday morning around 9 a.m.

With a sand bar off the harbor entrance, she was loaded to 23-feet.

Reported by: Andy Greenlees

Hamilton Report

08/19
Sunday morning the Gordon C. Leitch departed at 6:30 a.m. to clean holds in Lake Ontario and return to Hamilton Harbor at 2 p.m. The Birchglen departed at 2 p.m. heading to the Welland Canal as the Leitch was returning.

Saturday afternoon the Saginaw departed for Toledo Ohio and the Gordon C. Leitch arrive at the same time. The Federal Fuji arrived at 10 p.m. going to Pier 12E.

Friday night had the light tug Mr. Joe arrive at the Burlington Lift Bridge at 6 p.m. She was asked to wait for light tug Bagotville which was one mile behind because the bridge was operating on auxiliary power due to the power outage.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Norris Visits Erie

08/18
The classic steamer James Norris paid a visit to Erie on Saturday evening.

Shortly after 7 p.m. the Norris proceeded inbound, turning slowly in the basin and docking at the Mounfort Terminal to unload a partial cargo of trap rock from Bruce Mines, Ontario. Many people were out at the South Pier watching the Norris dock on a pleasant Saturday evening.

The Norris tied up and began unloading at about 8:30 p.m. About 10:20 p.m. the Norris was outbound, after an unload of just over one hour.

The Norris claims the title for fastest visit this year, only a day after the Sam Laud gained that title.

Norris inbound.
Close Up.
Stern View.
Passing the Mounfort Terminal.
Approaching the dock, a push from the bow thruster as a crewmember lands on the dock.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Soo River News

08/18
The weather was beautiful but traffic was sparse at the Soo Saturday. The breakfast crowd was treated to the downbound passage of Cason J. Callaway in the morning, followed closely by Canadian Navigator. James R. Barker was next, in early afternoon, followed by Stewart J. Cort around 6 p.m. and Algolake after dark.

Upbounders included the saltwater vessel Kent, Samuel Risley and Canadian Transport. Earl W. Oglebay, Lake Ontario and Marinette arrived at the locks after dark. The latter has a cargo of lumber for Duluth.

Samuel Risley in the lower St. Marys River.
James R. Barker, dogged by a dark cloud on an otherwise sunny day.
Cason J. Callaway.
Canadian Navigator.
Canadian Navigator (stern).

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Marquette Update

08/18
Last week the H. Lee White brought stone to the lower harbor and then moved to the upper harbor to take on a load of ore on Wednesday. Friday the Michipicoten was on one of her frequent trips to take on ore, Saturday the Charles Beeghly loaded on a clear morning and Great Lakes Trader loaded on a foggy evening. The Michipicoten is making frequent, very fast trips between Marquette and Algoma at the Canadian Soo.

H. Lee White unloading stone.
Loading ore.
Michipicoten loading.
Great Lakes Trader.
Mesabi Miner (bringing a load of coal).
Stern view.
Mesabi Miner Accommodations .
John J. Boland at Dock .
Men boarding Boland .
Boland ready to leave, Michipicoten arriving.
Michipicoten arriving on a recent trip.
Tieing up.
Close up.
View on deck.
Loading.
Chute's lowered.
Opening the pocket.
Coal hopper a short distance away.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw River News

08/18
The Adam E. Cornelius made a return trip to the Saginaw River on Saturday after departing on Thursday. She made her way upriver to the Burroughs Dock in Zilwaukee to unload early in the morning and was outbound passing through Bay City by 10 p.m.

The Tall Ship Fleet continued with a second day of tours and festivities along the banks of the Saginaw River.

On Sunday the Algoway was outbound at the airport turning basin around 5 a.m.

Tall Ships on the Wenona Park side of the Saginaw River.
Tall Ships on the Veteran's Park Side.
Sunrise over the Bounty and Tarangini.
Another view of the Tall Ships.
Adam E. Cornelius upbound at Lafayette Bridge.
Stern view.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Roger Stahl Dry Docked and Detroit Traffic

08/18
On Thursday the Gaelic tug Roger Stahl was raised on the Nicholson Floating Drydock. Below are pictures from the raising.

Stahl waiting to go on the drydock.
Stern view.
Roger Stahl winched into the drydock.
Stahl is centered on the drydock using 4 lines. The white line on the port side is a measuring tape which was used to center the tug.
Another view.
The brow is placed from the gunnel of the Stahl to the drydock.
10:42 After the keel blocks are slid against the hull and side shore timbers are being attached to the sides of the Stahl for stability the drydock begins to rise.
Bow of the drydock rising, note the timbers attached to the sides of the tug.
Another side shore timber is being attached.
Timber lifted by crane.
Lowering.
Drydock continues to rise.
Placing side shore.
Side shore.
Stahl rising.
Keel blocks awash.
Another view.
Close up.
Close up of bottom, final portion of the lift.
Rising.
Another view.
Keel cooling.
The lifting process took about a half an hour.

Below are images taken Sunday in the lower Detroit River.

Columbia Star downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo Report

08/18
The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Sunday morning. The Saginaw was due in at the CSX Docks late Sunday afternoon and will have a 7 a.m. start Monday morning to load coal. The Algomarine is expected in Sunday evening at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock to unload stone.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton, and Wolverine remain in lay-up at there respective docksites. There are no vessels at the Shipyard at this time. The small hopper dredge Columbia (ex Columbus, ex Esperance III) was at the Lakefront Docks. She will be starting to dredge the ship channel in Maumee Bay soon. The dredge should be in the Toledo area for several weeks.

The CSX Railroad carfloat Pere Marquette 10 arrived at Toledo last week. She is now located at the CSX Docks "Frog Pond" area and is tied up alongside the Norfolk-Southern Railway carfloats Roanoke and Windsor.

The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Coal Docks will be the Algolake and Charles M. Beeghly on Monday, followed by the Kaye E. Barker on Wednesday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Nanticoke on Tuesday, followed by the Algosteel on Friday.

Future vessel arrivals at this port will be the Algorail due at the Midwest Terminal Stone Dock to unload stone, and the Kapitonas Marcinkus most likely bound for the T.W.I. Dock.

The past several weeks has seen the wheat crop being harvested in this area and deliveries are being made to the riverfront elevators by semi truck. This may attract several grain boats to this port during the weeks ahead to start loading wheat cargoes.

The corn and Soybean crops will start to be harvested in this area later on this Fall. Both harvests are expected to be good this season compared to last year. However heavy rains experienced in this area during the past few weeks may have caused some damage to both crops where the total harvest will be reduced from earlier expectations. For now the Fall grain trade at Toledo should be improved compared to last year.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

08/18
Tug Laprairie downbound off Verchères to assist a ship at the Contrecoeur dock, Aug. 8.
Tanker Shannon (fine bow view) upbound off Verchères to Montréal berth 106, Aug. 8.
Shannon, bow view off Verchères, Aug. 8.
Shannon, stern view, Aug. 8.
Petrolia Desgagnés downbound off Verchères, Aug. 8.
Petrolia Desgagnés, stern view, Aug. 8.
Sea Explorer, downbound off Verchères from Montréal to the Caribbean, Aug. 11.
Sea Explorer, stern view, Aug. 11.
Cast Power, downbound off Verchères, Aug. 13.
Le Phil.D off the Verchères dock, Aug. 13.
Le Phild.D, stern view, Aug. 13.
Anvil Point upbound off Varennes to Montréal berth 48 to unload British Army rolling stock and cargo to be shipped by train to Alberta for field exercises., Aug. 14.
Anvil Point, stern view, a rare visitor flying the "Red Duster", Aug. 14.
TK Rotterdam downbound off Verchères from Montréal, Aug. 14.
TK Rotterdam, stern view, looks old fashioned for a ship built only 2 years ago, Aug.
Tug Seaways 2, upbound off Varennes to Montréal berth 70, Aug. 15. To tow down either Oakglen or Mapleglen to scrap.
Goldeneye at anchor off Pointe aux Trembles for several days, Aug. 15.
Goldeneye, stern view, Aug. 15.
Hurst Point, at anchor off Pointe aux Trembles waiting for her sister Anvil Point to vacate berth 48 to unload same type of cargo, Aug. 15.
Hurst Point, stern view, Aug. 15.
Parcel tanker Stolt Concept at Montréal berth 106, Aug. 15.
Stolt Concept, stern view, Aug. 15.
Summerside MCDV 711, (fine bow view), first of a quartet of the Canadian Navy's Kingston class mine coast defense vessels to visit Lake Ontario ports (Kingston Toronto Hamilton) in the coming days.( The other ships are Kingston MCDV 700, Glace Bay MCDV 701 and Shawinigan MCDV 704 ), upbound off Varennes, Aug. 15.
Summerside, 3/4 bow view, Aug. 15.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Chanmbly Canal

08/18
Below are images of the Chanmbly Canal which runs from Sorel to Lake Champlain N.Y. through nine locks in Quebec, and subsequently to New York City. The quaint little tug Wayfarer belongs to a retired couple from Wilton, NH. with the Wayfarer cameo on the funnel. The was factory built as a yacht, the couple was heading to St Jean Que. to attend the Hot Air Balloon festival Aug 9. The canal served commercial traffic at one point with self propelled barges using the water way. Today it is used by pleasure boats only.

Wayfarer.
Stack.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Today in Great Lakes History - August 18

CANADIAN ENTERPRISE was float launched on August 18, 1979.

On August 18, 1972, $50,000 in bottom damage occurred when the CHAMPLAIN (3) hit an obstruction in the Trenton Channel, on the lower Detroit River.

The KINSMAN ENTERPRISE (1) was launched August 18, 1906 as a) NORMAN B. REAM for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.

On 18 August 1907, KATE WHITE (wooden propeller steam tug, 62'/28GT, built at Erie, PA in 1885 as a yacht) sank near the harbor entrance at Fairport, OH.

On 18 August 1878, JAVA (iron twin propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 232', 1525 gt, built in 1873 at Buffalo) was sailing from Bay City for Chicago and Milwaukee with mixed merchandise, including 300 tons of fine household goods, parlor stoves, salt, etc. She was a twin-screw and the main theory of her loss in good weather was that her starboard shaft coupling came loose and the shaft slid out the stern, allowing water to flood through the sleeve. nevertheless, she sank quickly, 15 miles off Big Sable Pointe on Lake Michigan in over 300 feet of water. The crew escaped in lifeboats and were picked up by passing steamers.

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

Tug Arrives at Montreal for Scrap Tow

08/17
The 150-foot tug Seaways 2 is at Montreal's Sec. 70 preparing to tow either Mapleglen or Oakglen to the scrap yard in Alang, India. Since Mapleglen is the outside vessel, odds are she will be the first to go. A departure date has not been announced. Ocean McAllister will supply a Montreal based tug that will take up the stern of the tow for the voyage down the river as far as Les Escoumins.

Seaways 2, built in 1990 and operated by Seaways International LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is rated at 741 gross tons and has approximately 3,000 h.p. Original plans were to two the two vessels at once with a 7,000 h.p. tug, however the decision has apparently been made to tow each singly.

Algosound, also laid up at Montreal, is expected to be the last to head for the scrappers, probably sometime in September.

Mapleglen and Oakglen waiting patiently for their final tow.
Algosound with her name freshly painted out Aug 14.
Algosound showing her starboard side with the name and logo painted over.

Reported by: Kent Malo and Roger LeLievre

Norris Grounds

08/17
The James Norris grounded in the St. Clair River Friday morning as she was in the process of turning downbound after unloading a partial cargo of stone at Marine City, Mi.

The ship grounded east of the shipping channel just above the Sombra ferry dock.

The vessel appeared to swing too far to the east into Sombra Bay, facing downbound the port side was in the mud. Between using the bowthruster and engine, they got the bow pointed toward deep water and were freed with out assistance and was underway mid-afternoon.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin and George Lee

Laud in Erie

08/17
Friday afternoon the Sam Laud arrived in Erie, PA. The Laud arrived on its second visit of the season at about 1 p.m. to unload stone from Calcite, docking at the Old Ore Dock. This is Erie's first stone load in three weeks.

The Laud maneuvered around the J.S. St. John, which was docked unloading near where the Laud was to unload. The Laud got into dock and began unloading at about 2 p.m. The Laud's visit was also the shortest of the season, as the vessel finished unloading and departed at 5:45 p.m.

