Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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Mariki Green Delivers Wind Generators
09/30
The Mariki Green arrived in Milwaukee this past weekend with the fourth shipment of wind turbine generators. The generators are built by the Spanish company Gamesa Eolica. Besides manufacturing wind powered turbines, Gamesa Eolica also manages wind farms in Europe.
These shipments are their first endeavor into the United States market. They make a variety of generators with blade diameters up to 80 meters and tower heights up to 100 meters. For more information see: www.gamesa.es/home_ingles.htm
Mariki Green in Milwaukee Monday.
Special heavy duty trailers are required to transport the generators.
Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Reliance Returns
09/30
The tug Reliance and the Desgagnes barge Nova D. have returned from their recent trip to the Arctic. On Monday the pair made their way up the Seaway to Cote Ste. Catherine with the tug Progress assisting. They arrived at the Eastern dock area to reload for one more trip to the Arctic.
The Anna Desgagnes was also loading at the Cote Wharf for the Arctic and will be leaving on Tuesday. This should be the Anna Desgagnes last trip to the Arctic this year.
Algoport in St Lambert lock, destination Clarkson partial load of gypsum, the other partial load was unloaded at Trois Rivieres.
Progress on the stern of the Nova D. tow, exiting St Lambert lock.
Reliance and the Nova D. about to leave St Lambert lock for Cote Ste Catherine's wharf to load for Iqualuit, the loading should take 3 days.
Close up of the wheelhouse tug Reliance.
Reliance, Nova D., and the McKeil tug Progress on the stern.
Saturn positioning in St. Lambert lock, after which Saturn will head for the wharf at Tracy and load asphalt.
Reported by: Kent Malo

Soo Traffic
09/30
Below are images from a recent trip to the Soo.
Algosteel
Alpena
Burns Harbor
Canadian Transfer
Canadian Transport
Charles M. Beeghly
David Z. Norton
Diviken
H. Lee White
Halifax
Indiana Harbor
James R. Barker
John G. Munson
Kaye E. Barker
Kiyi
Reported by: Jason Leino

Fish tugs in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
09/30
Except for Marquette and the Soo, the Michigan shoreline of Lake Superior is largely devoid of any regular freighter traffic. But most ports still have a fleet of active or retired commercial fishing boats. Below are photos taken last week of fishing tugs and other miscellaneous workboats and commercial vessels, from the Wisconsin border through the Keweenaw.
Jean Maur B at Black River Harbor.
Stern view of Jean Maur B.
Peggy Sue on blocks in Ontonagon.
An uncompleted tug in Ontonagon. A local resident is reportedly building this to live on after retirement. Only 3000 more man-hours to go!
Ann J near upper entrance, Keweenaw Waterway.
Three Suns near upper entrance, Keweenaw Waterway.
Landing Craft and tug at Yalmer Mattila dock, Hancock.
Another view of landing craft, Yalmer Mattila dock.
Barge No. 15, at Yalmar Mattila dock, Hancock.
Passenger boat Knotty Bear docked in Houghton.
Tour boat Keweenaw Star. The Keweenaw Star does both scheduled public cruises and charter trips.
Houghton-Hancock lift bridge from the Keweenaw Star.
Upper deck of Keweenaw Star. The crew thrilled passengers on this charter trip by briefly heading past the break walls at the Upper Entry into 6 to 10 foot waves on Lake Superior. After one or two good rolls while coming about, the vessel quickly reentered the safety of the Keweenaw waterway.
Ranger bow view. The passenger season is over with but freight runs are still ongoing.
Ranger stern view.
Fishtugs in scrap yard, Ripley.
Unknown fish tug and workboat at Dollar Bay.
Port pump telegraph from Quincy Dredge #2 (former C&H dredge #1) . Both telegraphs are on display at the Houghton County Historical Museum in Hubbell. Copper was mined for over 100 years in the Keweenaw. As ore processing technology improved, it become economical to reprocess stamp sands (tailings) that had been dumped in previous decades into Torch Lake. The dredge was built in 1913 on a 110 foot hull and could dredge up to 10,000 tons of sand per day (about a modern-day train load), from a depth of up to 115 feet. The dredge still exists near Mason in a half submerged condition.
Tioga pilot house in Eagle River at dusk. The Tioga sank on Sawtooth Reef near Eagle River in 1919.
Lifeboat on display at Eagle Harbor.
Isle Royal Queen III at Copper Harbor.
Spirit at Grand Traverse Bay Harbor.
Sandra Lee at Grand Traverse Bay Harbor.
Kathrine entering the lower entry, Keweenaw Waterway.
Jayjaycee at Lower Entry.
Esther A. at Lower Entry.
Kathrine at Lower Entry.
Unidentified fishtug, perhaps the KB301 at Lower Entry.
Reported by: Tom Hynes

Today in Great Lakes History - September 30
The 660 ft. forward section of the a)BELLE RIVER (b) WALTER J. McCARTHY, JR.) was side launched on September 30, 1976.
The ARTHUR SIMARD entered service on September 30, 1973 sailing to Montreal, Que. to load gasoline.
The GOVERNOR MILLER was towed down the Welland Canal on September 30, 1980 in tow of TUG MALCOLM, STORMONT and ARGUE MARTIN on her way to Quebec City.
The ROBERT C. STANLEY departed light on her maiden voyage from River Rouge on September 30, 1943 bound for Two Harbors, MN. to load iron ore.
On September 30, 1986 the Canadian Coast Guard vessel CARIBOU ISLE struck a rock in Lake Huron's North Channel and began taking on water. CCG SAMUEL RISLEY arrived and helped patch the ship. The pair the departed for Parry Sound.
On 30 September 1888, AUSTRALIA (wooden schooner, 109’, 159GT, built in 1862 at Vermilion, OH) was carrying cedar posts from Beaver Island to Chicago when she encountered a gale. She was laid on beam ends and sprung a leak. She headed for shelter at Holland, MI, but struck a bar and foundered in the mouth of the harbor. The wreck blocked the harbor until it was removed on 5 October. Her crew was rescued by the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
On 30 September 1875, AMERICAN CHAMPION (wooden scow-schooner, 156 t, built in 1866 at Trenton, Michigan) dropped anchor to ride out a gale near Leamington, Ontario on Lake Erie. The chains gave way and she struck a bar and sank to the gunwales. The crew of 8 spent the night in the rigging and the next day a local woman and her two sons heroically rescued each one.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Jody 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

Next Round of Scrap Tows
09/29
The next round of scrap tows are expected to take place in early October as classic lake freighters make the final voyage to the scrap yards in Alang, India.
The next round of tows will start with the Seaway Queen towed to Quebec City, with the Oakglen following the Seaway Queen. If accepted by the Coast Guard, the two vessels are expected to be towed in tandem to Alang, India. The first part of the tow is scheduled for October 10.
The tug Seaways 5 is heading for Montreal, departing Ceuta, Spain on Sept. 19. It is believed that this is the tug that will make the Atlantic crossing with the lakers in tow.
Reported by: Kent Malo

Reiss Offered For Sale
09/29
The freighter Richard Reiss is reported to be for sale according to an article in the Erie Times Newspaper.
Sandy Smith, vice president and general manager of Erie Sand & Gravel, told the paper that the ship has been for sale and companies have looked it over. So far, however, there have been no buyers. "It is still sitting there and still for sale," he said.
The Richard Reiss sailed for the Erie Steamship Co., a subsidiary of Erie Sand & Gravel, which now is owned by Cleveland-based shipping and minerals giant Oglebay Norton.
The Richard Reiss was used primarily to carry cargoes of stone for the company. It has not sailed for the past two shipping seasons, since purchased by Oglebay Norton.
Reported by: Jeff Thoreson and Roger LeLievre

Port Weller Moves
09/29
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon was moved from Port Weller Dry Docks Sunday after an extensive refit in the dry dock. She was moved to the southern end of the fit out wall. About 4 p.m. the HMCS Halifax was moved out between Griffon and the dry docks. Assisting were tugs Seahound Lac Manitoba and McGrath.
Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and Ron Walsh

Roger Stahl Arrives
09/29
The tug Roger Stahl arrived at her new home base in Key West Florida Sunday afternoon. She is now owned by Florida Keys Harbor Services and will be used for ship docking and rescue towing.
The news owners report that she is a magnificent tug and made the 3,000 mile trip without difficulty. The new owners thank Bill Hoey and the staff at the Detroit based Gaelic Tugboat Co. for all of their help and support given on the trip from Detroit to Florida.
Outside the jetty.
Police escort.
Crew glad to get home.
Capt. Dave and Capt. Eric.
Docking inside Key West.
Tug Roger Stahl and tug Avon.
Sunset in Key West.
Reported by: Capt. James E. Felton Jr.

