SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The tug-barge Dirk S. VanEnkevort/Michigan Trader, followed by the John G. Munson, were upbound at Mission Point about 5 p.m. Monday, each blowing a salute to a small but enthusiastic group of ship fans gathered in bright sunshine but bitterly cold winds. The vessels tied up at the locks waiting for the official opening time of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Edwin H. Gott and Paul R. Tregurtha were upbound below Lime Island Monday at 9 p.m., and will be stopping to wait as well.
On Tuesday a small group of local officials, inculuding members of city goverment, the Soo Locks Visitor Center Assocation, the media and others will board the Dirk S. VanEnkevort and present the captain and crew with plaques marking the event, First Boat baseball caps and copies of the new Know Your Ships book. Edwin H. Gott and Paul R. Tregurtha will be next in line after the first two vessels pass through.
CCGS icebreaker Vincent Massey was back upbound Monday afternoon after assisting U.S. cutters in the lower river. The Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open Wednesday from 9 a.m.-3 for an open house.
First boat crewmembers will each get a cap.
First ship plaque marks the event.
Michigan Trader up at Mission Point. [Roger LeLievre]
CCGS Vincent Massey returns upbound. [Roger LeLievre]
Ship fans greet the John G. Munson. [Roger LeLievre]
Michigan Trader with John G. Munson astern. [Roger LeLievre]
John G. Munson up at Nine Mile Point. [Roger LeLievre]
Sign greets the first boat. [Roger LeLievre]