Laud inbound.
Crew members remove the hatches.
Stern View.
Approaching the dock.
Crew Member is swung over.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Montreal Traffic

08/17
The Arctic freighter Umiavut loaded for the High Arctic, entering lock 3.
Umiavut's Focsle crew stowing the lines for the next lock.
Umiavut's load with small tugs and landing barges used to off load in the Arctic where seldom a berth is available.
Umiavut on Lake St. Louis.
Birchglen taking the lockage from Umiavut on the approach to lock 3.
Birchglen sliding along the approach wall.
Birchglen almost in lock 3.
Nanticoke Downbound in lock 3.
Nanticoke at the end of the wall heading into lake St. Louis.
The Rt. Hon. Paul Martin up bound.
Cedarglen in lock 4 Beauharnois 10 PM Wednesday.
View of Cedarglen's wheelhouse as Cedarglen enters lock 3.
Cedarglen lowered in lock 3.
Federal Fuji unloading at the port of Montreal's sec.52, stern view.
full view of Federal Fuji.
T K Rotterdam hooking up f'cle tow line, T K Rotterdam was going down river to Sorel sec 19.
Side view of the T K Rotterdam.
T K Rotterdam letting the tow go as we turned her around so she could head down river.
Anvil Point arriving in Montreal was waiting for the tug to pull out the T K Rotterdam so she could enter the same dock the latter pulled out from, the Anvil Point was loaded with Armed forces Personnel and Vehicles.
Anvil Point's bow view this vessel was Completed in March 2003.
Anvil Point's stern view.
Sauniere at the dock for repairs to a ballast pump.
Anna Desgagnes loaded with supplies for the High Arctic, fueling being done by the Arca, ex Josee M, and ex Imperial Lachine.
Close up of the fueling operations.
This is the ship the tug was waiting for, the Stolt Concept.
View showing the name on the stern as the tug comes alongside to hook up a tow line.
ferry Vacacier, as she arrives from the Magdelaine Islands.
fuel barge Arca returning to her berth after fueling the Anna Desgagnes.
Canmar Triumph off loading containers.
Closer view of the offloading operation.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Frequent Sailor Helena Oldendorff Already on Third Trip

08/17
On Wednesday evening Helena Oldendorff entered the Welland Canal upbound in ballast for the U.S. Lakehead. The Fednav chartered vessel will load wheat in Duluth destined for Portugal. This voyage marks Helena Oldendorff’s third to the lakes this season. At the opening of Seaway navigation this spring she was amongst the first vessels to enter the system. Her fleet mate Regina Oldendorff was the official opener of navigation on March 31st.

Interestingly, her very near sister Pintail, although not a fleet mate followed closely astern in the canal. Both vessels were constructed in Shanghai, China in 1984 and 1983 respectively. They are two of a series known as the “Chinese Seaway Class” vessels. Makeevka, Dobrush and Peonia are other examples of this class.

Before reaching South East Shoal at 1710 the “Great Blackout of 2003” had occurred an hour earlier. This of course, as we are all painfully aware affected millions in the north east portion of both nations. Helena Oldendorff continued up river to Port Huron in virtual darkness with the exception of sporadic generator powered lighting ashore. Thankfully, floating aids to navigation remained lit. Passing up river without the aid of familiar lit landmarks was a unique experience. It can best be described as navigating in fog except with clear visibility.

Most striking was passing downtown Detroit and seeing only silhouettes and shadows of the impressive skyline. Finally, passing the Black River at Port Huron with the blackness of Lake Huron in the background made for an eerie and lonely sight. It certainly put a whole new meaning to the name Black River!

This supposedly routine trip will always be remembered for turning into anything but routine. It will be filed away as another sea story to tell sometime in the future.

Below are images taken Thursday on a voyage from Lock 7 to Port Huron Pilot Station.

Ten minutes after clearing Port Colborne we see the rising sun signalling another beautiful day. Little did anyone know what lay ahead later in the day.
Lifering silhouette.
Haze and a light fog in the air make for a glorious sunrise over the embarkation deck.
Looking ahead about one hour from Long Point.
Off Long Point. We pass under Indiana Harbor’s stern while as she heads to Nanticoke with a load of coal.
If you look very closely you can see some letters of the former name Noble River. She was renamed in 1986.
Bridge deck.
Egon Oldendorff logo on the funnel.
Lifeboat.
Life ring.
View from pilot’s cabin.
It took a long time to take this picture waiting for the flag to flutter on this totally breathless day.
Stern anchor and wake turbulence.
This is what you call “flat calm”.
However, just below us it’s not so calm!
In a ballast condition we get a good look at the bulbous bow pushing water at just under 15 knots.
Cool refreshing water from the hawse pipe.
Starboard windlass.
Looking aft from the forecastle. Notice the two open hatch covers.
Accommodation block.
Access to Number 2 cargo hold.
It’s a long way down!
Crew hosing number 2 hold in anticipation of the upcoming cargo of grain.
Not a bad job on a hot sticky day, however, in December it’s a whole other story.
Yankcanuck in the East Outer Channel headed for Conneaut.
Dean construction dredge working north of Detroit River Light.
MEMORIES – 1977 M/V Ontadoc: (Clockwise from upper left) 1, Raising in Lock 4 of the Welland Canal. 2, Ontadoc and I sailing past the location in the St. Lawrence Seaway where my mother (the blonde) observed and recorded her vessel passages as seen daily on the Info-Search. 3, Alongside after arriving in Hamilton on a peaceful Saturday morning with a load of Gypsum onboard from Dartmouth Nova Scotia. We waited until Monday morning to start discharging. This is fondly remembered as being part of the good old days when cargo operations would wait until the beginning of the week. 4, Deck view from the starboard winch controls.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - August 17

On August 17, 1987, CADILLAC was towed by the tugs GLENADA and ELMORE M. MISNER, from Toledo's Frog Pond on the first leg of her journey to be scrapped.

At 4:00 PM on 17 August 1869, the schooner CARLINGFORD was launched at the Fitzgerald and Leighton yard in Port Huron, Michigan with plenty of spectators on hand. Robert Montgomery of Buffalo, the owner, built the vessel for the grain trade. her capacity was 30,000 bushels of grain. After launching, she still had to have her masts (96', 98' and 94') and rigging installed. At the time, she was the largest sailing vessel built in Port Huron. her dimensions were 155' keel, 165' overall, 31'6" beam and 12'8" depth. 50 men worked on her and she cost $35,000.

Data from: Joe Barr, 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

Judge delays coal terminal expansion

08/16
Proposed expansion of one of the Twin Ports' busiest shipping terminals has been put on hold because of environmental concerns.

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior is seeking a Department of Natural Resources permit that would allow it to expand its tonnage capacity of western coal from 18 million tons a season to 25.5 million tons. The dock's seasonal tonnage has been growing steadily for years, and it handles a steady stream of ships from the start of the navigation season to the end.

The DNR had issued the needed permit, which would replace the dock's current permit when it expires at the end of the year. However, a Wisconsin administrative law judge on Aug. 4 put a hold on the permit, saying it did not address concerns over coal dust that had been raised by a neighboring property owner. The DNR must now conduct a study to determine whether the terminal's expansion would contribute to air pollution.

The coal dust complaint comes from the owner of a 23-acre parcel next to the coal terminal. The owner bought it with an eye toward turning it into a marina. But he says that so much coal dust falls on the site that it's commercially worthless.

Midwest Energy Terminal or the DNR can seek another hearing before a different judge, or appeal the decision to state district court.

DNR officials said they will work with Midwest Energy to ensure a new permit is in place before the terminal's current permit expires. While the permit would allow the 40-percent volume increase, the terminal would not be expanded physically, nor would it hired more workers. The increase would mean additional rail and shipping traffic.

Reported by: Al Miller

CSL Tadoussac Visit

08/16
Last Saturday the CSL Tadoussac paid a visit to the BNSF dock in Superior, WI. They were loading taconite pellets for delivery to Hamilton, ON. They slipped out of the Superior entry very early Sunday, with an almost full moon lighting their way down the lake.

CSL Tadoussac at the BNSF dock.
Conveyor belt dumps taconite into her holds.
Profile.

Reported by: Tom Anderson

Twin Ports Report

08/16
The Twin Ports were busy Thursday morning, with Paul R. Tregurtha clearing the piers about 7:25 a.m. with coal, Canadian Olympic loading coal at Midwest Energy Terminal and Cason J. Callaway up the St. Louis River unloading stone at the Reiss dock. Saltie Elikon was anchored on the lake waiting for grain.

More traffic was expected later in the day, with Columbia Star and Oglebay Norton both expected at the coal dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

Downbounders Make Strong Showing at Soo Friday

08/16
Traffic at the Soo was strong Friday, especially in the downbound column. Morning passages were made by Victoriaborg, Pineglen and Algonova. Paul R. Tregurtha and Joseph L. Block made afternoon transits, while Canadian Olympic, Burns Harbor, Wilfred Sykes and St. Clair passed down in the late evening. The Sykes is making one of her infrequent ore runs to Detroit's River Rouge, where she should arrive Sunday morning.

Upbounders included the Alpena, John G. Munson, Montrealais and, after dark, Helena Oldendorff, Federal Yukon and Herbert C. Jackson.

Joseph L. Block passes Six Mile Point under threatening skies.
Joe Block (stern).
Helena Oldendorff, upbound below Nine Mile Point at dusk.
Oldendorff (stern view).
Montrealais, upbound at Six Mile.
Pineglen downbound in Friday afternoon heat.
Sunset on the St. Marys - Buoy 83 between Six and Nine Mile points.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Detroit Traffic

08/16
Mississagi upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Loading at Ojibway Salt in Windsor.
Yankcanuck unloading at Morterm in Windsor.
Another view.
Canadian Transport upbound off the ADM Dock.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Today in Great Lakes History - August 16

On 16 August, 1890, ANNIE WATT (wooden propeller, passenger and package freight "packet", 75'/62GC, built in 1884 at Lion's Head, Ontario) collided with the ship ALDERSON and sank. off of Gunn Point, Ontario. Just the previous year (8 November 1889), ANNIE WATT had burned and been declared total loss, but she was rebuilt.

The captain of the 2 year old, 125' wooden schooner-barge JOHN F. RITCHIE brought his wife, two other women and several small children as guests on a voyage from Bay City to Buffalo. The RITCHIE was one of a string of four barges loaded with lumber in tow of the tug ZOUAVE. As the tow entered Lake Erie, they were struck by a terrifying storm. The RITCHIE broke her tow line and was cast adrift. The deck load of lumber broke loose and everyone was in danger. The women and children were brought out of the cabin since it was considered to be a death trap and they were lashed on deck for safety. Soon the vessel was waterlogged and the cabin was actually washed away. On 17 August, a passing steamer took everyone aboard and towed the RITCHIE in to Cleveland where she was repaired. Amazingly, no lives were lost.

August 16, 1902 - The PERE MARQUETTE 18 (I) launched at Cleveland, Ohio.

Data from: Joe Barr, 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

Classic Steamers Highlight Soo Traffic Thursday

08/15
After two days of slow traffic, the Soo Locks and St. Mary's River came alive Thursday with the passage of four classic steamers, along with an assortment of other vessels.

The parade of upbound vessels began with Quebecois, which was in the locks about noon. She was followed by Wilfred Sykes, Algolake and Canadian Prospector, all in close succession, causing a bit of a traffic jam at the locks. Frontenac was upbound in the early evening, while Edwin H. Gott, Roger Blough and Presque Isle were all nearing DeTour at nightfall.

Early risers Thursday morning greeted the downbound steamer Reserve. David Z. Norton passed down in the early afternoon, followed by Canadian Provider, on her first downbound trip after fitting out for the first time this season. Atlantic Huron locked down at dinnertime, and Michipicoten was inbound to Algoma Steel with ore from Marquette around 6:30 p.m.

The saltie Tramper was reported an anchor just north of DeTour in the evening awaiting a pilot.

Power was reported out in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., due to the region-wide blackout, and Soo Traffic was advising upbound vessels that aids to navigation located on the Canadian shoreline were not functioning. The Canadian Lock had no power, but U.S. locks, and the community of Sault Ste Marie, Mich. were unaffected by the outage.

Atlantic Huron passes downbound at dusk.
Atlantic Huron (stern view).
Algolake, upbound at midmorning.
Algolake (stern view).
Canadian Prospector upbound.
Canadian Prospector (stern view).
Canadian Provider enters the MacArthur Lock, with Quebecois exiting the Poe.
WIlfred Sykes, upbound in the in the St. Marys River just above Johnson's Point on Neebish Island.
Sykes (stern view).

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Alpena Update

08/15
The steamer Alpena arrived at the Lafarge dock before 9 p.m. on Thursday. It took on more cement underneath the silos and was expected to leave by midnight.

The Paul H. Townsend has been at the old dock in Alpena on a brief lay-up and is scheduled to load cargo and depart on Sunday.

The J.A.W Iglehart was in Toledo, OH and will be bound for Detroit next. The Jacklyn M barge Integrity is delivering product to Green Bay, WI.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News

08/15
The Saginaw River was bustling with activity Wednesday & Thursday seeing both commercial & Tall Ship traffic.