Marquette Update
09/29
The Michipicoten left Marquette on a stormy Sunday with a load of taconite. The H. Lee White brought stone to the lower harbor, then moved to the ore dock for a load of taconite. She dropped a bow anchor when approaching the dock, then winched back to pull it up once she was tied up.
Michipicoten at dock, bow view
Michipicoten backing up, the dust on top of the dock comes from the ore being dropped from the trains into the pockets.
The Michipicoten leaving, big waves coming in.
H. Lee White bow, anchor down.
H. Lee White anchor coming up
H. Lee White at the dock
Reported by: Lee Rowe

St. Clair River Traffic
09/29

Sunrise.
Lee A. Tregurtha passing.
Canadian Progress.
Reported by: Matt Lemon

Toronto Update
09/29
The new Federal Kivano arrived at Pier 51 Sunday. This is only the fourth salt water vessel in port, this season, with a cargo other than sugar.
Saturday morning the saltie Dobrush departed the Redpath Sugar dock and around 11 a.m. its place was taken by the saltie Peonia; with the assistance of McKeil's harbor tugs Glenevis and Atomic.
The mega yacht Lone Ranger remains moored at the Queen Elizabeth terminal.
Reported by: Art Church

Jeanie Johnston in Quebec City
09/29
The three mast Irish sailing ship Jeanie Johnston, the re-creation of the first Jeanie docked in Quebec City, late Friday for the entire weekend. Hundreds of visitors came down to the port to board this living memento of an earlier famine ship built in Quebec City in 1847 by John Munn shipyard located then on the shores of the St. Charles River, a few thousand feet from where the present Jeanie Johnston was docked.
The first Jeanie was built to deliver lumber from America to the British Isles. Then came, the terrible famine years of the mid 1800's. Two million Irish fled the beloved Ireland to seek a new beginning. One million Irish sailed to the United States and 250,000 thousand to Canada. The eastern voyage was often hazardous and tragic. Irish emigrants boarded ships, rapidly and inadequately transformed from lumber ships to emigrant ships in crammed and grim quarters. Many of these disease-ridden ships had limited food provisions and little or no basic hygiene facilities for the two months or so at sea. Many died before touching land or at Quarantine Stations. In 1847 alone, the emigrant death toll is estimated to have been over 50,000.
Between 1848 and 1855 the 408 ton Jeanie Johnston made sixteen westbound emigrant crossings to Quebec, Baltimore and New York carrying a total of over 2,500 Irish emigrants to a new life. The greatest number of passengers carried in one crossing was 254 from Tralee Ireland to Quebec City on April 17, 1852.
A decent Kerry-based merchant, Nicholas Donovan, owned the Jeanie Johnson. Unlike many of the other emigrants ships often referred as coffin ships, the Jeanie holds the unprecedented record and honour of never loosing a crew member or emigrant passenger during its 16 Atlantic crossings. Although the Jeanie offered few comforts, it was a well-run ship of 17 crewmembers and owner Nicholas Donovan made sure that a Doctor was on-board for every emigrant crossing.
The Jeanie Johnston will sail from Quebec City on Monday Sept. 29 for St. John's Nfld. then across the North Atlantic to Ireland.
Jeanie Johnston.
Close up.
Accomodations.
Another view.
Reported by: Frederick Frechette

Vancouver Traffic
09/29
Below are images from a recent trip to Vancouver.
Tanker Aliakmon, escorted out of Vancouver Harbour by three tugs, the Aliakmon is seen coming out at the first narrows Burrard inlet to Vancouver Harbour on the 18th of Sept. the Aliakmon was outward bound with a heading for Long beach Calif.
Tanker Aliakmon panorama view with the two tugs on the port side and one tug hidden from view on the starboard side.
Cates Tugs repair yard, tugs are lifted out of the water by the extended apron deck which is lowered or lifted depending if you are putting one in water or lifting a tug out.
Tug Charles S. Cates"X" one of the Z -Peller drive tugs belonging to Cates.
Bulk carrier Star Altanger leaving Vancouver harbor via first narrows Burrard inlet.
Reported by: Kent Malo

Today in Great Lakes History - September 29
PIERSON INDEPENDENT was launched September 29, 1906 as a) J.H. SHEADLE (1), US.203628, for the Grand Island Steamship Co. (Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co., Cleveland, OH., mgr.)
HENRY FORD II, 70, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, passed away on September 29, 1987. Mr Ford's namesake was the Ford Motor Company self-unloader.
On September 29, 1986 the Polish tug KORAL left Lauzon, Quebec with the JOHN E.F. MISENER and GOLDEN HIND enroute overseas for scrapping.
September 29, 1892 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 1 was launched.
On 29 September 1872, ADRIATIC (3 mast wooden schooner-barge, 139’, 129NT, built in 1865 at Clayton, NY as a bark) was in tow of the tug MOORE along with three other barges in Lake Erie in a heavy gale. She became separated from the tow and foundered. The entire crew of 7 was lost. The wooden schooner DERRICK was used in salvage operations. On 29 September 1854, she had just positioned herself above the wreck of the steamer ERIE off Silver Creek, NY on Lake Erie when she went down in a gale. She had spent the summer trying to salvage valuables from the wreck of the steamer ATLANTIC.
On 29 September 1900, one hundred years ago, the steamer SAKIE SHEPARD was re-launched at Anderson’s shipyard in Marine City. She had been thoroughly rebuilt there during the summer.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, 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

Twin Ports Report
09/28
The Middletown made a rare appearance in the Twin Ports when it arrived Friday to unload stone. In the brisk wind, it was backing into the Northland Stone dock with aid from one Great Lakes Towing tug on the stern. Saturday, the Middletown fueled at the Murphy Oil fuel dock, then waited much of the day until the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. cleared Midwest Energy Terminal. Middletown then proceeded to Midwest Energy Terminal to load coal for the Xcel Energy generating plant in Ashland, Wis. From there it will proceed to Silver Bay to load taconite from Northshore Mining Co.
Elsewhere, the saltie Orna finished unloading lumber at the Duluth port terminal. It departed Duluth late Saturday afternoon bound for Thunder Bay.
Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update
09/28
The Charles M. Beeghly loaded taconite on a dark and rainy Saturday night. The H. Lee White was expected later at the lower harbor with a load of stone, and then would move to the ore dock for a load of taconite. The Michipicoten is also expected on Sunday for a load of taconite.
Charles M. Beeghly at dock, bow view.
Beeghley wide view.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Transport Delivers
09/28
Canadian Transport unloaded salt at the Carbide Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Saturday afternoon.
Canadian Transport finishing delivering the salt
Close up.
Wide view
Alpena and Kiyi passing by.
Reported by: B. Barnes

09/28
Friday saw two vessels at the ISG-Burns Harbor dock, in the Indiana port of Burns Harbor. The Stewart J. Cort was unloading pellets, and the Algosteel was docked just north of the Cort, presumably waiting to unload.
Cort, head on view.
Cort's unique unloading conveyor, designed solely to unload in this hopper.
Algosteel wide view
View of stern.
Reported by: Kent & Joan Armstrong

Alpena Update
09/28
The Steamer Alpena arrived in port late Friday night to load cement for Superior,Wisc. It departed in the early morning hours on Saturday. The tug Mary Page Hannah and its barge have been tied up in the Thunder Bay River next to the salt pile since Friday, likely waiting on weather.
The Paul H. Townsend is due into Lafarge sometime on Sunday to load, weather permitting.
The Joseph H. Frantz made rare stop at Calcite on Saturday afternoon. It brought a load of agricultural lime from Cedarville. It is expected to take on stone after the cargo is unloaded.
The Adam E. Cornelius was also at Calcite on Saturday. It followed behind the Frantz as it was coming in, then turned and backed into the dock to take on stone.
The tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder were loading at Stoneport on Saturday afternoon. The Maumee is on the schedule for Sunday.
Tug Mary Page Hannah & barge
Frantz coming into Calcite
Frantz & Cornelius
Another view
Swinging out the boom
Unloading
Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News
09/28
On Friday afternoon the Algoway was unloading another load of road salt from Goderich at the Sargent Dock's new salt pad. This is a sure sign that winter is on the way.
Fleet mate Agawa Canyon arrived Saturday to unload fertilizer into a dome at the same dock. She left the dock that afternoon for the turning basin in downtown Saginaw and then went all the way back up the river heading out for the lake.
Algoway standing off from the dock with her stern angled into the channel unloading salt onto Sargent Dock's new pad.
Agawa Canyon unloading fertilizer into the Sargent Dock dome the following day.
Agawa Canyon stowing her boom (from across the river).
Agawa Canyon upriver from the turning basin. With the freighter at river speed, the pleasure boats like to demonstrate their speed advantage.
Stern shot of the Agawa Canyon passing where the old E. M. Ford is tied up.
Agawa Canyon passing through one of the many drawbridges in Bay City. Traffic is delayed for nearly 30 minutes, and the car horn symphony shows that not everyone is a Boatnerd!
with only a few drawbridges to go, the Agawa Canyon heads for the Saginaw Bay.
Reported by: Gordon Williams

Port Huron and Welland Canal
09/28
Below are images taken last week.
Middletown downbound at Port Huron on Sept. 24.
ST. MARY'S CEMENT II and SEA EAGLE II above Lock 1.
ALGOEAST passing CANADIAN ENTERPRISE above Lock 1 in Port Weller.
CANADIAN ENTERPRISE on the approach wall to Lock 1 in the Welland Canal.
VANCOUVERBORG entering Lock 7 downbound.
RT. HON. PAUL J. MARTIN upbound above Lock 8.
The Port Robinson ferry.
FAIRLANE entering Lock 7 downbound.
MISSISSAGI upbound in Lock 5.
Stack.
Reported by: Jeff Birch

Clarkson Update
09/28
The St. Lawrence Cement dock was busy on Saturday. At noon the James Norris was in on one her infrequent mid season stops. She was last in port about three weeks ago. She was in the early stages of unloading a cargo of limestone, her traditional inbound cargo.
As the Norris unloaded an Algoma boat was at anchor offshore awaiting her turn at the hopper.
Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Canmar Pride in Holland
09/28
The Canmar Pride was upbound in the Western Schelde River at Terneuzen in Holland, bound for the port of Antwerp in Belgium on Thursday.
After unloading and loading containers at the Europe Terminal she departed Friday about 6 p.m.
Bow view off Terneuzen, full speed ahead.
Stern view off Terneuzen.
The tug Union 11 pulled her away from the dock.
Busy waters, the Heidelberg Express is coming to take her place at the terminal.
Reported by: Chris Rombouts

40 Mile Point Lighthouse to Host "A Night at the Lighthouse"
09/28
Tour the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and Calcite pilothouse on Friday, Oct. 10, from 7-9 pm. Great opportunity to take night time photos of the lighthouse in operation, and the pilothouse. Music in the fog signal building. Free admission. Bring a camera and a flashlight. Located 7 miles north of Rogers City, Michigan, we will be open Oct. 9-12 from 10 am - 4 pm.

Today in Great Lakes History - September 28
On September 28, 1980, the Burns Harbor entered service, departing Sturgeon Bay bound for Superior to load pellets.
THOMAS WILSON left Toledo on September 28, 1987 in tow of the tug TUSKER for overseas scrapping. WILSON has been laid up since December 16, 1979.
On 28 September 1891, THOMAS PARSONS (2 mast wooden schooner, 135’, 350T, built in 1868 at Charlotte, NY) was carrying coal out of Ashtabula, OH when she foundered in a storm a few miles off Fairport, OH in Lake Erie.
On 28 September 1849, W. G. BUCKNER (wooden schooner, 75', 107 t, built in 1837 at Irving, NY) was carrying lumber in a storm on Lake Michigan when she sprang a leak, then capsized. The man to whom the cargo belonged was aboard with his wife and five children. One child was washed overboard while the wife and three children died of exposure. The schooner ERWIN took off the survivors plus the bodies.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Saginaw River News
09/27
The Algoway arrived Friday afternoon at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee, near the I-75 bridge, with another load of salt from Goderich, Ontario. This is the fourth load of salt to be delivered this week by Algoma Central Marine vessels to the Sargent dock.
Algoway departed the dock at 7:55 p.m. and was outbound after turning at Sixth Street in Saginaw. Its fleetmate, Agawa Canyon, was inbound for the Saginaw River at that time. The Agawa Canyon is reportedly delivering potash to docks in Essexville and Zilwaukee.
Reported by: Stephen Hause

Today in Great Lakes History - September 27
The H.M.GRIFFITH experienced a smoky conveyor belt fire at Port Colborne, Ont. on September 27, 1989. Repairs were completed there.
The ROGER M. KYES proceeded to Chicago for dry-docking, survey and repairs on September 27, 1976. She had struck bottom in Buffalo Harbor September 22, 1976 sustaining holes in two double bottom tanks and damage to three others.
The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (2) under tow, locked through the Panama Canal from September 27 to the 30th on her way to the cutters torch.
SEAWAY TRADER was launched September 27, 1947 as a) IMPERIAL COLLINGWOOD for Imperial Oil Ltd., Toronto, Ont.
September 27, 1909 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 4 entered service after being repaired from her capsizing at Manistique the previous May.
On 27 September 1884, WALDO A. AVERY (wooden propeller, 204’, 1294GT) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. Her construction had been subcontracted by F.W. Wheeler to Thomas F. Murphy.
On 27-29 September 1872, a big storm swept the lower Lakes. Here are the Lake Huron tragedies. The barges HUNTER and DETROIT were destroyed. The tug SANDUSKY rescued the 21 survivors for them. The schooner CORSAIR foundered off Sturgeon Point on Saginaw Bay at 4 PM on Sunday the 29th and only 2 of the crew survived. The barge A. LINCON was ashore one mile below Au Sable with no loss of life. The barge TABLE ROCK went ashore off Tawas Point and went to pieces. All but one of her crew was lost. The schooner WHITE SQUALL was sunk ten miles off Fish Point -- only one crewman was saved. The schooner SUMMIT went ashore at Fish Point, 7 miles north of Tawas with two lives lost.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, 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

Anderson Makes Rare Visit
09/26
Port Colborne, Ontario saw a rare visitor Thursday evening as the Arthur M. Anderson visited the fuel dock at the south end of the Welland Canal. The fuel dock is located near the approach to Lock 8 and does not require a vessel to transit the Welland Canal.
The last time the Anderson visited the canal was several years ago when she came in to the starch dock. The Anderson's length of 767-feet makes her too long to transit all but Lock 8 of the Welland Canal.
The Anderson arrived at the fuel dock from Buffalo and departed upbound, sailing for Ashtabula, Ohio to load.
Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt and Brian Wroblewski

Algorail in Saginaw
09/26
The Algorail was outbound early Thursday morning after unloading overnight at the Sargent Dock in Zilwaukee. She was passing through Bay City about 9 a.m.
Algorail outbound at Bay City Wirt.
Stern view.
Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Marquette Update
09/26
Wednesday saw the Michipicoten, Mesabi Miner (coal), and Kaye Barker in Marquette. Thursday the Herbert Jackson came in for a load of taconite. On Friday the H. Lee White will bring a load of stone and the Michipicoten will return for another load of ore.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Conveyor Move
09/26
The Ferriss Marine Contracting tug Magnetic and assist tug Norma B. were busy Thursday shuttling a ship loading conveyor from the old Harridon Scrap Dock in the Rouge River to the U. S. Steel plant at Zug Island. A ship is due in Saturday to load Coke Breeze. Below are pictures from the trip.
Inbound with the empty barge at the Jefferson St. Bridge
Norma B. holding the bow of the barge while the conveyor is loaded on.
The conveyor on the barge towers over the 55 foot tug Magnetic.
Norma B. leading the tow as it heads under the I-75 bridge and through the NS Railroad Bridge in the Rouge.
Captain’s view as the tow is led out of the Rouge
The Short Cut Bridge Railroad Tower built by Henry Ford in 1923. He was noted for building structures with tan brick and red tile roofs. The Short Cut Bridge is the only railroad bridge on the Great Lakes with a sunken counterweight. Because of Henry Ford’s friendship with Thomas Edison, it was equipped with the latest electrical technology when built, about 95% of which is still in use today.
The Magnetic under the Pipe Bridges at the Short Cut, actually 3 bridges in one. Note the lack of visible counterweight on the span.
Joseph H. Frantz making the dock at Sterling Fuels
Tug Paul E. No. 1 with the BTI ferry barge making the dock on the Detroit side. The Paul E. is taking the Stormont’s place while she was on the drydock for maintenance work.
The Magnetic passes under one of the bridge cranes at Zug Island. In an emergency, they are still capable of unloading ships as their ship unloading extensions have not been removed.
Another view of the tow passing Zug Island
A view from the Front Window of the Magnetic while positioning the barge for unloading. The Norma B. is assisting on the bow. Note the curved window frames on the Magnetic, a feature you don’t see anymore on boats.
Reported by: Wade P. Streeter