On Wednesday, the Maumee was inbound in the morning headed up to the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw. She had completed her unload by the evening and was outbound for the lake. The H.M.S. Bounty was an early tall ship arrival Wednesday night, docking in Wenona Park overnight before rejoining the fleet Thursday morning.

Early Thursday, the Adam E. Cornelius was inbound for the GM Dock in Saginaw. She completed her unload by the afternoon, turned in the Sixth Street Basin and was outbound for the lake in the early evening hours.

The Tall Ship Fleet numbering 15 was inbound from Light 12 at 2pm Thursday afternoon for the start of the Bay City Tall Ship Festival. Confusion quickly ensued however as both the Pride of Baltimore and the Appledore IV went aground in the docking area downtown. The next several hours were spent moving tie up locations for the fleet. While things were being straightened out downtown, the Caledonia and Highlander Sea both moored up in the Bay Aggregates slip temporarily. While the Europa was looking at mooring up at the Ashland-Marathon Dock. To add to an already tense situation, the widespread power outages caused a notice to mariners to be issued stating that all bridges were to remain closed. This would have trapped up to 8 of the tall ships downriver from the mooring area. It was later determined that this notice did not apply to the Saginaw River creating some relief to the already busy U.S. Coast Guard.

Appledore IV.
Pride of Baltimore.
Serenity.
H.M.S. Bounty.
Neis Kah I.
Madeline.
I.N.S. Tarangini.
Larinda.
Caledonia.
True North.
True North & Mist of Avalon with Caledonia in the Bay Aggregates Slip.
Heavly armed U.S. Coast Guard escorting the fleet.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Picture Delay

08/15
I am again working on a dial up connection (power outage) and cannot download pictures. Please continue to send updates and I will update the pictures as soon as I can.

The outage has also affected the new Dossin Webcam. The Boatnerd.com and related site servers are operating in an area not affected by the power loss.

Today in Great Lakes History - August 15

The JOSEPH L. BLOCK sailed light on her maiden voyage from the Bay Ship Building Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI to load 32,600 long tons of taconite ore pellets at Escanaba, MI for delivery to Indiana Harbor, IN on August 15, 1976.

The OTTERCLIFFE HALL, the last "straight deck" Great Lakes bulk freighter built with a pilot house forward was bare boat chartered to Misener Transportation Ltd. on August 15, 1983.

Under threat of a strike on August 15, 1978, the GEORGE A. STINSON was towed out of Lorain before her completion by six tugs and was taken to Detroit's Nicholson's Terminal & Dock to finish her fit-out.

The LEON FALK, JR. was laid up for the last time August 15, 1980 at the Great Lakes Engineering Work's old slip at River Rouge, MI.

On August 15, 1985 the MENIHEK LAKE sailed under her own power to Quebec City (from there by tug), the first leg of her journey to the cutter torch in Spain.

J.P. MORGAN, JR. arrived in tow of Hannah Marine's tug DARYL C. HANNAH at Buffalo, NY on August 15th where she was delayed until she could obtain clearance to transit the Welland Canal. Permission to pass down the Canal was refused because of the MORGAN, JR.'s improper condition after a collision with the 480 foot Interlake steamer CRETE on June 23, 1948 in dense fog off Devils Island, in the Apostle Islands, on Lake Superior.

On 15 August 1856, WELLAND (sidewheel steamer, wood, passenger & package freight, 145'/300T, built 1853 at St. Catharine's, Ontario) burned to a total loss at her dock. at Port Dalhousie, Ontario. She was owned by Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railroad Co.

On 15 August 1873, Thomas Dunford and Frank Leighton announced a co-partnership in the shipbuilding business in Port Huron, Michigan. Their plans included operating from Dunford's yard. When they made their announcement, they already had an order for a large tug from Mr. George E. Brockway. This tug was the CRUSADER with the dimensions of 132' overall, 100' keel, and 23' beam.

In 1914 the Panama Canal was officially opened to maritime traffic.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze,Father Dowling Collection, Jim Olsson, 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

Traffic Remains Slow at the Soo

08/14
Vessel traffic remained slow at the Soo Wednesday. Upbound in mid-morning were St. Clair, Columbia Star and Stewart J. Cort. There was no other upbound traffic in the system until the Charles M. Beeghly checked in at DeTour at 7 p.m., followed at about 9 p.m. by the saltie Zeus. Downbound activity was even worse, with CSL Niagara and Middletown being the only downbound passages all day, until Algosoo locked down just after dark.

The busy Michipicoten unloaded taconite at Algoma Steel and left again for Marquette around 5 p.m.

Scrapping has begun on the former Paterson bulk carrier Quedoc at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. A big chunk of the fantail has been cut away and a work barge with cutting equipment is positioned on the Quedoc's port bow.

Quedoc (full view).
Quedoc showing scrapping has begun. Note the hole already cut in the hull just above the barge.
Quedoc (stern).
Lock Tours' Bide-A-Wee passes Algoma Steel.
Bide-A-Wee with railroad bridge and emergency dam (painted orange) at left.
Michipicoten unloading at Algoma Steel.
Remains of once proud laker Sewell Avery. Its hull is being used for a dock near Algoma Steel.
What is believed to be the former lighter T.F. Newman, with one of the former Straits train ferry Chief Wawatam's triple expansion steam engines on board.
Close up of the engine.
Barge PML 9000 awaiting her next cargo at Algoma Steel.
Purvis tugs Reliance (inboard) and Avenger IV at the Purvis dock in the lower harbor.
Purvis tugs (stern view).

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Aerial Views

08/14
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over The St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair 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.

Petite Fort and barge St. Marys Cement.
Quebecois.
Another view.
Stern view.
Presque Isle downbound.
Stern view.
Algolake.
Tug Tony McKay and barge.
Indiana Harbor.
Starboard side.
Stern view.
Tug with 1000-feet of pipe in tow.
Another view.

Cleveland News

08/14
Wednesday evening found several ships in and out of Cleveland. The Fred R. White Jr. was upbound at 5 p.m. to unload ore at ISG. She unloaded quickly and was departing the dock before 10 p.m. The Pathfinder was unloading at the Osborne dock and was backing downriver at 9 p.m. The barge St. Marys Cement II and tug Sea Eagle were also outbound at this time.

The Calumet was in town to transfer salt from the old river dock to the Ontario dock near west Third Street. After this unload she is to head for a stone load at Marblehead. During the evening's downbound procession of boats the Kellstone barge and Palladino tug arrived and had to tie up at Dock 20 to await departing traffic.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Boatnerds Present Donation to Museum

08/14
Following a very successful Boatnerd gathering on July 12 in the Fawn Island--Port Lambton, ON. area on the St. Clair River, a check was recently presented to the Sombra Museum in Sombra, ON. The donation of $ 245.67 was raised from a raffle at the gathering. As with most venues of this type, they rely heavily on individual and private sector support, along with a corp. of dedicated volunteers.

The check is earmarked specifically for the Marine Room at the museum. This area of the St. Clair River is rich in marine heritage and history, and the proceeds will possibly be used to refurbish or build display cases to better showcase the exhibits on hand.

Capt. George Lee of Lee Marine Ltd. ( Hammond Bay Cruises) and Barry Hiscocks, who along with wife Lesley, co-hosted the gathering, were on hand to present the check to Sombra Museum curator Glenda Young.

Once again, we wish to thank all of the individuals and companies who donated so generously to the gathering, along with those who gave their efforts and time to ensure a wonderful day. Most of all, thanks so all of those who attended for your continuing support.

Pictures from the Gathering

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

The International Ship Masters’ Association to re-establish the original Buffalo Lodge #1

08/14
An open meeting to re-establish the Buffalo Lodge #1 of the International Ship Masters’ Association will be held Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 6:00 PM at the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Downtown Buffalo, New York.

All professional mariners, active or retired, deck or engine depts., large or small commercial vessels, plus maritime business and government professionals, and shipping enthusiasts are invited to attend. A social hour with catered snacks will be followed by a presentation about the organization.

The ISMA was originated in 1886 by a group of ship captains in Buffalo, N.Y. as a benevolent association to assist widows and orphans of sailors lost on the Great Lakes. As the lake captains embraced the idea, other lodges were soon formed at various ports. In 1891, the first convention was held in Buffalo were the Grand Lodge was established to oversee the entire organization. The Buffalo Lodge #1 was active up until the late 1970’s.

Today, at 118 years old, the ISMA still thrives with the Grand Lodge and 16 local lodges around the Great Lakes in the US and Canada and over 750 members. While it no longer has a benevolent fund, the Association serves as a voice for licensed maritime professionals and works closely with shipping companies and government authorities on both sides of the border to promote safety in navigation on the Great Lakes. Through local lodge meetings and the annual convention, the ISMA brings together mariners and maritime professionals from all parts of the marine community. Membership categories include Active Professional, Retired Professional, Associate, Cadet and Honorary.

For more information about joining the Buffalo Lodge, or joining any ISMA lodge, please call (810) 982-2483 or visit our website at www.shipmaster.org. For directions to the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery please call (716) 856-2337 or visit their website at www.pearlstreetgrill.com. If you cannot attend the meeting, please pass on your name and contact information so you can receive mailings about future meetings.

Reported by: George Haynes, International Ship Masters’ Association

Today in Great Lakes History - August 14

Sea trials for the HENRY FORD II took place on August 14, 1924 and shortly after she left on her maiden voyage with coal from Toledo, OH to Duluth, MN and returned with iron ore to the Ford Rouge Plant at Dearborn.

Having been sold for scrap, the GOVERNOR MILLER was towed down the Soo Locks on August 14, 1980 for Milwaukee, WI to load scrap.

On 14 August 1873, CHESTER B. JONES (3-mast, wooden schooner, 167'/493GT) was launched at E. Saginaw, MI. She was built by Chesley Wheeler. The spars and top hamper ordered for her were broken in a log jam, so the 3-master received her spars at Buffalo, NY on her first trip.

The 149' bark MARY E. PEREW was found floating west of the Manitou Islands by the propeller MONTGOMERY on 14 August 1871. The PEREW had been sailing to Milwaukee with a load of coal when a storm came upon her so quickly on 8 August (nearly a week before MONGOMERY found her) that the crew did not have time to trim the sails. All three masts were snapped and the mizzen mast fell on the yawl, smashing it. So the crew was stuck on the ship, unable to navigate. The MONTGOMERY towed her to Milwaukee where she was rebuilt and she lasted until 1905.

The schooner CHESTER B. JONES was launched at Saginaw on 14 August 1873. She was a three-and-aft rig.

On 14 August 1900 the tug WILLIAM D. of the Great Lakes Towing Company got under the bow of the steamer WAWATAM at Ashtabula, Ohio and was rolled over and sank. One drowned.

August 14, 1899 - W.L. Mercereau, known as the "Father of the Fleet", became Superintendent of steamships (Pere Marquette Railway)

Data from: Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, 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

Debate continues over future of Two Harbors' Lighthouse Point

08/13
Debate continues over the future use of land around the Two Harbors lighthouse.

Twin Cities businessman Ed Cave surprised the city last December when he bought 48 acres around the lighthouse from the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway for $1.48 million. The parcel, known as Lighthouse Point, includes a wooded area, much of a popular walking trail, a boat launch and parking lot, and the site of the city's wastewater treatment plant. The parcel doesn't include the land occupied by the lighthouse, which is now a bed-and-breakfast inn.

Cave originally said he would build condos on the site. He then offered to sell the land to the city for $1.8 million. Now, he is saying that he may come up with a scaled down plan to put condos on the site.

Some Two Harbors officials are now complaining that Cave keeps changing the terms of any possible deal. Others have expressed reluctance to buy the entire site and take it off the tax roles. A local group is now pushing for a referendum on the use of the disputed land.

For his part, Cave maintains that he is still willing to negotiate with the city, long after his original offer to sell the land expired. He also is negotiating with the Minnesota DNR concerning the boat launch area.

Ultimately, the city may hold the trump cards. The land is zoned for parks and recreation and would need to be rezoned as residential by the city if Cave were to build condos on the site. If he wanted to go back to his initial plans -- which included a hotel and restaurant -- that would be possible without rezoning. According to city ordinance, those enterprises fall under recreation -- but the city would have to grant him a conditional-use permit.

Reported by: Ron Smith

08/13
The long idle railroad carferry barge Pere Marquette 10 was readied Monday for tow to Toledo from its home of Port Huron.

The tug Manitou will tow the barge to Toledo's Frog Pond where it will remain in lay-up. Continuing development of the Port Huron riverfront just down river from the Black River has left the barge with out a home.

The Port Huron to Sarnia railferry service ended when a new tunnel was built in 1995.