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères
09/26
Below are images of the CanMar Spirit on her maiden voyage Wednesday. She is the last of the newly built trio of 4,100 TEU-container ships to enter service for Canada Maritime/OOCL's North Atlantic service from Montréal to Europe.
CanMar Spirit on her maiden voyage, upbound off Verchères to Montréal, Sept. 24.
CanMar Spirit, stern view, Sept. 26.
CanMar Spirit meets the downbound Cast Power off Verchères, Sept. 24.
Anna Desgagnés upbound off Varennes for the Seaway, Sept. 24.
Anna Desgagnés, stern view, Sept. 24.
Ilya Erenburg sporting a new hull color downbound off Verchères from Montréal-Seaway, Sept. 24.
Ilya Erenburg, stern view, Sept. 24.
Reported by: Marc Piché

Oshawa Update
09/26
Wednesday the tug James A. Hannah & Barge Hannah 5101 were docked at the Port of Oshawa. The pair were expected to depart later that day.
Close-up of the James A. Hannah.
Another view of the James A. Hannah & Barge Hannah 5101.
James A. Hannah in the barge notch.
Barge Hannah 5101 loading and discharge pipe.
Bow View of the James A. Hannah & Barge Hannah 5101.
Another view
Looking aft towards the James A. Hannah.
View looking forward along the Barge Hannah 5101.
Reported by: Jim Gallacher

Today in Great Lakes History - September 26
The CHI-CHEEMAUN cleared the shipyard on September 26, 1974.
The H.M. GRIFFITH was christened on September 26, 1973 at Collingwood. The CCGS GRIFFON was launched September 26, 1969 by Davie Shipbuilding Ltd., Lauzon, Que.
ROGER M. KYES (b) ADAM E. CORNELIUS) returned to service on September 26, 1984, she had grounded off McLouth Steel and ended crosswise in the Detroit River's Trenton Channel a month before.
The BELLE RIVER was side swiped by the Liberian FEDERAL RHINE at Duluth on September 26, 1985. Both vessels received minor damage.
On 26 September 1914, MARY N. BOURKE (WOODEN SCHOONER-BARGE, 219’, 920gt, BUILT IN 1889 AT Baraga, MI) was docked at Peter’s Lumber Dock in St. Mary’s Bay, 15 miles north of St. Ignace, MI. The crew was awakened at 9:30-10:00 p.m. by smoke coming from her hold and they escapes. The BOURKE burned to the waterline and the fire spread ashore, destroying the dock and a pile of lumber.
At 3:00 AM, 26 September 1876, the steam barge LADY FRANKLIN burned while moored near Clark's dock, about three miles from Amherstburg in the Detroit River. One life was lost. This vessel had been built in 1861 as a passenger steamer and ran between Cleveland and Port Stanley. In 1874, she was converted into a lumber freighter, running primarily between Saginaw and Cleveland. The burned hull was rebuilt in 1882.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Neah Bay Returns Home
09/25
The Cleveland-based Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay was expected to return home early Thursday morning after a three-month deployment to Boston and New York harbors.
During its deployment, the crew of Neah Bay escorted high interest vessels such as liquefied natural gas carriers and served as harbor commander, controlling Coast Guard safety and security operations in New York and Boston.
Neah Bay is a 140-foot icebreaker. During the winter months, Neah Bay and its crew keep the Port of Cleveland, as well as ports around the Great Lakes, open for commercial traffic.
Reported by: USCG

Twin Ports Report
09/25
Boats loading at Midwest Energy Terminal over the next few days will be hauling coal to several Lake Superior port. Algowood is due today to load for a rare trip to the Ontario Power Generating plant in Thunder Bay. The Xcel Energy plant in Ashland, Wis., has gotten little vessel traffic this season, but Middletown is due to load coal Friday for Ashland and American Republic is scheduled to load for that destination on Sept. 30. James R. Barker will load coal for Taconite Harbor on Sept. 29, and Paul R. Tregurtha will load Sept. 30 for the WE Energies plant in Presque Isle.
In port Wednesday, Great Lakes Trader was loading at the BNSF ore dock. James R. Barker was lying off Superior Entry at daybreak waiting for the BNSF dock, and Halifax also was due that day. In Duluth, the Joe Block arrived early in the morning to unload stone. It was then expected to proceed to Two Harbors later in the day to load taconite pellets for the downbound trip.
Reported by: Al Miller

Alpena Update
09/25
The Earl W. Oglebay made its way to Lafarge with a fiery sunrise behind them about 8 a.m. on Wednesday. It brought a cargo of coal and unloaded throughout the day. It was scheduled to head to Calcite next.
The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity also arrived in port around noon to take on cement bound for Milwaukee.
Other members of the fleet are delivering to ports on Lake Michigan. The Paul H. Townsend is expected to be in Muskegon on Thursday and the Alpena will be at St. Joseph.(depending on weather) The J.A.W Iglehart is on its way back from Milwaukee.
Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Saginaw River News
09/25
The tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder entered the Saginaw River early Wednesday morning and unloaded during the day at the Burroughs dock near the I-75 Bridge.
The vessel departed the dock at 2:40 p.m. and began backing down the river, through Bay City, to turn at the Bay Aggregates dock for the outbound transit. The Dorothy Ann faced some delays in Bay City as it arrived there just at the start of afternoon "bridge hours." However, because of strong winds buffeting the region, the bridge tenders cooperated by allowing the vessel to pass through early.
Algorail arrived Wednesday evening with another load of salt from Goderich. It passed the Front Range at 8:45 p.m. inbound for the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Her arrival was delayed by water levels that had dropped to 12 inches below datum during the afternoon.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Dorothy Ann - Pathfinder backing downriver at Independence Bridge.
Bow view clear of the bridge.
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Port Huron & Detroit Traffic
09/25
Below are images taken on Tuesday.
Fred R. White Jr. Downbound entering the St. Clair River at Port Huron.
Wide view.
Federal Weser transferring cargo at the Cargill Elevators, Sarnia.
J. W. Westcott II delivering mail to the H. Lee White at Detroit.
Close-up
Another view
Reported by: Paul Hoffmeyer

Toledo News
09/25
The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer was at Andersons "K" Elevator loading grain Wednesday. The Agawa Canyon was due in late Wednesday afternoon to unload a partial cargo of potash at one of the upriver dock sites.
The Armco, Buckeye, and Courtney Burton remain in lay-up at their respective dock sites. There are no vessels at the Shipyard at the present time.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algolake on Friday. The Maumee on Saturday followed by the Calumet on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Thursday, followed by the CSL Niagara on Oct 1.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report
09/25
The Wolverine returned to service earlier this week and is currently working the shuttle from Cleveland Bulk Terminal up the winding Cuyahoga River to the ISG steel plant.
The transit of the river can be followed by road most of the way. Also in Cleveland on Tuesday was the English River delivering cement to Lafarge and the Mississagi loading salt.
Tug "General" working the sewer plant project, with Wolverine entering the Cuyahoga in the background. This shows the relationship of the Cleveland Bulk Terminal with the river.
Wolverine enters the Cuyahoga on one of her first trips of the year.
Wolverine nears ISG Steel, just above St. Mary's Cement.
English River entering the Cuyahoga, right behind Wolverine.
English River at the Lafarge dock.
Closeup.
Missisagi loading salt.
Tug and barge.
Sculpture near the Columbus Road drawbridge explains how boats navigate bends in the Cuyahoga River.
Reported by: Dave Merchant

Buffalo Update
09/25
Wednesday was a busy day in Buffalo. The Joseph H. Frantz departed General Mills at 1 p.m. and passed the inbound Arthur M. Anderson out near the traffic buoy. The Anderson then went into the Lackawanna Canal to unload a stone cargo at the Gateway Terminal. She will depart sometime on Thursday morning.
The Luedtke tug Gretchen B and the bucket dredge #10 were working off the North tip of Kelly Island at 11 a.m. Also working the area were the Bidco tugs Joann and Jacklyn in a tandem push configuration with a work barge headed for the Black Rock Canal and passing the dredge site.
Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Help Wanted
09/25
The Great Lakes Towing Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio is looking for:
§ Port Representative, Management position (marine engineering background preferred) – Chicago / Burns Harbor
§ Tug Captains – Detroit, Toledo, Chicago and Cleveland
§ Tug Engineers – Detroit, Toledo, Chicago and Cleveland
Candidates for Tug Captains and Tug Engineers must be U.S. citizens, willing to affiliate with the MM&P Union, and possess a minimum of either a U.S. Coast Guard “Operator of Uninspected Towing Vessels, Great Lakes and Inland” or “Master of Towing Vessels” of not more than 100 gross tons with a radar endorsement, or an “Assist Engineer of not more than 2,000 horsepower.”
Please forward resume by fax to Craig Bryant, Operations Department, (216) 621-7616 or by e-mail to ops@thegreatlakesgroup.com.