Reported by: Jim Lindholm

Slow Day on the St. Marys

08/13
Despite picture-perfect weather, Tuesday afternoon and evening traffic was slow at Sault Ste. Marie. Presque Isle and Indiana Harbor were downbound just after lunch and those were the only vessels coming from Lake Superior until the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. reported inbound to Soo Traffic just after dark. Activity in the other direction was a bit better, with Paul R. Tregurtha and H. Lee White upbound at dinner time, followed after dark by Canadian Olympic, Cason J. Callaway and Victoriaborg. Joseph L. Block reported in upbound at DeTour around 9:30 p.m., bound for Two Harbors to load taconite. In addition, Yankcanuck called Soo Traffic at 11:30 p.m. and reported she was about ready to depart Algoma Steel with a cargo for Windsor, thus ending a short layup at the Purvis dock.

Paul R. Tregurtha.
Paul R. Tregurtha, close up of stern with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers new survey vessel B.W. Bufe overtaking.
Survey Vessel B.W. Bufe at speed in the lower St. Marys River.
MCM Marine pusher tug Kelli Anne upbound with a small spud barge.
H. Lee White.
stern view.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Green Bay Traffic

08/13
Last week was a very busy week for the Port of Green Bay. Visitors included; Philip R Clarke with coal for the C. Reiss Coal Dock, Barbra Andrie-A390 with liquid asphalt for Koch Materials, Paul H Townsend with cement for Lafarge, American Republic with stone for Western Lime, Wilfred Sykes with coal for Fox River Dock, and the John G Munson with stone for Great Lakes Calcium.

Barbra Andrie-A390 unloading at Koch Materials.
Close up of Barbra Andrie.
New Dock at K&K Warehousing Pearl St. Warehouse.
John G Munson unloading at Great Lakes Calcium.
Another view.
Paul H Townsend inbound Green Bay.
Paul H Townsend passing Buoy 30 inbound.
wide view.
Close up near Canadian National RR Bridge.
Passing through Main St. Bridge heading to Lafarge.
Close up in River.
stern view heading to Mason St. Bridge.
Passing through Mason St. Bridge as a Severe Thunderstorm approaches.
Philip R Clarke at C. Reiss Coal Dock.
Another view.

Reported by: Scott Best

Saginaw River News

08/13
The Great Lakes Trader and tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort called on the Saginaw River Saturday delivering a split load. She lightered at the Bay City Wirt Dock then continued upriver to finish at the Saginaw Wirt Dock. The pair was outbound early Sunday morning.

The Tug Mary E. Hannah and her tank barge were outbound on Saturday after unloading at the Bit-Mat Dock in Bay City.

On Monday, the Maumee was inbound, stopping at the Sargent Dock in Essexville to lighter before continuing upriver to finish unloading at the Saginaw Rock Dock. She was outbound early Tuesday morning.

Tuesday saw visits by two tug-barge units. First the Great Lakes Trader - Joyce L. Van Enkevort was inbound passing through Bay City during the late morning. The pair headed up to the Saginaw Rock Dock to unload and were outbound late in the day.

Following about an hour behind the Trader was the Joseph H. Thompson - Joe Thompson, Jr. The pair was passing through Bay City on their way to the Burroughs Dock in Zilwaukee to unload. The Thompson was outbound late in the evening as well.

Maumee downbound on Thursday at Bay City Wirt.
Stern view.
Great Lakes Trader - Joyce L. upbound at Wheeler's Landing.
Stern view.
Joseph H. Thompson - Thompson, Jr. upbound at Bay City Wirt.
Stern view.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Aerial Views

08/13
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Lake St. Clair 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.

Capt. Henry Jackman.
Another view.
Algocen.
Mesabi Miner.
Setting sun.

Detroit Traffic

08/13
tar barge 950 in the old Rouge River.
The beginning of work on the new cement silos south of the Ambassador Bridge, just above the old Rouge River. The U.S. tower of the Ambassador Bridge can be seen at the far right of the picture.
Gaelic barge LSC 236 at the old Rouge Edison Plant.
American Mariner loading mill scale at Rouge Steel, August 4.
Another view.
Herbert C Jackson passing American Mariner at close quarters.
Another view.
barge Marysville at Rouge Steel.
Another view.
Frontenac inbound the Rouge River approaching the Jefferson Street Bridge bound for the Blue Circle Cement Dock assisted by the tugs Wyoming and Maine.
Frontenac at Blue Circle Cement.
Maine.
Another view.
Wyoming.
Spruceglen upbound off Nicholson's August 10.
Stern view.
tug Becky D at Cave in Rock, IL .
tug Loni Jo .
Cave in Rock Ferry's vehicle barge Danny L .

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

08/13

Lone Ranger on her way up to St. Lambert lock, Aug.2, 2003.
Lone Ranger, stern view, Aug.2, 2003.
Lone Ranger, bow view in the sun during her first visit, July 22, 1997.
Lone Ranger, stern view, July 22, 1997.
Simson as a Bugsier tug, Hamburg, Jan.31, 1993. Hansenpush photo.
Fir WLB-213 bow view, exiting St. Lambert lock, Aug.2, 2003.
Fir WLB-213 stern view, Seaway, Aug.2, 2003.
Fir WLB-213 bow view arriving Montréal to tie up at berth M-5, Aug.2, 2003.
Fir WLB-213 stern view about to tie up at berth M-5, Montréal, Aug.2, 2003.
Fir WLB-213 bow view downbound off Verchères, Aug.4, 2003.
Fir WLB-213 stern view downbound off Verchères, Aug.4, 2003.
Canmar Venture upbound off Verchères on her maiden voyage to Montréal, Aug.6, 2003.
Canmar Venture, stern view, at 965 feet in length the longest ship with OOCL Montreal presently coming to Montréal, Aug.6, 2003.
Columbia, US flag dredger converted from a WW-2 LST (probably LST-789 ?), upbound off Verchères for Toledo, Aug.6, 2003.
Columbia, stern view, with the unmistakable WW-2 era LST stern complete with propeller guards as well as the typical pole mast of the period. Her diesels appear to give her a pretty good turn of speed. Verchères, Aug.6, 2003.
Lady Franklin, laid up at berth 44, Montréal, Aug.7, 2003.
Frida, loading cargo at berth B-3, Montréal, Aug.7, 2003.
Haedong Star No.99, laid up at Jetty no.1, Montréal, Aug.7, 2003.
Nindawayma & Horizon Montreal, laid up at Jetty no.1, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Sea Lavender unloading sugar at berth 46, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Pacific Bulker loading grain at berth 54 (Elevator no.4), Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Nova D Wearing Her New Desgagnés Funnel Markings, Berth 56, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Oakglen & Mapleglen, names and funnel markings painted out, berth 56, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Container ship row (Racine terminal). From left to right Canmar Venture, Cast Premier & Canmar Bravery. Montreal, Aug. 7, 2003.
Olympic Mentor upbound off berth Montreal 78 for the Seaway, Aug.7, 2003.
Pascal. D, small workboat owned by Dragage St. Maurice Ltd. used in current dredging operations in the Port of Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
New Endeavor, unloading crude oil at berth 106, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003
Jag Pradip, unloading oil at the Petro-Canada dock (berth 109), Montreal, Aug. 7, 2003.
Jag Pradip, stern view, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Gemini at berth 110, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003.
Sea Explorer, at anchor off Pointe-aux-Trembles, awaiting use of berth B-8 with a load of containers from South America and the Caribbean, Aug.7, 2003.
Sea Explorer, stern view, Montreal, Aug.7, 2003

Reported by: Marc Piché

A Champion of a Day Onboard the Olympic Miracle

08/13
On Sunday the Greek registered Olympic Miracle sailed down the Detroit River and Lake Erie heading for the Welland Canal. Olympic Miracle loaded wheat in Duluth, MN bound for La Spezia, Italy. After fuelling in Montreal she will top off with additional cargo in Baie Comeau, Quebec before proceeding across the Atlantic.

Olympic Miracle is one of a series of six sister ships built at Shimizu, Japan in 1984 and 1985. Of the original six, five remain with the company. The sisters are well known to ship watchers around the Great Lakes and consist of the following: Olympic Mentor, Olympic Merit, Olympic Melody and Calliroë Patronicola. Finally, the last place sister Olympic Dignity now sails as Alam Sejhatara after being sold in 19.

Inbound to the Great Lakes Olympic Miracle discharged mineral products from China in Thorold, Ontario. Currently, Olympic Mentor is discharging Brazilian sugar in Toronto. Upon completion Olympic Miracle will pass the torch to the Olympic Mentor and she’ll head to Duluth as well.

Below are images taken onboard from Detroit Pilot Station to Lock 7.

The footer Columbia Star passing Detroit.
Sunrise off Fighting Island in the Detroit River.
The Bridge Deck with Grassy Island in the background.
Downbound in the Livingstone Channel just past the “Hole in the Wall”.
A hearty breakfast on the Bridge. The Olympic vessels are well known amongst pilots as being “good feeders”!
Outbound at Detroit River Light.
The Bridge interior.
(Left to right): The A.B. at the wheel Second Officer Nikolaos Petalas. Mr. Petalas enjoys trading on the Great Lakes and has done so since 1992. He is therefore awarded the bronze medal for years of lake service. Chief Engineer Ioannis Giannios is awarded the silver medal for lake service. He’s been here too many times to count! Finally, Captain Nikolaos Niforos takes the gold medal for Great Lakes service. His first trip to the area was back in 1969 as a nineteen-year old deck boy! As a personal note this is my seventh trip with the good Captain.

The shallow waters of the western basin of Lake Erie are clearly evident as we alter course.
Our wake at full sea speed on the open lake.
Name board in the traditional Aegean Sea blue that is common to so many Greek vessels.
A funnel with curved lines is rare in the era of modern saltwater vessels and is a treat to see.
The classy looking (Aristotle) Onassis “Olympic Rings” logo.
The tip of the mast is cranked down to allow safe passage under the Seaway bridges.
Not quite an Olympic sized pool… but it’ll do fine!
On the open tropical sea when under keel clearance is no longer a concern the pool is filled with seawater for the crews enjoyment.
The pool deck. Note the wood planking to avoid scorched feet on the sweltering steel deck.
The accommodation block as seen from the number 4 crane. The Master’s and Chief Engineer’s cabins are located directly below the bridge. The Master occupies the four starboard windows and the Chief Engineer the other four on the port side.
Close up of the Bridge.
Tug Salvor and barge McCleary Spirit can be seen heading west towards South East Shoal.
Main deck looking aft. At nineteen years of age Olympic Miracle’s main deck looks as good as new.
With a full Seaway load cooling of the decks commence.
View aft from the forecastle.
Another view.
Now it’s time to have lunch!
Greek salad.
A few more appetizers.
A meal fit for an Olympian. It will be a miracle if I get through this without letting out a notch or two on the belt! Greek hospitality at it’s best.
Radio Room.
A full time radio operator was onboard every saltwater ship until the advent of GMDSS (Modern technology) a few years ago.
Owner’s cabin.
View from the Monkey’s Island.
Four 16 Ton deck cranes.
The deep blue water and sky surely remind the Olympic Miracle of her home waters of the Aegean Sea.
View from the Poop Deck in the early evening.
Poop Deck outside of the crew’s Mess Room.
Looking forward from the bunker station.
Fading light drawing near.
The end of the day. However, a very busy night lies ahead for the Olympic Miracle as she will transit 8 locks before the sun comes up.
MEMORIES – 1979:
(Clockwise from top left): 1, Crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence enroute to Sydney, Nova Scotia with a load of iron ore for the Sydney Steel Company (SYSCO). 2, Discharging gypsum from Little Narrows, Nova Scotia in Montreal. 3, Loading iron ore pellets at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) Dock 2 in Sept Iles, Quebec. The cargo was destined for Sydney. 4, Underway in the St. Lawrence River. Note: All four pictures were taken in the month of September when the Algoport was barely one month old.

Reported by: Alain M. Gindroz

Today in Great Lakes History - August 13

Operated by a crew of retired Hanna captains, chief engineers and executives, the GEORGE M. HUMPHREY departed Great Lakes Engineering Works under her own power on August 13, 1986 for Lauzon, Que. The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY cleared Lauzon September 3rd with the former Hanna steamer PAUL H. CARNAHAN in tow of the Dutch tug SMIT LLOYD 109. The tow locked through the Panama Canal, September 27th through 30th, and arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan December 10, 1986 completing a trip of over 14,000 miles. The HUMPHREY was scrapped in 1987 by Shiong Yek Steel Corp.

On 13 August 1899, H. G. CLEVELAND (wooden schooner, 137'/264T, built in 1867 at Black River, OH) sank with a full load of limestone, 7 miles from the Cleveland harbor entrance.