Today in Great Lakes History - September 25
In tandem tow, the MENIHEK LAKE and LEON FALK, JR. arrived at Vigo, Spain on September 25, 1985. The MENIHEK LAKE was scrapped at Vigo, and the FALK was towed to Gijón, Spain for scrapping.
The HENRY C. FRICK departed Bay City on her maiden voyage on September 25, 1905 and rammed and damaged the Michigan Central R.R. Bridge at Bay City.
On 25 September 1869, COMMENCEMENT (2-mast wooden schooner, 75', 73 t, built in 1853 at Holland, Michigan) was carrying wood in her hold and telegraph poles on deck from Pentwater, Michigan for Milwaukee when she sprang a leak 20 miles off Little Sable Point on Lake Michigan. The incoming water quickly overtook her pump capacity. As the crew was getting aboard the lifeboat, she turned turtle. The crew clung to the upturned hull for 30 hours until the passing steamer ALLEGHENY finally rescued them. COMMENCEMENT later washed ashore, a total wreck.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Executives' abrupt departure leaves AK Steel facing uncertain future
09/24
The unexpected departure of two top executives at AK Steel Corp. has industry-watchers puzzled and worried about the company's future.
Late Thursday afternoon, AK announced that Richard Wardrop, its chairman and chief executive, and company president John Hritz, had resigned effective immediately by "mutual agreement" with AK's board of directors. The board named James Wainscott, AK's senior vice president and chief financial officer, acting CEO.
"What I really hope is that this doesn't mean the company is in deep trouble," said Don Easterly, a former executive at Armco, which was bought out by AK in 1999. "When your CEO and your heir apparent both bail out at once, something's wrong."
"This usually doesn't happen," said steel union consultant Michael Locker. "In this case, there was a totally ungraceful exit."
"It can't be good news," Locker added. "It means there was a confrontation with the board -- and he (Wardrop) lost."
AK has not shown a profit in seven of the last eight quarters. The company reported a net loss of more than $78 million, or 72 cents a share, in the second quarter this year. That compared with a profit of $16.2 million, or 15 cents a share, in the second quarter of 2002.
Charles Bradford, an independent New York City-based steel analyst, said he discerned a worrisome "pattern," one followed by Bethlehem Steel.
That company fired its chief executive, brought in Robert Miller as its new CEO who, in Bradford's words, "turned around immediately and declared bankruptcy." The company's assets were sold to Cleveland-based International Steel Group in May.
A subsidiary of AK Steel owns 40 percent of the Minnesota taconite company EVTAC, which had shipped taconite pellets through the DMIR ore dock in Duluth. AK Steel did not buy its pellets from EVTAC this year, forcing the company to shut down and seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection when it could find no other buyers.
Reported by: Dan Miller

Buffalo in Saginaw
09/24
The Buffalo was inbound early Tuesday morning passing the Front Range shortly after 7:30 a.m. She called on the Bay Aggregates Dock to unload stone and was outbound for the lake by 2:30 p.m.
Buffalo unloading at Bay Aggregates
Outbound past Essroc
Stern view at Consumers Energy
Reported by: Todd Shorkey

Toledo News
09/24
The John D. Leitch was at the Torco Ore Dock unloading ore. She is scheduled to depart late Tuesday afternoon. The Wolverine departed her layup berth at Toledo on Monday and is now in Cleveland working the ore shuttle run on the Cuyahoga River.
Fleet mates Armco, Buckeye, and Courtney Burton remain in lay-up at their respective dock sites. There are no vessels at the Shipyard at this time. The railroad carfloats Pere Marquette 10, Roanoke, and Windsor are in long term lay-up at the CSX Docks "Frog Pond" area.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algolake on Friday. The Maumee and Adam E. Cornelius on Saturday, followed by the Calumet on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Thursday, followed by the CSL Niagara on Wednesday, October 1.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toledo Pictures
09/24
Barge Sarah Spence and tug Jane Ann IV inbound the Maumee River for the Anderson K Elevator.
Under tow.
Docked.
Wide view.
Tug Joe Van working on the Martin Luther King Bridge on the Maumee River.
Stern view.
Biscayne Bay tied up astern of the Willis B Boyer.
Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Oswego, NY. Update
09/24
The English River was in Oswego again on Saturday, unloading at the Lafarge dock.
Also docked in Oswego was the Freedom schooner Amistad. She was berthed at the H. Lee White Museum and was open for tours while on her five month Great Lakes Tour. The Amistad had left Buffalo, NY a day earlier than scheduled once the crew had word of Hurricane Isabel heading for the East Coast with a projected path forecasted for western New York State on Friday.
Once they sailed across Lake Ontario and arrived in Oswego on Thursday, the crew began to take down their main sails and masts and battened down the hatches in preparation for what Hurricane Isabel may bring, which ended up with more bluster than show in the area.
The Amistad opened for tours on Saturday with perfect weather to a great crowd of American History buffs. The Amistad will remain open for tours until Friday when she is scheduled to begin sailing through the New York State Barge Canal System and down to New York City.
English River unloading at the Lafarge dock.
Stern view of the English River.
Amistad docked with picture-perfect weather.
Figurehead on the Amistad.
Ship's bell onboard the Amistad.
Reported by: Mary and Jeff Swingle

Onboard the Algoport
09/24
Saltie CSK Eminance anchored in 7 Islands Bay
another view of the islands
James Norris tied up for repairs in Seven Islands
CSL Laurentian loading at ore dock
Another view of CSK Eminance
Sylvia 7 tug alongside at anchor, brought out some parts
Poor weather at anchor; Quebecois at anchor in distance
CSL Niagara inbound with a deck cargo for the Reynolds Aluminum dock, Pointe Noire
Another view.
Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Today in Great Lakes History - September 24
On September 24th the A.H. FERBERT (2) went hard aground at the Cut-Off Channel's southeast bend of the St. Clair River. Six tugs, GLENADA, ELMORE M. MISNER, BARBARA ANN, GLENSIDE, SHANNON and WM. A. WHITNEY, worked until late on the 26th to free her.
The FITZGERALD's first cargo of taconite pellets was loaded September 24, 1958 at Silver Bay, MN. for Toledo, OH.
The PERE MARQUETTE 22 entered service September 24, 1924.
In early morning fog on the St. Clair River September 24, 1962 the J.L. REISS was hit three glancing blows by U.S. Steel's SEWELL AVERY. The AVERY had lost control just below Robert's Landing and crossed the channel from the Canadian side and struck the J.L. REISS which was proceeding slowly by radar on the U.S. side.
On September 24, 1952, the Charles L. Hutchinson entered service. This vessel was renamed Ernest R. Breech when it was sold to the Ford Motor Company in 1962, and it was given its present name, Kinsman Independent, when it was sold to Kinsman Lines in 1988.
On September 23, 1991, J.W. McGIFFON rescued several people in a 24' pleasure craft off Presque Ile State Park. The group had been disabled since the day before. They were taken aboard the McGIFFON and their boat taken under tow.
September 24, 1924 - The PERE MARQUETTE 22 arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage.
On 24 September 1902, H.A. BARR (3 mast wooden schooner, 217', 1119GT, built in 1893 at W. Bay City, MI) was in tow of the “saltie” THEANO with a load of iron ore in a storm 30 miles off Port Stanley in Lake Erie. She broke her tow line in giant waves and foundered. THEANO rescued her crew.
On 24 September 1879, the tug URANIA was towing the schooner S. V. R. WATSON into Sand Beach at about noon when the schooner struck the tug amidships, cutting a hole in the hull and sinking her in three fathoms of water. No lives were lost.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, James Neumiller, Jody Aho, 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