August 13, 1980 - The ARTHUR K. ATKINSON returned to service after repairing a broken crankshaft suffered in 1973. She brought 18 railcars from Manitowoc to Frankfort.

The 272'/1740 gross ton, wooden propeller freighter SITKA was launched by F. W. Wheeler (hull # 32) at W. Bay City, Michigan on 13 August 1887.

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

Crew Member Evacuated from the Cornelius

08/12
A crew member was evacuated off the Adam E. Cornelius Sunday after he fell and apparently broke his ribs. The Cornelius was traveling on Lake Huron off Tawas, Michigan when the accident occurred.

The crew radioed the U.S. Coast Guard and requested a helicopter to evacuate the man. A helicopter from Air Station Detroit diverted from another mission to assist the injured man. A Rescue swimmer was lowered to the Cornelius where he stabilized the patient and assisted in the hoisting of injured crewmember.

The Helicopter crew then transferred the patient to Bay City Medical Center where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Reported by: Paul Strickland

Barge Sinks

08/12
On Wednesday The tug John Selvick lost a barge carrying 61,000 bushels of wheat. The barge sank in four to six foot seas when the cargo shifted and the forward cargo hatch cover began to sink.

The barge sunk bow first in approximately 100 feet of water five nautical miles west of Waukegan, IL. Thirty to forty feet of the barge's stern remained above water. Attempts to salvage the barge were abandoned by the company due to an unsafe sea state. A Captain of the Port order was issued to light the barge or have a vessel stand by through the night. The barge owner was unable to comply, reporting it was unsafe to operate in the weather and lake conditions.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Facility Waukegan launched an HH65 to lower strobe lights onto the barge while a Station Kenosha 41-footer monitored the operation.

The next day the barge sunk in 115 feet of water. The owner of the barge was unable to salvage the barge during the day due to 5 - 7 foot seas throughout the day. The tug John Selvick marked the position with lighted buoy.

Divers later confirmed that the sunken barge was in a flat position in approximately 120 feet of water with 100 feet of clearance above it. Current plans are to dive on the barge on August 18 to obtain full side sonar, plot altitudes and take camera to barge surface. The buoy marking its position has been removed.

Reported by: Ryan Phillips

Twin Ports Report

08/12
This week looks like "Coal Week" for Lake Superior ports. James R. Barker was loading Monday at Midwest Energy Terminal with coal destined for Taconite Harbor. Oglebay Norton is due at the terminal Wednesday to load for Silver Bay. The Barker returns Thursday to load for the Presque Isle plant near Marquette. Herbert C. Jackson pays an unusual call to the terminal on Sunday to load for Marquette.

In the Twin Ports Monday, the passenger ship Grand Mariner was docked at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Zeus was unloading steel coils at the port terminal before shifting to the General Mills elevator in Duluth to load beet pulp pellets.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toronto Update

08/12
The U.S. research vessel Lake Guardian was in Humber Bay on Sunday afternoon taking water samples.

Wealthy parents provided a fireworks spectacle late Sunday night as a wedding extravaganza. The C & C Marine barge Rock Prince was towed by the company tug Patricia D., escorted by police Marine Unit 4, to a point in the harbor just off the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Shortly after 11 p.m. about $50,000 went up in 5 minutes of sparkle and smoke.

It is rumored that Canadian Mariner will again be pressed into service as a fireworks barge anchored in Humber Bay for "The Ex". The salty Olympic Mentor continues unloading at the Redpath Sugar dock.

Reported by: Art Church

Victoriaborg Headed for Menominee Once Again

08/12
On Friday Wagenborg’s V-Type vessel Victoriaborg was upbound in the Welland Canal with a load of wood pulp from Kotka, Finland. This is her second such voyage this season. After discharging in Menominee she will set sail for Thunder Bay and will load flax for Rotterdam.

Victoriaborg is only two years of age and has already logged numerous trips to the Great Lakes. The 100 plus year old historic Dutch company is based in the port of Delfzijl. Wagenborg’s activities on the Great Lakes have been most impressive since Kroonborg’s inaugural voyage in 1996. The vessels remain very popular to this day with local ship enthusiasts and enjoy a close following.

Wagenborg vessels were originally employed in the carriage of European steel destined to various Great Lakes ports. At the outset K-type and M-type vessels were utilised. The new and improved V-types are now the preferred choice. Inbound steel cargoes have by and large been replaced with wood pulp from Finland to Menominee. The outbound leg generally consists of sugar beet pellets or grain products from the Lake head back to Europe. Interestingly, their small size makes them ideally suited for the carriage of sugar beet pellets.

Below are images taken on an assignment from Lock 7 to Detroit Pilot Station.

Wagenborg’s chartered K-type Zeus meeting the Algomarine below Lock 2 on another damp and foggy evening August 3rd.
We begin our journey to Detroit at Lock 7.
The first of many vessels we meet on this trip is the Gordon C. Leitch.
The next vessel is the downbound John Spence/McAsphalt 401.
A.B. Dennis Alave keeping her steady. The “wheel” is nothing more than a small joystick. It requires only a very light touch to activate it. This class of vessel is highly manoeuvrable as the rudder is capable of angles of up to 60 degrees at low speeds.
The congenial Ukrainian Second Officer Volodymyr Proskurenko making an entry in the ship’s logbook.
Algoway bound for Wharf-6 (Thorold Industrial Docks).
Our turn to enter Lock 8.
Entering the chamber.
Builder’s plaque indicating here she was built.
Bridge deck and funnel.
A maze of companionways.
Housekeeping chores on the stern after clearing the canal.
Port Colborne is now 26 nautical miles astern.
Time to go forward now… Steaming ahead at 14.6 knots towards Long Point.
The forecastle is covered to protect the mooring equipment and crew from the elements. Ie: Freezing spray, heavy boarding seas etc…
One of several access openings for the mooring party to handle the lines.
Roller fairleads and one of two permanently open accesses.
Looking aft from inside the garage.
The very familiar Wagenborg house flag.
The U.S. flag ready to be flown in the morning upon reaching U.S. waters at the Detroit River.
Looking aft at the 15,87m (52’) beam ship.
This is the maximum beam allowable for these vessels due to bridge size limitations between the shipyard in Holland and the open sea. (They are built up a creek!)
Looking aft down the main deck.
The hatch crane track can be seen running the length of the deck.
Hatch cover fastenings.
Hatch covers butted together and fully secured.
Hatch crane in the stowed position aft.
Open hatch covers are stowed and stacked here when working cargo.
The hatch crane has a safe working load (SWL) of 20,5 Tons.
The crane travels on the tracks not unlike our own lakers.
The two hoisting winches can lift the covers with ease and efficiency.
Looking way up from the hatch bay.
The Wagenborg name is proudly displayed on all their vessels as well as on both sides of the hull.
The interior of the bridge in the late evening light.
The clean and comfortable fully air conditioned pilot cabin.
With a busy day behind them some of the crew relax and shoot some darts.
I think he’s loosing!
Others watch TV in the lounge.
The day is winding down.
Victoriaborg sailing into a quiet night.
Time to check out the condiments for the ol’ midnight snack! One can usually determine where a ship has sailed in the recent past by looking at the condiment labels. The language of the labels identify their origins.
At 0530 Second Officer Proskurenko treats us to a fresh pot of coffee…Ukrainian style of course!
Calendars are another way to determine a vessel’s travels. It can be seen that Victoriaborg was in Italy in the not too distant past.
Bosun Patrick Romero standing watch on the bridge.
After an uneventful and smooth lake passage we witness the beginning of another day at Bar Point.
Memories - 1979 V.W. Scully: (Clockwise from top left) 1. Portside poop deck. This deck houses the engineers as well as the officer’s lounge. 2. Entering St. Lambert Lock upbound with a load of ore from Pointe Noire, Quebec. 3. As a young second mate at the winch controls. 4. Upbound for Huron, Ohio after exchanging pilots at Trois Rivieres, Quebec. Pont Laviolette (Bridge) can be seen astern.

Reported by: Capt. Alain M. Gindroz

Picture Delay

08/12
I'm working back up to speed, I hope be caught up later this week.

Picture Guide Lines

08/12
With the availability of digital cameras and slide scanners 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.

For fastest processing and inclusion in the news page it is important to follow these guide lines. Pictures not following this guide take a larger amount of time to process and cannot always be added.

Click here to view.

Today in Great Lakes History - August 12

The C&O carferry S.S. Spartan, in a heavy fog while inbound from Kewanee on the morning of August 12, 1976, struck rocks at the entrance to the Ludington harbor. She suffered severe damage to about 120 feet of her bottom plating. She was taken to Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay on August 18th for repairs. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

The TOM M. GIRDLER was christened August 12, 1951, she was the first of the C4 conversions.

The MAUNALOA II was launched August 12, 1899

The RIDGETOWN (a WILLIAM E. COREY) sailed from Chicago on her maiden voyage August 12, 1905 bound for Duluth, MN to load iron ore.

On 12 August 1882, FLORIDA (3-mast wooden schooner, 352 t, built in 1875 at Batiscan, Ontario) was carrying 662 tons of coal from Black River to Toronto when she sprang a leak and sank 12 miles from Port Maitland. She hailed from Quebec and was constructed mostly of pine and tamarack.

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

Grain Rush in Sarnia

08/11
The Algocape loaded wheat at Sarnia this weekend departing downbound early Sunday evening for Port Cartier, Que.

After waiting for the Spruceglen to pass upbound the Algocape proceeded to back away from the elevator. She backed down to the Black River entrance turned and was headed down at 6 p.m.

Lambton County farmers are reporting record or near record wheat harvests.

Reported by: Marc Dease and Barry Hiscocks

Mutiny on the Appledore

08/11
Most crew members of the sailing ship Appledore IV have walked off the vessel in Muskegon in what media reports characterized as a dispute over late paychecks and management.

The Muskegon Chronicle reported that the ship's captain and five crew members left the ship Wednesday. The first mate, cook and five volunteer sailors remained aboard the vessel, but it apparently didn't have enough of a crew to set sail.

The Chronicle reported that the crew walkout occurred after weeks of disputes between management and the captain over everything from personality conflicts to late paychecks.

Roger Nugent, executive director of BaySail, said he expected to find a new captain and crew for the ship in time for it to sail into Bay City as scheduled for next week's Tall Ship Celebration.

Reported by: Dan Riley

Hamilton Update

08/11
Sunday morning the Halifax arrived in Hamilton going to Stelco with iron ore. She departed at 3:30 p.m. heading out into Lake Ontario to clean her holds and re-entered the harbor at 7 p.m.

The Helena Oldendorff arrived at the same time the Halifax was departing, heading to Pier 23. The Quebecois departed at 4 p.m. heading to Clarkson, Ontario in ballast.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

St. Marys River Cruise

08/11
The De Tour Passage Historical Museum is sponsoring its 2nd Annual Fall St Marys River cruise, September 27. The cruise heads down the St Marys River, through the Soo Locks, pass the Neebish Island Channel Rock Cut to Detour.

Passengers are taken by bus from the De Tour ferry dock at 9:30 a.m. to the Soo where passengers board the cruise boat. They will disembark in De Tour at the dock, the entire trip will be 8 hours.

The cruise is $75.00 per person, which covers the bus trip, lunch, snacks, a cash bar is available on the boat. For ticket information contact the museum by e-mail, dphm@msn.com, Jim Charles at 906-297-2609, Museum at 906-297-3404.

Reported by: Joanne Green

Today in Great Lakes History - August 11

The night of August 11, 2001 the Windoc was damaged and caught fire when the Allenburg Bridge was lowered onto the vessel. The accident stopped traffic in the canal until August 13. The Windoc was later towed to Hamilton, Ont. to wait out its fate.

The H.M. GRIFFITH was the first self-unloader to unload grain at Robin Hood's new hopper unloading facility at Port Colborne, Ont on August 11, 1987.

On August 11, 1977 the THOMAS LAMONT was the first vessel to take on fuel at Shell's new fuel dock at Sarnia, Ont. The dock's fueling rate was 60 to 70,000 gallons per hour and was built to accommodate one-thousand footers.

Opening ceremonies for the METEOR (2) museum ship were held on August 11, 1973 with the President of Cleveland Tankers present whose company had donated the ship. This historically unique ship was enshrined into the National Maritime Hall of Fame.

The T.W. ROBINSON and US.265808 (former BENSON FORD (2) departed Quebec City on August 11, 1987 along with US.265808 (former BENSON FORD (2) in tow of the Polish tug JANTAR bound for Recife where they arrived on September 22, 1987. Scrapping began the next month in October.

On 11 August 1862, B.F. BRUCE (wooden propeller passenger steamer, 110'/169T, built in 1852 at Buffalo as a tug) was carrying staves when she caught fire a few miles off Port Stanley, Ontario in Lake Erie. She was run to the beach, where she burned to a total loss with no loss of life. Arson was suspected. She had been rebuilt from a tug to this small passenger steamer the winter before her loss.

On 11 August 1908, TITANIA (iron propeller packet/tug/yacht, 98', 73 gt, built in 1875 at Buffalo) was rammed and sunk by the Canadian sidewheeler KINGSTON near the harbor entrance at Charlotte, NY on Lake Ontario. All 26 on board were rescued.

The wooden scow-schooner SCOTTISH CHIEF had been battling a storm on Lake Michigan since Tuesday, 8 August 1871. By late afternoon of Friday, 11 August 1871, she was waterlogged. The galley was flooded and the food ruined. The crew stayed with the vessel until that night when they left in the lifeboat. They arrived in Chicago on Sunday morning, 13 August.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, 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

Dredge Upbound

08/10
The dredge Columbia was upbound in the Welland Canal Friday bound for Toledo. She last visited the lakes as Columbus. At that time many people confused her reported location with the cruise ship c. Columbus which was there at the same time.

The vessel not only has a new name but a new color scheme. The hull is now painted black. The superstructure is buff. The funnel has green markings with the letters B and B prominent.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and David Bull

Hamilton News

08/11
Saturday the Algoville entered Hamilton Harbor through the Burlington Ship Canal at 8 a.m. to load grain at Agra. The refueling ship Hamilton Energy then departed at 8:30 a.m. for Port Weller and returned at 5 p.m. The Jean Parisian arrived at 10:30 a.m. from Point Noir Quebec heading to Stelco to unload her cargo of iron ore pellets. She departed at 5 p.m. heading back to Point Noir for more iron ore.

The Canadian Progress arrived at 11:30 going to Dofasco Dock No. 2 with coal.

Reported by: Eric Holmes

Toronto Update

08/10
Early Friday morning the steamer Cuyahoga departed the Turning Basin for Lake Ontario.

McKeil's harbor tugs returned to port Thursday and Friday morning they shifted Canadian Mariner (Atomic on the bow and Glenevis astern) away from Pier 35 so that Canadian Provider could get clear. The Provider has been fitting out for several days. After Canadian Mariner was placed back on the wall, the tugs assisted Canadian Provider onto the wall at Pier 52.

Hamilton Energy arrived in port around noon and bunkered Canadian Provider for about three hours before departing. The Provider then could be heard going through its fire and lifeboat drills. Canadian Provider departed Pier 52 shortly after 4 p.m. Friday.

The saltie Olympic Mentor arrived in port early Saturday morning, assisted by McKeil's harbor tugs.

Reported by: Art Church

Detroit and Rouge River Tours

08/10
On September 6, 2003 the Blue Water Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society will sponsor a boat trip down the Detroit River and up the Rouge River and around Zug Island. The tour departs from the Diamond Jack Dock at Stroh River Place. Cost is $30.00 per person. On September 7 the group is running a trip to Port Huron. For more information visit www.BluewaterNRHS.com

Reported by: Ken Borg

Today in Great Lakes History - August 10

On August 10, 1952, the Arthur M. Anderson entered service. Exactly fourteen years later, on August 10, 1966, the vessel's namesake, Arthur Marvin Anderson, passed away.

In 1969 the Edmund Fitzgerald set the last of many cargo records it set during the 1960s. The Fitzgerald loaded 27,402 gross tons of taconite pellets at Silver Bay on this date. This record was broken by the Fitzgerald's sister ship, the Arthur B. Homer, during the 1970 shipping season.

On 10 August 1937, B.H. BECKER (steel tug, 19T, built in 1932 at Marine City, MI) foundered in heavy seas, 9 miles north of Oscoda, MI.

In 1906, JOHN H. PAULEY (formerly THOMPSON KINSFORD, wooden propeller steam barge, 116', 185 gt, built in 1880 at Oswego, NY) caught fire at Marine City, Michigan. Her lines were burned through and she then drifted three miles down the St. Clair River before beaching near Port Lambton, Ontario and burning out.

On 10 August 1922, ANNIE LAURA (wooden propeller sandsucker, 133', 244 gt, built in 1871 at Marine City, MI) beached near Algonac, Michigan, caught fire and burned to the waterline.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Jody L. Aho, 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

Norris in Milwaukee

08/09
The James Norris made a rare stop in Milwaukee Friday with a partial cargo of salt. Also in port was the Herbert C. Jackson with coal and the salt water vessel Tramper unloading a second cargo of wind powered electrical generators at the Heavy Lift dock. Later in the day the Susan Hanna/Southdown Conquest arrived with cement.

By the time the sailing season ends Milwaukee will have over 800,000 tons of road salt on hand at Jones Island just waiting for the snow to start flying.

Norris passes the Tramper.
James Norris.
Norris passes the Jackson.
The official Port of Milwaukee welcoming committee.
A deckhand takes a ride.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Leitch Loads in Sarnia

08/09
On Wednesday evening the Gordon C. Leitch made a rare appearance in Sarnia. She passed downbound at approximately 6:30 p.m. turning below Black River and heading up to the elevator to load. She departed Thursday morning presumably downbound.

Meanwhile the Saginaw arrived at the North Slip in Point Edward shortly after 7 a.m. to load what appeared to bucket elevators for her unloading system. She backed out of the slip and was upbound for Lake Huron by 9 a.m.

Reported by: Marc Dease

Bounty sailing to South Haven

08/09
The sailing ship HMS Bounty, a replica of the storied original, is expected to arrive in South Haven early today and dock at the South Side Municipal Marina for a two-day visit.

The public can tour the 18th-century replica ship today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ship is expected to leave for Bay City before 9 a.m. Sunday.

The 412-ton ship was built in 1962 for the film "Mutiny on the Bounty" starring Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard. MGM studios spent $650,000 to construct the ship, which made it the most expensive movie prop ever made prior to 1962.

The original Bounty became infamous after Master's Mate Fletcher Christian and 12 crew members mutinied on the ship and set Capt. William Bligh and 18 other crew members adrift on the Pacific in a small boat on April 28, 1789.

The replica ship is being sailed by Captain Robin Walbridge and a crew of 13 across Lake Michigan Thursday night from Kenosha, Wis., to South Haven.

Reported by: Alan Stephens

Grande Mariner Heading to Duluth

08/09
The Grande Mariner, a 183-foot, 100-passenger U.S. cruise vessel, is scheduled to make its inaugural visit to the Port of Duluth-Superior Sunday (August 10), the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) dock at approximately noon that day, and will be greeted shortly thereafter at a ceremony during which Duluth Mayor Gary Doty, Superior Mayor Dave Ross and Port Director Adolph Ojard will each give a brief welcome to Captain Roy Keith, commander of the vessel. The Duluth Community Band under the direction of Ruth Dodge will perform prior to the ceremony.

The Grande Mariner is visiting the Port twice this month as part of “Lake Superior Grande Tours” offered by American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL), Warren, R.I. This is the first time in recent history that the Port of Duluth-Superior will be used as an embarkation, debarkation point for a cruise vessel. “We've been working very hard to establish Duluth as a starting and stopping point for visiting cruise vessels,” said Barb Oswell, director of public relations for the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau and member of the local cruise committee.

“While vessels that schedule day-long stops here result in considerable economic impact, our long-term goal has been to have passengers travel to the area, stay in local hotels and spend more time visiting local restaurants and attractions,” she said.

The vessel is scheduled to depart at 2 a.m. on August 13, and to return again at noon on August 28, with departure for that voyage scheduled at 2 a.m. on August 31. Both tours commence and end in Charlevoix, Mich., and include stops at the Soo Locks, Whitefish Point, Munising, Marquette, Houghton and Isle Royale, Mich., Grand Marais, Minn., and the Apostle Islands, Wis., (in addition to Duluth-Superior).

The Grande Mariner, ranked at two-plus stars by the Berlitz Guide, was built in 1998 at Blount Industries, Inc., Warren, R.I. Vessel features include a patented bow ramp that allows passengers to disembark without the need for docks, a draft that allows the vessel to access shallow waterways, a retractable pilot house ideal for sailing under low locks and a stern swimming platform.
For rates and additional information contact: American Canadian Caribbean Line Inc. at 800-556-7450 or go to www.accl-smallships.com.

Reported by: Lisa Marciniak

July Coal Trade on Lakes Even With a Year Ago

08/09
Coal shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 4.8 million net tons in July, virtually the same as a year ago and an increase of 3.1 percent compared to the month's 5-year average. The decrease in loadings of low-sulfur coal from Superior Midwest Energy Terminal during July by no means reflects market conditions, but rather that the dock was in competition with its all-time record for shipments in a single month.

On a year-to-date basis, the Lakes coal trade stands at 18,051,218 net tons, a decrease of 12.4 percent compared to the same point in 2002 and a drop of 6.8 percent compared to the 5-year average for the end of July. Some the downturn is the result of the brutal winter that delayed the resumption of coal loadings in March and April.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Twin Ports Report

08/09
Whether it's the state of the industry or just the dog days of summer, vessel traffic in the Twin Ports has been slow lately. On Friday, traffic consisted of the Paul R. Tregurtha fueling and then loading at Midwest Energy Terminal and Stewart J. Cort loading at BNSF ore dock. Late in the evening the Canadian Transport was expected to arrive for Midwest Energy Terminal.

Today might be even slower, with only the CSL Tadoussac expected to arrive for BNSF ore dock.

Sunday's boatwatching highlight is expected to be a visit by the 183-foot passenger ship Grande Mariner. The ship, operated by American Canadian Caribbean Line, will dock at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. It reportedly will make another trip to port on Aug. 28.

Also Sunday, Indiana Harbor is expected to load coal for Nanticoke and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. is scheduled to load coal for St. Clair and Monroe. Traffic remains slow at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth. Presque Isle is due there Aug. 10; Mesabi Miner on Aug. 12; Joe Block with stone on Aug. 15 and Frontenac on Aug. 15; Frontenac on Aug. 22; and James R. Barker on Aug. 22.

Reported by: Al Miller

Alpena Update

08/09
The Fred R. White Jr arrived at the Lafarge coal dock around 7 p.m. on Thursday to unload.

On Friday the J.A.W Iglehart is due in port by early morning to load cement for Detroit. The Paul H. Townsend is also expected to arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday to take on cargo.

The Alpena will be in South Chicago on Friday. The Jacklyn M /Integrity delivered to Waukegan and will be back in port sometime on Saturday. Visitors at Stoneport on Thursday included the tug/ barges Pathfinder and Joseph H. Thompson, followed by the Lee A. Tregurtha.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Toledo news

08/09
Friday there were no active vessels in Toledo at the time of this report. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Kaye E. Barker on Monday. The Charles M. Beeghly on Tuesday, followed by the Algosoo on Friday.

The next scheduled vessels due in at the Torco Ore Dock will be the Nanticoke on Saturday, followed by the Atlantic Huron on Sunday.

A large number of semi trucks have been noted at all three riverfront elevators. They are bringing in the wheat crop that is being harvested in the area.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto port officials vist Rochester as ferry controversy continues

08/09
The chairman of the Toronto Port Authority says he better understands the commitment to a high-speed ferry project after touring Rochester, N.Y., and its port this week.

“ I think it always helps to see the bigger picture and see what the complete project looks like,’’ Chairman Henry J. Pankratz said. “ And the tour … provided that for us and how the fast ferry fits in with everything else in Rochester.”

Pankratz and Port Authority CEO and Harbour Master Lisa Riatt visited the city Tuesday after an invitation by Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. Pankratz said they left impressed with the city and the ferry-related work taking place at the Port of Rochester in Charlotte.

Construction crews are transforming a former warehouse into a ferry terminal and creating an international border crossing. The ferry, capable of carrying 774 passengers and 238 cars, is expected to begin cruising across Lake Ontario between Rochester and Toronto next spring.

However, serious questions have been raised about how prepared Toronto will be next year. The Port Authority has said that it doesn’t have the money available to build a terminal; and a lease agreement hasn’t been finalized with the Rochester-based ferry company to dock there, which means the ferry, which is now being built in Australia, could have nowhere to sail.

The Star, Toronto’s largest newspaper, published an editorial Tuesday that derided the project, noting that it won’t save enough travel time and will cost too much for passengers. The project also seems to conflict with the city’s waterfront revitalization plans, the editorial says.

Reported by: Gill Smith

Today in Great Lakes History - August 09

The keel was laid for the INDIANA HARBOR on August 9, 1978.

The HAMILDOC (3) was christened on August 9, 1963.

The G.A. TOMLINSON (1) entered service August 9, 1909.

The SHAUGHNESSY with the former CSL steamer ASHCROFT in tow of the Polish tug JANTAR arrived in Castellon, Spain for scrapping in 1969.