Western Coal Boosts Lakes Coal Trade In August
09/23
Driven by the second-best month ever for western coal shipments out of Superior, Wisconsin, the Lakes coal trade totaled 4,945,123 net tons in August, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to a year ago and a slight increase over the month's 5-year average. As noted, the 2,371,110 net tons loaded at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal (SMET) represent the second-highest monthly total for the dock since it began operations in the mid-1970s. SMET's current peak (also the Lakes record) is 2,548,173 net tons loaded in July 2002.
For the year, the Lakes coal trade stands at 23 million net tons, a decrease of 8.2 percent compared to the same point in 2002 and a drop of 5.3 percent compared to the 5-year average for the end of August.
Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Oglebay Norton Announces Intent to Sell Lime and Mica Operations
09/23
On Monday the Oglebay Norton Company announced its intention to sell the company's lime and mica operations. The intended sale is part of an ongoing business restructuring at Oglebay Norton and is not expected to affect the company's fleet of Great Lakes vessels.
"Our lime and mica operations are solid businesses with outstanding people, quality products and strong customer bases," said Oglebay Norton President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Lundin. "Our decision to sell them is a strategic part of management's plan to permanently reduce long-term debt and improve our balance sheet. Going forward, we intend to focus our energies on a smaller set of core businesses and believe our limestone and limestone fillers operations offer the most significant business development opportunities."
Oglebay Norton's lime operations have contributed approximately $80 million in sales and $16 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) annually over the last several years as part of the company's Global Stone segment. The operations supply a diverse customer base across a variety of end markets, including environmental, construction, specialty chemicals, metallurgical, agriculture, and building materials. Currently, Oglebay Norton ranks as the nation's fifth largest producer of lime. The company's lime facilities are located in Strasburg, Middletown and Winchester, Virginia; Macon, Georgia; Marble City, Oklahoma; and Luttrell, Tennessee.
Oglebay Norton's mica operations have contributed approximately $15 million in sales and $2.3 million in EBITDA annually over the last several years as part of the company's Performance Minerals segment. Mica is used as filler in joint compound and other building materials, paint and coatings, automotive sound-deadening materials, plastics, and cosmetics. Oglebay Norton is currently the nation's largest producer of muscovite mica. The company's mica facilities are located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and Velarde, New Mexico.
As reported earlier, the company has engaged Harris Williams & Co. to assist with the sale of certain company assets. Interested parties are asked to contact Harris Williams & Co. at 804-648-0072, or www.harriswilliams.com .
Reported by: B. Harrison

Saginaw River News
09/23
The Saginaw River continued busy on Monday with two more vessels calling at Saginaw area docks.
The Canadian Transfer entered the river at about midnight Sunday and unloaded during the night at the GM dock in Saginaw. Early Monday morning, the vessel continued up to the Valley Asphalt dock to finish unloading. It was outbound from Saginaw at about 10 a.m.
The Joyce L. VanEnkevort/Great Lakes Trader departed the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City after the upbound Canadian Transfer had passed there about 1 a.m. The tug-barge started outbound after turning at the Airport Turning Basin. The vessel had arrived on Sunday evening.
The Algorail was upbound Monday afternoon for the Sargent dock at Zilwaukee with a load of salt from Goderich, arriving at the dock about 6 p.m. The Algorail expected to depart the dock about 10:30 p.m.
After the Algorail had arrived, the Paul H. Townsend passed outbound after delivering cement to the Lafarge terminal in Saginaw. The Townsend had arrived on Sunday morning.
Reported by: Stephen Hause

James Hannah Visits
09/23
An unusual arrival in Toronto Sunday night was the tug James A. Hannah and a barge of asphalt for the McAsphalt terminal. It is believed that this is the tug's first ever visit to Toronto. The pair departed on Monday.
Reported by: Art Church

Detroit Traffic
09/23
Diamond Belle upbound off Nicholson's.
Stern view.
Tug Stormont on Nicholson's Drydock.
Close up.
Stern view.
Orna (Greece) at Nicholson's.
Stern view.
Bay Taz upbound at Fighting Island North Light.
Another view.
Stern view.
Charles M Beeghly downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Reported by: Mike Nicholls

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères
09/23

Lepetane upbound off Verchères to Montréal berth 54 to load grain for Morocco. Looks very well kept for a 19 year-old ship in and out. Sept.13.
Jeanie Johnson, a rare Irish flag caller to Montréal, upbound off Verchères for Montréal berth 16 for a five day visit, Sept.17.
Jeanie Johnson, a finer bow angle which enhances her lines, Sept.17.
Cape Bon, a brand new oil tanker, upbound off Verchères to Montréal, Sept19.
Cap Palmas, another brand new vessel this time on her maiden voyage having been delivered to her owners, Hamburg Sud, on Sept.11. Shown upbound off Verchères to Montréal, Sept.21.
Lake Lisi, one of 8 sisters built in Yugoslavian yards for the Georgian Shipping Company (Soviet flag) in the '80s shown upbound off Verchères to Montréal and Seaway, Sept.21.
Noble Spirit, upbound off Verchères to Montréal at slow speed because of her deep draft and low water levels (-3cm below chart datum), Sept.22.
Reported by: Marc Piché

Aerial Views
09/23
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River the past weekend 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.
Paul R. Tregurtha unloads.
Another view.
Algoeast.
Another view.
Stern view.
Canadian Navigator.
CSL Tadoussac.
Another view.
John J. Boland.
Another view.
Sea Eagle II and barge St. Mary's Cement.

Onboard the Algoport
09/23
Contrecouer dock, after unloading just waiting to start loading the concentrate for Nadia
Our ore pile on dock
Geese out for a stroll
CTMA Vacancier heading downbound for the Madeleine Islands
Tanker Sichem Holger upbound
Loading at dock, Contrecoeur
Tug and barge downbound, approaching Three Rivers
Closeup of the Atlantic Teak
Upper Lakers still in layup, Three Rivers
Atlantic Erie upbound with ore for Nanticoke
Another view
Saltie Sealink
Reported by: Ken Hamilton

Lakeshore Maritime Heritage Festival and Lighthouse Walk
09/23
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is hosting the first annual Lakeshore Maritime Heritage Festival and Lighthouse Walk on Saturday, October 4. The day features visits to five area lighthouses - Manitowoc, Pier Head in Two Rivers, Rawley's Point in Point Beach State Park, Kewaunee and Algoma.
In addition to lighthouses, the ticket also includes admission to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the historic World War II tug Ludington. This is a first-time event and offers a great opportunity to tour the area lighthouses.
Visit www.wisconsinmaritime.org for more details.
Reported by: Bob O'Donnell

Monday's News
09/23
Monday's news was added late last night, be sure to scroll down to view that day's news.

Today in Great Lakes History - September 23
On 23 September 1910, BETHLEHEM (steel propeller package freighter, 290’, 2633GT, built in 1888 at Cleveland) was carrying general merchandise when she went ashore in a gale on the SW side of S. Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. Lifesavers and the crew unloaded her over several days. Although battered by several storms while ashore, she was eventually pulled free and repaired. She lasted until 1925 when she was scrapped.
The scow WAUBONSIE was launched at the Curtis yard in Fort Gratiot, Michigan on 23 September 1873.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave 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

Lower Lakes in Grand Haven
09/22
The Mississagi entered Grand Haven overnight on Friday to unload a cargo of stone. She departed shortly after 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The McKee Sons/Invincible brought a stone cargo from Stoneport also to Meekhof's early Saturday. After discharging, she moved a short ways downriver to Construction Aggregates to load sand.
Reported by: Dave Swain

Marquette Update
09/22
The American Mariner loaded taconite at Marquette on Sunday, then waited for the Michipicoten to arrive before leaving. The Michipicoten came in for one of her frequent trips to Marquette. She'll be back again on Tuesday.
American Mariner at dock, wide view
Mariner waiting
American Mariner leaving, passing breakwater light.
Michipicoten arriving
Bow view of Michipicoten loading.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Cuyahoga Visits Buffalo
09/22
The Cuyahoga was at the ADM standard Elevator in Buffalo on Saturday unloading. She had reserved one tug for a 18:15 departure on Saturday evening.
Reported by: Mike Madigan