On August 9, 1989 the tug FAIRPLAY IX departed Sorel with the FORT CHAMBLY and NIPIGON BAY in tandem tow bound for Aliaga, Turkey for scrapping.

On the night of August 9, 1865, METEOR met her running mate, the propeller PEWABIC, off Thunder Bay on Lake Huron around 9:00 p.m. As the two approached, somehow METEOR sheered and struck her sister, sinking the PEWABIC within minutes in 180 feet of water. About one hundred twenty-five people went down with her, and 86 others were saved.

On 9 August 1850, CHAUTAUQUE (wooden sidewheel steamer, 124'/162T, built in 1839 at Buffalo, NY) caught fire in the St. Clair River and burned to a total loss. In previous years she had been driven ashore (1844) and sank twice - once in 1846 and again in 1848. In September 1846, she made the newspaper by purposely ramming a schooner which blocked her path while she was attempting to leave the harbor at Monroe, MI.

On 9 August 1856, BRUNSWICK (wooden propeller, 164', 512 t, built in 1853 at Buffalo) was carrying corn, scrap iron and lard from Chicago when she sprang a leak in a storm and was abandoned by the crew and passengers. One passenger drowned when one of the boats capsized, but the rest made it to shore near Sleeping Bear in the three other boats. BRUNSWICK went down in 50 fathoms of water, 6 miles south of South Manitou Island on Lake Michigan.

On 9 August 1875, the Port Huron Times reported that the schooner HERO, while attempting to enter the piers at Holland, Michigan, was driven two miles to leeward and went to pieces. Her crew took to the boats, but the boats capsized. Luckily all made it safely to shore.

August 9, 1938 - The Pere Marquette carferries 17 and 18 left Milwaukee for Grand Haven carrying 600 United States Army Troops, bound for Army war maneuvers near Allegan and at Camp Custer.

On 9 August 1870, ONTONAGON (wooden propeller bulk freight, 176', 377 t, built in 1856 at Buffalo) sank after striking a rock near the Soo. She was initially abandoned but later that same year she was recovered, repaired and put back in service. In 1880, she stranded near Fairborn, Ohio and then three years later she finally met her demise when she was run ashore on Stag island in the Detroit River and succumbed to fire.

The 204' wooden side-wheeler CUMBERLAND was launched at Melancthon Simpson's yard in Port Robinson, Ontario on 9 August 1871. She cost $101,000. Too large for the Welland Canal, she was towed up the Welland River to Chippewa and then up the Niagara River to Lake Erie. She operated on the Upper Lakes and carried soldiers to put down the Red River Rebellion. She survived being frozen in for the winter near Sault Ste. Marie in 1872, grounding in 1873, sinking in 1874, and another grounding in 1876. But she finally sank near Isle Royale on Lake Superior in 1877.

In 1942 the sea-going tug Point Sur was launched at Globe Shipbuilding Co. in Superior, and the Walter Butler Shipbuilders, in Superior, launched the coastal freighter William Bursley.

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

Lower Lakes Towing Fleet day at Toledo

08/08
On Wednesday the Saginaw was loading coal at the CSX Docks. The Michipicoten was at the Midwest Terminal Stone Docks (CSX Docks) unloading stone. The Mississagi was unloading grain at Andersons "K" Elevator.

It is rare to see three out of the four vessels from the Lower Lakes Towing fleet in port at the same time.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Soggy Weather Keeps Limestone Trade Listless In July

08/08
An overabundance of rain in the Great Lakes basin in July that dampened demand for aggregate was a leading factor in the decrease in shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes. Loadings at U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4.2 million net tons, a decrease of 6.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year and a drop of 5.8 percent compared to the month's 5-year average.

For the year, the Lakes limestone trade stands at 14.8 million tons, a decrease of 10.3 percent compared to both the same point in 2002 and the 5-year average for the end of July. Weather has impacted demand for aggregate all year; the steel industry's struggles have reduced demand for flux stone for the past several years.

Reported by:

Leitch in Goderich

08/08
The Gordon C. Leitch has been in Goderich for several days awaiting a load of grain from the Goderich Elevators. This load is reported to be the last loading of grain from the old elevator.

All future loading will take place next to the newer facility.

On Tuesday morning the Algorail arrived to load salt at the Sifto salt mine.

Reported by: Chris Wilson

Toledo Update

08/08
The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer finished loading grain at Andersons "E" Elevator and departed Wednesday morning. The Gaelic tug Susan Hoey was on the bow of the Sarah Spencer assisting the tow downriver due to strong river currents caused by the recent heavy rains through out the Maumee River watershed.

At this time the Mississagi was heading upbound the Maumee River bound for Andersons "K" Elevator to unload grain. Both vessels were able to pass each other by the Shipyard area. The Saginaw was loading coal at the CSX Docks with the Canadian Enterprise scheduled to follow late Wednesday evening to load coal.

The Michipicoten was at the Midwest Terminal Stone Docks located at the CSX Docks unloading stone. The tug Rebecca Lynn with her barge was at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo.

The Armco, Buckeye, Courtney Burton and Wolverine remain in lay-up at their respective dock sites. No vessels were observed at the Shipyard at the time of this report.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Kaye E. Barker and Charles M. Beeghly on Monday, followed by the American Mariner on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Docks will be the Nanticoke on Saturday, followed by the Atlantic Huron on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Clarkson Update

08/08
It has been a very quiet summer in Clarkson with a slow shipping season. There has been very little shipping activity at either of the two major industries: Petro Canada or St. Lawrence Cement. Wednesday the lull was broken as the Melissa Desgagnes arrived at the cement plant dock loading cargo.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Today in Great Lakes History - August 08

The JAMES R. BARKER became the longest vessel on the Great Lakes when it entered service on August 8, 1976. It held at least a tie for this honor until the Paul R. Tregurtha entered service on May 10, 1981. The BARKER's deckhouse had been built at AmShip's Chicago yard and was transported in sections to Lorain on the deck of the steamer GEORGE D. GOBLE.

The BUFFALO was christened August 8, 1978

The E.B. BARBER along with the motor vessel SAGINAW BAY arrived August 8, 1985 under tow in Vigo, Spain. Demolition began on August 9, 1985 by Miguel Martins Periera at Guixar-Vigo.

The Soo River Company was forced into receivership on August 8, 1982.

On 8 August 1887, CITY OF ASHLAND (wooden sidewheel tug, 90'/85GT, built in 1883 at Ashland, WI) was towing a log raft near Washburn, WI in Lake Superior. Fire broke out near the boilers and quickly cut off the crew from the lifeboat. They jumped overboard and all but 1 or 2 were picked up by local tugs. The burned hull sank soon afterward.

The wooden tug J.E. EAGLE was destroyed by fire at about 4:00 PM on 8 August 1869 while towing a raft of logs on Saginaw Bay to Bay City. Her loss was valued at $10,000, but she was insured for only $7,000.

August 8, 1981 - The Ann Arbor carferry VIKING took part in a ceremony christening a body of water between Manitowoc and Two Rivers as "Maritime Bay".

August 8, 1999 - The KAYE E. BARKER delivered the last shipment of limestone for Dow Chemical, Ludington. The plant later closed it's lime plant and began lime deliveries by rail.

On 8 August 1813, the U. S. Navy schooner HAMILTON (wooden 10-gun schooner, 112', 76t, built in 1809 at Oswego as DIANA) was lying at anchor off the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario with her armed fleet-mate SCOURGE awaiting dawn when they planned to attack the British fleet. However, a quick rising storm swamped and sank both vessels. Since they were both built as commercial vessels, it has been suggested that their cannons may have made them top-heavy. The HAMILTON was found by sonar in 1975, sitting upright almost completely intact at the bottom of Lake Ontario. The Cousteau organization has dived to her and she was the subject of a live television dive by Robert Ballard in 1990.

August 8, 1882 - an August snowstorm was reported by a ship on Lake Michigan, dumping 6 inches of snow and slush on the deck. Snow showers were reported at shore points that day.

In 1942 the seven shipyards at Duluth-Superior were in full production and announced three launchings in two days. The submarine chaser SC-671 was launched on August 8 at Inland Waterways, Inc. on Park Point.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Jody L. Aho, Brian Bernard , 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

Lone Ranger Passes Port Huron

08/07
Wednesday afternoon the converted tug Lone Ranger was upbound passing Port Huron, Mi.

The tug was built for the German company Bugsier as their salvage tug Simson and served as such before being sold and converted for use as a yacht.

The Lone Ranger is reported to be heading for Georgian Bay.

Passing Port Huron Wednesday.
Above Cote Ste. Catherine lock on Saturday.
Close up.

Reported by: George Gormly Pictures by: George Gormly and Kent Malo

Lita Continues Loading

08/07
The salt water vessel Lita continued loading grain Wednesday in Owen Sound. The tug Ian Mac arrived to assist the Lita in turning. The tug Dover, which was supposed to do these duties developed mechanical problems and will be towed back to Goderich once the tug duties are completed.

The Maltese ship Lita will leave Owen Sound Thursday bound for Goderich to top off her cargo before proceeding to Quebec City for further loading to bring the ship to her ocean draft. Her ultimate destination is Italy.

A crew member stated that if these shipments are successful, a tug could be stationed in Owen Sound to assist freighters. McDonald Marine owner of both tugs has four vessels for this type of duty.

Pictures by: Torben Hawksbridge
Lita turned to continue loading.
Assisted by tug Ian Mac from Goderich.

Reported by: Torben Hawksbridge and Peter Bowers

Bunkers via barge at Detroit

08/07
Since 1938 the Gaelic Tugboat Company and its predecessor the Frank Becker Towing Company have provided bunkers via barge. Ships delivering cargo to the Detroit area take advantage of "no lost time" bunkering while the ship is unloading its cargo. No only have the ship owners found that they can pick up the time lost at fuel docks along the way buy do not have the costs of calling out crews to handle the docking and undocking when stopping at fuel docks.

Below are photos of the tug Patricia Hoey and the barge Marysville delivering 60,000 gallons of number 6 oil to the Lee A. Tregurtha at Rouge Steel on Wednesday morning.

Loading at Waterfront Petroleum on the Rouge River.
Waterfront long time employee Don Casteel has finished loading the barge.
Departing Waterfront bound for Rouge Steel dock.
Tug captains favorite view, the Dix Avenue bridge opening for the tow.
The tow clearing through the bridge.
Turning into the Rouge Steel slip, but no ship to fuel.
Lee A. Tregurtha turns into the slip while the tow waits at the dock.
Lee A. Tregurtha.
Tregurtha arrived at the ore dock at Rouge Steel.
Barge along side the Tregurtha.
Tankerman Tim Mullins hoists the hose to the engineers on the Tregurtha.
Under watchful eyes of mate Vern Holton, Tim slowly applies pressure to hose.
From nothing to a traffic jam, the Charles M. Beeghly turns into the slip.
Charles M. Beeghly.
Barge crew and ship engineers review the bunkering procedure .
Deckhands swing ashore to handle lines, ship waiting for the ore dock.
After two hours, the barge crew hoist the hose back to the barge.
Diamond Belle passes the ore dock with a load of Ford retirees.
Diamond Belle stern view outbound the Rouge Steel slip.
Tug Patricia Hoey backs the Marysville away from the Tregurtha.
Stern view of the Tregurtha and Beeghly at the Rouge Steel dock.
The tow heads back to Waterfront to load fuel for the Beeghly.
Pilot house of the tug Patricia Hoey.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Today in Great Lakes History - August 07

The JAMES R. BARKER was christened August 7, 1976 she was to become Interlake's first 1000 footer and the flag ship of the fleet for Moore McCormack Leasing, Inc. (Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio, mgr.). She was built at a cost of more than $43 million under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. She was the third thousand footer to sail on the Lakes and the first built entirely on the Lakes.

On 7 August 1844, DANIEL WHITNEY, a wooden schooner, was found floating upside-down, with her crew of 4 missing and presumed dead.. She was six miles off mouth of the Kalamazoo River in Lake Michigan.

August 7, 1948 - Edward L. Ryerson, chairman of Inland Steel Company announced that the new ore boat under construction for Inland will be named the WILFRED SYKES in honor of the president of the company. Mr. Sykes had been associated with Inland since 1923, when he was employed to take charge of engineering and construction work. From 1927 to 1930 he served as assistant general superintendent and from 1930 to 1941 as assistant to the president in charge of operations. He became president of Inland in May, 1941. He had been a director of the company since 1935. The new ship was to be the largest and fastest on the Great Lakes, having a carrying capacity in intermediate depth of 20,000 gross tons. The ship will be 678 ft. long, 70 ft. wide and 37 ft. deep, and will run at 16 miles per hour when loaded.

While lying at the dock at the C & L.H. RR Yard in Port Huron on 7 August 1879, the scow MORNING LARK sank after the scow MAGRUDER ran into her at 4:00 AM. MORNING LARK was raised and repaired at the Wolverine dry dock and was back in service on 20 September 1879.

Data from: Dave Wobser, 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

Tall ships draw 2 million visitors in Chicago

08/06
Nearly 2 million people braved humidity and thunderstorms in recent days to visit the tall ships in Chicago, tourism officials said.

The record crowd included 450,000 people who visited the city's Navy Pier just on Saturday to see the ships. The ships docked at Navy Pier, DuSable Harbor and the Chicago River.

Two dozen schooners, brigs, ketches, full-rigged and other types of ships visited this year, the largest assembly ever in the Great Lakes, organizers said.

Reported by: Alan Jackson

Lakes/Seaway Ore Trade Down 12-Plus Percent In June

08/06
Shipments of iron ore from Great Lakes and Eastern Canadian ports destined for steelmakers in the region totaled 5.1 million gross tons (5.8 million net tons) in June, a decrease of 12.4 percent from the corresponding period last year and 14.1 percent compared to the month's 5-year average. For the year, the trade stands at 18.5 million gross tons (20.7 million net tons), a slight decrease from the same point in 2002, but a drop of 11.4 percent compared to the 5-year average for the end of June

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Lone Ranger Visits the Lakes

08/06
The converted tug Lone Ranger, now America's fifth largest yacht at 255-feet, passed through the Welland Canal Monday heading for Cleveland.

The tug was built for the German company Bugsier as their salvage tug Simson and served as such before being sold and converted for use as a yacht. She was converted in 1994 by her owner Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance. The former tug has a crane to launch her two motor boats of 31 and 38 feet. Lone Ranger is 255 feet long and has two 4,400 hp diesels.

The Lone Ranger last visited the lakes in 1997.

Pictures of the Lone Ranger

Reported by: Joseph A Dauray, Bill Hoey, Marc Piché and Jimmy Sprunt

Another Busy Day in Owen Sound

08/06
Owen Sound harbor was unusually busy Tuesday. The salt water vessel Lita continued loading grain with the new loading leg at Great Lakes Elevator. The MNR fishing tug Atigamayg was in port for maintenance before setting out for fish surveys. The MacDonald Marine tugs Dover and Ian Mac were also in port.

Lita from the east harbor.
Lita loading grain.
Lita using new loading leg.
Four ships in harbor.
MNR Atigamayg.

Reported by: D. Shearman

Coast Guard Among Agencies that Respond to Boat Fire

08/06
Station Cleveland Harbor, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a Good Samaritan all responded to a 63-foot Sea Ray on fire, with four people on board abandoning the vessel into a life raft, north of Cleveland, OH.

Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor received the vessel's initial distress call via VHF radio reporting that the vessel's engine room had caught fire, the people on board were abandoning the vessel and the operator had activate the vessel's EPIRB (electronic emergency beacon).

Station Cleveland Harbor immediately launched their 41-foot and 23-foot rescue boats to respond. The Ninth District Command Center then received a 406 MHz EPIRB notification from the pleasure craft.

A Good Samaritan arrived on scene first and recovered the four occupants from the life raft. A boat from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources then arrived on scene and extinguished a small fire on the vessel's starboard engine. Station Cleveland Harbor and Coast Guard Auxiliary then arrived on scene.

The pleasure craft was towed to Mentor Harbor Yacht Club by Cleveland Marine Towing. District Nine command Center received notification of the EPIRB alert approximately 20 minutes after it was activated, and the initial (First Alert) EPIRB position given was within two nautical miles of the distressed vessel's actual position.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

'Planes, Trains and Ferry Boats' package to get another chance

08/06
A binational series of package tours named "Planes, Trains and Ferry Boats" will be continued despite a slow start, a Soo tourism official told the Soo Star newspaper.

Planes, Trains and Ferry Boats is an effort by Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and Mackinac City, Mich., to offer seven trips this summer that highlight the region's natural beauty through modes of transportation such as the Agawa Canyon tour train. However, none of the five trips scheduled so far has managed to attract the minimum of 50 people. Nonetheless, Ian McMillan of the Economic Development Corp.'s Tourism Sault Ste. Marie said the partners are committed to giving the program at least three years to succeed.

A trip last summer to introduce media and tourism operators to Planes, Trains and Ferry Boats tested well enough that McMillan is confident the "unique possibility" has the potential to gain a following.

"It was a bad year all-around for tourism in launching a brand-new product. Obviously we didn't have the dividends," McMillan told the newspaper. "Tourism's down not only all over Canada but talking to my counterparts down in Mackinac . . . they're down 25 to 30 per cent also."

Reported by: Bill Freed

St. Joseph, Michigan Traffic

08/06
The Alpena brought a load of cement to St. Joseph on Monday. She arrived at about 6 a.m. and departed at 5 p.m.

The American Marine Contractors barge and tug Defiance .
Tug Defiance.
Alpena was unloading at the Lafarge dock at St. Joseph,.

Reported by: Matt Cook Pictures by: Jim Lindholm

Saginaw River Traffic

08/06
Below are recent images of traffic on the Saginaw River.

McKee Sons - Invincible at Bay City Wirt Friday night.
McKee Sons outbound Saturday morning at Bay City Wirt.
Stern view.
Pathfinder - Dorothy Ann downbound at Wheeler's Landing.
Stern view.
Dorothy Ann close up.

Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Welland Update

08/06
Downbound over night Monday was the tug Keewatin and barge Stone Merchant. The pair were bound for Hamilton and the Dofasco plant, after spending several days at the small dry dock at Port Colborne for unknown reasons.

Upbound was Dutch heavy Lift vessel Tramper with an unknown deck cargo.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Toronto Update

08/06
The schooner Empire Sandy returned to port early Tuesday morning from Port Colborne's Canal Days Festival.

Monday saw the arrival and departure of Stephen B. Roman from the Essroc cement dock, and the arrival departure of Algomarine after it got its cargo of rock offloaded.

McKeil's tugs Carrol C. 1 and Bonnie B. II arrived in port after towing another mile long length of 5 foot diameter pipe from McNally Construction Inc.'s Belleville yard to Toronto for the deep-water cooling project.

The venerable side-wheeler Trillium's steam whistle could be heard all day Monday as it shuttled Caribana Festival party-goers to and from the Toronto Island picnic. McKeil's harbor tugs Atomic and Glenevis departed earlier in the week after assisting the salty Milin Kamak out of the Redpath Sugar dock.

Reported by: Art Church

Picnic at the Port of Milwaukee

08/06
In the Port of Milwaukee Saturday the Alpena delivered cement. Later in the day the Algosteel arrived with salt.

What was unusual was that there was a picnic taking place on tiny Kaszube Park Saturday afternoon. About the size of a three car garage, the park has one of the few trees still left on Jones Island. The picnic takes place each year to honor the Island's commercial fishing history. For more information on the history of Milwaukee's Jones Island see: www.onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/jonesisland.html

The Alpena passes under the Hoan Bridge Saturday afternoon.
Tiny Kaszube park.
Plaque.
Unknown anchor at the park.
One of the displays at the picnic showing a picture from the 1930's.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Detroit Traffic

08/06
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River taken August 3.

Atlantic Erie upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Lita (Malta) upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Adam E Cornelius upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Milan Kamak upbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Algorail downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Mississagi downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Algolake in Ashtabula

08/06
Sunday afternoon the Algolake was loading coal in Ashtabula. In Conneaut the Canadian Enterprise was loading coal.

Algolake loads.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Accommodation tug Wyatt McKeil

08/06
The accommodation tug Wyatt McKeil remains docked at Oshawa, while the Toronto cooling pipe tow is underway.

The first job consisting of three 1.5 kilometer long pipe tows has been completed and the sections joined and put in place at Toronto. The second job now underway is the towing of the third 1.5 km long pipe section this tow should be completed by Aug 7 and the section joined to the other two pipe sections that are already in place at Toronto.

The third job consisting of the last three 1.5 km sections will likely commence with the towing of the first section starting on Aug 8.

Capt. Harry Park alternate captain of the tow Tug Carrol C I is shown on board the Wyatt McKeil with his Niece Cassie and his daughter Olivia.
Wyatt McKeil engine.
Wyatt McKeil engine another view.
Wyatt McKeil engine cylinder head.
Stern View of the tugs Glenevis & Atomic from the Wyatt McKeil.

Reported by:

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

08/06
Atlantic Huron downbound off Verchères from the Seaway, July 27.
Elisabeth Boye, small Danish coaster upbound off Verchères to Montreal berth B-7 with general cargo, July 27.
Lita upbound off Verchères, July 28.
Stern view.
Bavaria upbound off Verchères to Montréal and the Seaway, July 28.
Avantage, large Groupe Océan tug based at Trois-Rivières upbound off Varennes for Montréal & Seaway, July 29.
Chem Bothnia upbound off Verchères to Montréal berth 57, July 29.
Stern view.
Véga Desgagnés downbound off Verchères from Seaway & Montréal, Aug.1.
Jo Spirit upbound off Verchères for Montréal & Seaway, Aug.1.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Sail Training

08/06
The training two-masted schooner, the Pathfinder, is laying over in Goderich Ontario for the week of August 13 - 18th. You can be a trainee for a three hour sailing training sampler the afternoons of Aug. 13 & 18th or the evenings of Aug. 13, 17, 18th, for only $30 Canadian.

Those interested in an overnight trip and are free to depart Friday Aug. 25 or 16th, at 6 p.m. the price is only $100 Canadian. Call 416-596-7117. This is a message-only line your call will be returned.

Reported by: Joan Vanden Broeck

Today in Great Lakes History - August 06

WALTER J. McCARTHY JR.'s bottom was damaged at the fit-out dock and required dry docking on August 6, 1977 for repairs prior to her maiden voyage.

The IMPERIAL BEDFORD was delivered to Imperial Oil Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont. on August 6, 1969.

The fourth Welland Canal was officially opened with much ceremony on August 6, 1932 when the steamer LEMOYNE, then the largest bulk carrier on the Lakes, locked down the Flight Locks.

On August 6, 1982 the Pierson fleet was placed in receivership and eventually the entire fleet was purchased by Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd. (P&H Shipping Ltd.,), Mississauga, Ont.

WILLIAM CLAY loaded her first cargo of iron ore on August 6, 1953 to be delivered to her home port at the Ford Rouge Plant south of Detroit, MI.

On August 6, 1965 the JOHN T. HUTCHINSON, upbound in the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River after having unloaded taconite ore at McLouth Steel, lost steering control and struck a stationary section of the Grosse Ile toll bridge. This caused the bridge section and two cars to drop into the river. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, but the bridge was closed for several months. The HUTCHINSON sailed to AmShip's South Chicago yard for repairs.

The KINGDOC (2) was launched August 6, 1963 for N.M. Paterson & Sons Ltd.

The POINTE NOIRE was released on August 6, 1977 after running aground two days prior in the Rock Cut in the St. Marys River blocking the channel.

On 6 August 1890, MICHIGAN (Steel sidewheel carferry, 296'/1730GT) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. She was built by F. W. Wheeler (hull # 76) for the Canadian pacific Railway for use on the Detroit River and had a capacity of 16 railroad cars. She was retired in 1916 and converted to an unrigged pulpwood barge.

On 6 August 1871, the 3-mast wooden schooner GOLDEN FLEECE was down bound on Lake Huron laden with iron ore. The crew mistook the light at Port Austin for the light at Pointe Aux barques and steered directly for the Port Austin Reef where the vessel grounded. After 200 tons of ore were removed, GOLDEN FLEECE was pulled off the reef then towed to Detroit by the tug McCLLELLAN and repaired.

On 6 August 1900 the McMorran Wrecking Company secured the contract for raising the 203-foot 3-mast wooden schooner H. W. SAGE which sank at Harsen's Island on 29 July 1900. The SAGE had been rammed by the steel steamer CHICAGO. Two lives had been lost; they were crushed in her forecastle.

August 6, 1929 - The CITY OF SAGINAW 31 was launched. She was christened by Miss Ann Bur Townsend, daughter of the mayor of Saginaw.

On 6 August 1870, the wooden propeller tug TORNADO had her boiler explode without warning four miles northwest of Oswego, New York. The tug sank quickly in deep water. Three of the six onboard lost their lives. Apparently the tug had a new boiler and it had been allowed to run almost dry. When cold water was let in to replenish the supply, the boiler exploded.

Data from: Max Hanley, Jody L. 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

Escanaba Traffic

08/05
The Middletown brought a load of coal to Escanaba on Sunday.

Middletown unloading coal.
Barge at the power plant.

Reported by: Lee Rowe