Saginaw River Update
09/22
Sunny weather and visits by three Great Lakes freighters provided some excellent boat watching in Saginaw on Sunday.
Arriving during the night at the Wirt Stone Dock was the Calumet, followed early Sunday morning by the Paul H. Townsend and the Algoway. The Townsend called at the Lafarge cement terminal in Saginaw while the Algoway docked at Sargent, just down river from the I-75 bridge.
The Algoway was outbound late in the afternoon, followed by the Calumet about an hour later.
Other visitors to the Saginaw River on Sunday included the tug Rebecca Lynn with a tank barge, which was outbound from Bay City early in the morning after unloading at Bit-Mat. The tug Joyce L. VanEnkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader was inbound late in the afternoon and docked at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City. The Tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge were unloading Sunday evening at the Triple Clean Dock in Essexville and were expected to be outbound Monday morning.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Great Lakes Trader - Joyce L. VanEnkevort upbound at Independence Bridge
Stern view
Unloading at Bay City Wirt without the Joyce L. VanEnkevort in the notch
Joyce L. Van Enkevort fueling at the Essroc Dock
Barbara Andrie and barge unloading at Triple Clean Liquifuels
Algoway downbound at Lafayette Bridge
Stern view
Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Sunday Traffic at Port Huron
09/22
Here are photos taken from the cruise ship Huron Lady II at Port Huron Sunday
Algonova docked at Sarnia.
Algorail upbound near the Black River.
Former USCG Bramble, decommissioned and awaiting a new career as a marine museum.
Huron Lady Capt. John Rigney
Grayfox, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps training vessel at Port Huron.
Tall Ship Highlander Sea, owned by Acheson Ventures.
Panam Linda at Sarnia.
Philip R. Clarke upbound.
Clarke, stern view.
Tug Robin Lynn, working a construction project at the mouth of the Black River.
Canadian Coast Guard ship Simcoe, returning from a buoy replacement project in lower Lake Huron.
Other vessel traffic Sunday:
Algowood, upbound near St. Clair.
Cedarglen shows off her new paint job across from Algonac State Park
Federal Weser prepares to head in to Sarnia grain elevator
Middletown upbound below the Blue Water Bridge.
Middletown, stern view
Middletown, framed by trees.
Sarah Spencer downbound in front of the River Crab restaurant.
Sarah Spencer and sailboat
Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Cruise on the Diamond Jack
09/22
Below are images taken Sunday aboard the Detroit based tour boat Diamond Jack.
Onboard the Diamond Jack ready for the charter to begin.
Rest of the fleet preparing for a beautiful day on the river.
Crew prepares to depart the dock.
Windmill Point Lighthouse as we enter Lake St. Clair.
Herbert C. Jackson downbound and Federal Weser upbound on Lake St. Clair.
Jackson approaching.
Passing.
Stern profile.
Stern view.
Lighthouse behind Piché Island.
Heading back into the main Detroit River Channel, we steer on the Livingston Memorial Light on Belle Isle.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
Pilothouse with web cam.
Close up of mast, web cam and wireless antenna for the Internet connection.
We watch our selves on the web cam.
Capt. Buchanan shows a good plastic knife works just as well as a fly swatter when dealing with bees in the pilothouse.
We pass under the Ambassador Bridge and find the Detroit Fire Boat and mailboat station.
J.W. Westcott II.
Westcott dock.
Empty DMT Dock.
Passing the Pilica.
Close up.
Bridge wing.
Opna at Nicholson's.
Stormont on Nicholson's Drydock.
Columbia still floating.
Upbound approaching Zug Island.
Passing the GM Building.
Detroit's Cement Docks.
Jackln M. and Integrity at Lafarge.
Stern view.
Pilothouses.
Another view.
Lafarge billboard.
Unloading boom.
Southdown Challenger unloading.
Close up.
Steam.
Unloading boom.
Another view.
Bow view.
Finshed for the day at Stroh's River Place.

John J. Boland downbound Saturday.
Mail and freight delivery.
Pump hoisted aboard from the J.W. Westcott II.
Sliding off the stern.
Boland downbound.
Lee A. Tregurtha passing the Algoeast.
Lee A. close up.
Name board and battle ribbons.
Close up of stack.
Canoe stern glides under the Ambassador bridge.
Stern view.
Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Cleveland Update
09/22
The weather Sunday was beautiful for a boat hunting trip up the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, although the river was cluttered with floating debris dislodged from recent rains.
David Z. Norton appears to be running the LTV shuttle from the new Cleveland Bulk Terminal (CBT). The "G" tug California was pulling her down stream as the Norton used her bow thruster to make the many turns in the river. When the pair cleared the NS Railroad bridge, the tug was released and the Norton backed to CBT for another load.
As soon as the Norton cleared the main channel, the Maumee was in bound with a load of stone from Marblehead. She edged clear of the railroad bridge then winched herself around the corner into the old river to unload.
Further up river, the tug/barge Sea Eagle/St. Marys Cement II were unloading at the St. Marys terminal.
The Lake Michigan Contractor's tug Curley B, with a hopper scow load of dredging past the Sea Eagle. Lake Michigan Contractors are dredging in the area of the LTV Steel dock. The luxury tug/yacht remains tied at the Cleveland Port Authority dock.
Pictures by Dave Wobser
David Z. Norton clears the Center Street Bridge
Norton swings to clear the waterfront restaurants
Norton swings the other way to clear the railroad bridge
Lone Ranger
Maumee in bound past the lighthouse
Maumee wedged into the old river
Sea Eagle/St. Mary's Cement II
Curley B and barge pass Sea Eagle
Curley B with the Cleveland skyline in the background
Pictures by Dave Merchant
Maumee unloading at Ontario Stone.
G tug California squeezes by Maumee, heading out to assist her around into the main channel.
Maumee backs into the main channel, with California's assistance.
David Z. Norton demonstrates old fashioned seamanship, working ahead with full right rudder against a bow spring line, to get the stern out unassisted against a strong onshore wind. She then cast off, with enough room to swing the bow around and head up the Cuyahoga River. At this point, her bow is still against the dock.
David Z. Norton passes through the Center Street swing bridge.
Steam launch Lara B at Settler's Landing.
Lone Ranger at the heavy lift dock.
Reported by: Tim & Karen Zehe, Wayne Sapulski, Jennifer Tregumbo, Dave Merchant and Dave Wobser

Welland Traffic
09/22
Below are images taken on Saturday.
Federal Weser approaching Bridge 5 (Glendale Ave.) She is upbound light ship for Sarnia to load grain.
Close-up of bow of Federal Weser
Pilical below Lock 1. She upbound, loaded with steel for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Close-up of bow of Pilica.
Close-up of accommodation block. Polsteam ships always look immaculate.
Reported by: David Bull

Today in Great Lakes History - September 22
On September 22, 1958, the Edmund Fitzgerald entered service, departing River Rouge, Michigan for Silver Bay, Minnesota on its first trip. The Fitzgerald's first load was 20,038 tons of taconite pellets for Toledo. The vessel would, in later years, set several iron ore records during the period from 1965 through 1969.
While in ballast, the ROGER M. KYES (b- ADAM E. CORNELIUS) struck bottom in Buffalo Harbor September 22, 1976 sustaining holes in two double bottom tanks and damage to three others, whereupon she proceeded to Chicago for dry docking on September 27, 1976 for survey and repairs.
While being towed from Duluth, MN by the Canadian tug TUSKER on September 22, 1980, the D.G. KERR (2) rammed into the breakwater at Duluth causing $200,000 in damages to the breakwater. The tow apparently failed to make the turning buoy leaving Duluth Harbor.
On September 22, 1911 the HENRY PHIPPS collided with and sank her Steel Trust fleet mate, steamer JOLIET (1), which was at anchor on the fog shrouded St. Clair River near Sarnia, Ont. The JOLIET (1) sank without loss of crew and was declared a total loss. The PHIPPS then continued her downbound journey and collided with the Wyandotte Chemical steamer ALPENA (1) that incurred only minor damage.
The T.W. ROBINSON and US.265808 (former BENSON FORD (2) departed Quebec City in tow of the Polish tug JANTAR bound for Recife where they arrived on September 22, 1987. Scrapping began the next month in October.
The West freed MATHILDA DESGAGNES from polar ice in the Arctic on September 22, 1988 German Icebreaker Research Vessel POLARSTERN.
September 22, 1913 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 5 struck bottom in the Sturgeon Bay Canal and damaged her rudder and steering gear. After undergoing repairs at Milwaukee, she was back in service the following October.
On 22 September 1887, ADA E. ALLEN (wooden propeller steam barge, 90’, 170GC, built in 1872 at Walpole Island, Ont.) caught fire while moored at Amherstburg, Ont. She was cut loose and set adrift to prevent the fire from spreading ashore. She drifted to Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island and burned to a total loss.
On 22 September 1882, Mr. H. N. Jex accepted the contract to recover the engine and boiler from the MAYFLOWER, which sank in the Detroit River in 1864. He was to be paid $600 upon delivery of the machinery at Windsor, Ontario. He succeeded in raising the engine on 12 October and the boiler shortly thereafter.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Max Hanley, James Neumiller, Jody Aho, 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

Staten Island Ferry Launched in Marinette
09/21
The newest Staten Island Ferry was launched by Marinette Marine on Saturday afternoon. The Guy V. Molinari was christened by his daughter, Susan, who, along with New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, was among the dignitaries on hand for the event.
An estimated crowd of between three and four thousand people lined both sides of the Menominee River to view the launch. After a round of speeches, the champagne bottle crashed against the ship and it hit the water shortly before 3:30 PM (CDT). The tugs Erika Kobasic and William C. Selvick were among the support craft on hand to assist the launch.
Pictures by Dick Lund
The tug Erika Kobasic on one end of the Molinari.
The tug William C. Selvick anchored the other end.
Part of the crowd on hand on the Menominee side of the river.
Guy V. Molinari on the ways under a bright sun.
Christening is underway.
Molinari hits the water.
Righting itself.
Close-up of the upright ferry.
Rudder shows it is drawing 10-feet of water.
John Garniss
Launch from the dock
Christening Program.
Inside pages.
Reported by: Dick Lund and John Garniss

Marquette News
09/21
The Michipicoten and Kaye Barker loaded ore at Marquette on Saturday. The American Mariner will arrive and load Sunday morning, followed by the Michipicoten in the afternoon. The Michipicoten is on the schedule for more "round trips" from Marquette to Algoma. The Mesabi Miner is due in during the week with a load of coal.
Reported by: Lee Rowe

Alpena Report
09/21
The Paul H. Townsend arrived in port before noon on Saturday after being delayed by the weather. It was anchored out in the bay until conditions had improved. It took on cement for Saginaw and departed after 3 p.m. The tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity was also in on Saturday evening, loading cargo bound for Detroit.
The Alpena is delivering product to Superior and Duluth and is expected back at Lafarge on Monday along with fleet mate J.A.W Iglehart which is also scheduled to load on Monday.
Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Detroit Traffic
09/21
Below are images taken from the tug Norma B. on the Detroit River Saturday.
Norma B.
Loading and unloading rig at ADM in Windsor.
Former passenger ship Alabama docked in the Rouge.
Algorail loading salt at Ojibway in Windsor.
Algorail boom.
Stern view.
Bud Light at Ballenger Park.
Wyandotte Indian fleet stack markings at the Wyandotte Yacht Club.
Saltie Orna unloading at Nicholson’s.
Bow view.
Another view.
Stormont on dry dock.
Another view.
Wide view.
Columbia's steel hull appears intact.
Collapsing wooden decks on the Columbia.
Pipe bridge and Rouge River Short Cut Bridge.
Train crosses the Short Cut Bridge.
Zug Island.
Fort St. Bridge.
Carolyn Hoey.
Patricia Hoey.
Tug Shannon.
Bow.
Stormont on Nicholson’s Floating dry dock.
Algorail loading.
Norma B. off the stern.
Reported by: Roger LeLievre and Wade P. Streeter

Toledo Update
09/21
The Lee A. Tregurtha finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Saturday afternoon. The CSL Niagara finished unloading ore at the Torso Ore Dock and departed Saturday afternoon. The dredge Columbia continues working the ship channel in Maumee Bay north of the pump out station. The Wolverine continues the fitout process and will be out sailing early this week.
The Armco, Buckeye, and Courtney Burton remain in layup at their respective dock sites. There are no vessels at the Shipyard at the present time.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Adam E. Cornelius and Jean Parisien on Sunday. The Charles M. Beeghly on Monday. The Kaye E. Barker on Tuesday, followed by the Algolake on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Jean Parisien on Sunday. The Atlantic Superior on Monday. The John D. Leitch on Tuesday, followed by the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Thursday.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Erie Report
09/21
The Adam E. Cornelius made its eighth visit to Erie on Saturday, arriving at 9:30 a.m. to unload stone at the Mounfort Terminal. The Cornelius loaded in Calcite. Last year the Cornelius was the leading visitor to Erie with eight visits, and it is likely that with more than three months left in the shipping season the Cornelius will surpass last year's mark.
In other Erie news, the new $4.7 million dollar cruise terminal has had a delay to its opening again. Wednesday evening at around 6:30, Coast Guard Station Erie received a call from a boater reporting that a dock wall was in the water. Arriving on scene, the Coast Guard discovered that 350 feet of dock wall that was being installed by Chivers Construction of Erie had collapsed into the Holland Street dock across from the Richard Reiss. The Port Authority believes the damage may take eight months to repair.
Erie's Bayfront Convention Center may not be built on the bayfront after all. Having failed to reach an agreement with local hotelier Nick Scott Sr. over the use of his land about a quarter mile west of Metro Machine, the Erie Convention Center Bureau is looking for another site to build the convention center. Possible sites include the former International Paper plant just east of Erie Harbor, and the Sassafras Street Pier, where the failed Lansdowne project was supposed to be.
Cornelius inbound.
Stern View.
Docking.
Cruise Terminal Dock Wall sits in Presque Isle Bay.
Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Simcoe Dry Docking
09/21
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Simcoe was in drydock in Hamilton, Ontario in August and early September. These photos were taken in the drydock, during the refloating and after the ship became operational.
Simcoe anchor chains hung out to dry.
Simcoe being repainted in drydock.
The Simcoe's anchor chain being pulled up the hawse pipe.
Lac Manitoba standing by to assist the Simcoe coming out of drydock.
Reported by: Paul Beesley

Today in Great Lakes History - September 21
ALGOWAY (2) left Collingwood on her maiden voyage in 1972 and loaded salt for Michipicoten, Ont. on Lake Superior.
On 21 September 1844, JOHN JACOB ASTOR (wooden brig, 78’, 112T, Built in 1835 at Pointe Aux Pins, Ont, but precut at Lorain, OH) was carrying furs and trade goods when she struck a reef and foundered near Copper Harbor, MI. She was owned by Astor’s American Fur Company. She was reportedly by the first commercial vessel on Lake Superior.
On 21 September 1855, ASIA (2-mast wooden schooner, 108', 204 t, built in 1848 at Black River, Ohio) was carrying corn from Chicago for Buffalo when she collided with the propeller FOREST CITY off the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay. ASIA went down in deep water in about 10 minutes, but her crew just had enough time to escape in her boat. The schooner HAMLET picked them up.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
This is a small sample, the books include many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Possible buyers eye EVTAC
09/20
Officials of EVTAC Mining Co. in Minnesota say potential buyers -- including Cleveland-Cliffs -- are eyeing the shutdown taconite plant.
EVTAC shut down last May after it ran out of pellet orders. Shipments of stockpiled pellets continue while plant officials seek new customers or owners.
EVTAC President Howard Hilshorst told the Duluth News Tribune that there have been discussions with potential new owners, but that a deal has not been reached.
"There has been some interest, but we don't know to what extent," Hilshorst said. "We really don't know how real the interest is."
Officials of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., which in Minnesota owns and operates Northshore Mining Co. and is part owner and manager of Hibbing Taconite, is one party interested.
"We are taking a look at EVTAC to see if there are any potential opportunities there," Cliffs spokesman Dana Byrne told the newspaper.
Also this summer, EVTAC officials met in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and Chinese Ambassador Yang Jiechi to explore the possibility of EVTAC supplying pellets to Chinese steelmaker Laiwu Steel.
Steel production in China is growing, and the country is exhausting its reserves of high-grade iron ore. Experts say China could import as much as 135 million tons of iron ore a year this year. Media reports about the Chinese interest EVTAC say any deal would result in pellets moving to West Coast ports by rail.
Reported by: Chris Sparrow

Coast Guard rescues Three people
09/20
Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor rescued three people from Lake Erie near the water treatment plant in Cleveland when they received a call via cell phone around 5:00 Friday morning.
Benjamin Williams and Kiel Mills, both of Cleveland, called the Coast Guard when their homemade raft drifted too far to get back to land. The raft was made of two 55-gallon plastic drums tied to an 8-foot by-8-foot piece of plywood.
The two men departed from the Northeast Yacht Club and drifted approximately three miles. When Station Cleveland Harbor's rescue boat arrived on scene, the two men were sitting on lawn chairs on the raft. They were treated for hypothermia and transported to the emergency medical services.
While rescuing the two men, the Coast Guard was advised that Mills had called his brother for help before calling the Coast Guard.
Colin Mills departed in a canoe in an attempt to find Mills and Williams. Around 7:00 a.m., the Coast Guard rescue crew located Mills in the water, clinging to his overturned boat about 1.5 miles from the water treatment plant.
Mills was wearing only shorts and said he had been in the 70-degree water for more than an hour. He was treated for hypothermia and transported to emergency medical services. He was then transported to Metro Hospital.
Reported by: USCG

Marquette Update
09/20
The Herbert C. Jackson brought coal to Marquette's Shiras Steam Plant in the lower harbor on a blustery Friday, then shifted to the ore dock in the upper harbor to take on a load. Her fleetmate Charles Beeghly also came in for a load of ore. The Michipicoten and Kaye Barker will be in very early Saturday to take on ore.
Herbert Jackson unloading coal at the Shiras Steam Plant. Note the load of stone brought by the H. Lee White on Thursday.
Herbert Jackson at the ore dock.
Charles M. Beeghly loading ore.
Reported by: Lee Rowe