Boatnerd News
Boatnerd News – October 2, 2025
Finland’s Aker Arctic Unveils Next-Generation Medium-Class Icebreaker as Global Demand Heats Up
Malte Humpert
September 30, 2025
Finnish icebreaker engineering firm Aker Arctic on Monday released the first renderings of its new B+ class vessel for the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, unveiling a next-generation design as global demand for ice-capable ships accelerates.
The vessel, part of Finland’s long-term renewal of its state-owned icebreaking fleet, is designed to meet tougher environmental standards while ensuring reliable year-round access to Baltic Sea ports.
The new B+ type promises enhanced efficiency, lower emissions, and greater icebreaking power compared to existing medium-class models. It will be significantly cheaper to operate than the largest A-class icebreakers.
Aker Arctic, the world’s leading developers of icebreaking technology, has previously contributed designs for vessels operating all around the world. The company said the medium-class icebreaker design is tailored to Finland’s operational needs, but could also serve as a model for international customers eyeing the rapidly changing Arctic environment.
Both the U.S. and Canada are in the process of expanding their icebreaker fleet, with design and contract decisions by the U.S. Coast Guard on the horizon.
Aker recently joined a trilateral consortium aimed at delivering the next generation of U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers. The partnership includes American Bollinger Shipyards, Finnish Rauma Shipyards, and Canadian Seaspan Shipyards, with Aker spearheading design and engineering work.
Another group led by Canada’s builder Davie and its Helsinki Shipyard is similarly vying to secure future contracts. Davie recently announced plans for a $1 billion “icebreaker factory” in Texas.
As for Aker, after concluding the initial design process on the B+ class icebreaker before summer, the firm has now moved on to phase two; model tests in both open water and ice.
“Even in this day and age, model-scale testing in an ice tank is still the most reliable method to find out how a new icebreaker — particularly one not quite like anything that has been built before — will perform once it is commissioned,” says Aker’s chief designer Tuomas Romu.
While one can use established criteria to calculate straight-line performance, more complex maneuvers such a breaking out from an ice channel or freeing a beset vessel are much more challenging.
“That’s when you call in the test engineers with their little red ships,” remarks Romu.
Aker’s ice basin is directly integrated with the company’s design office fostering close cooperation between naval architects and test engineers. “We have a fairly low threshold to use our in-house ice model testing laboratory to try out new ideas and novel icebreaker designs,” confirms Romu.
In the case of the new B+ icebreaker for the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency some of the testing was open to visitors – a rare occurrence as most projects are confidential – who could observe first-hand how the model breaks ice and chunks move along the side of the vessel.
With the new medium-class icebreaker Aker has set itself a high goal of designing a “no compromise vessel.” The idea is not to design the biggest or most powerful icebreaker that can tackle even the worst ice conditions the Baltic Sea can throw at it. But instead a versatile and cost-efficient vessel that can adapt to changing sea ice conditions over its 50-year design life.
“That’s why we are paying more attention to seakeeping performance and ability to operate in heavily-deformed icepack rather than maximizing the level ice thickness the new icebreaker can break without stopping,” explains Romu.
Aker aims to finalize the tender material before the end of the year with shipyard selection and procurement scheduled for 2026. Keeping with Finland’s rapid pace when it comes to building icebreakers, the B+ class icebreaker is expected to be delivered in late 2029.
Read full story and more photos here: https://gcaptain.com/finlands-aker-arctic-unveils-next-generation-medium-class-icebreaker-as-global-demand-heats-up/?subscriber=true&goal=0_f50174ef03-c53d730a7f-170750560&mc_cid=c53d730a7f&mc_eid=90791b531f
Seaspan Shipyards contracts Genoa for polar icebreaker tech design services
Written by Marine Log Staff
North Vancouver, B.C.-based Seaspan Shipyards has inked a contract with Newfoundland-based Genoa Design International (Genoa) to continue providing design expertise on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new heavy polar icebreaker.
Under the contract, Geona will provide design guidance, growing its local workforce in Vancouver to more than 100 naval architecture and marine systems designers. Work will continue into the vessel’s build phase, which is already underway at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. Additionally, Genoa will provide its technical leadership and program support to advance the first built-in-Canada heavy icebreaker in more than 60 years.
Measuring 158 meters long and 28 meters wide, Seaspan’s polar icebreaker will be incredibly complex, designed to operate self-sufficiently in the high-Arctic year-round. It will play a critical role in enabling the Canadian Coast Guard to transit and operate on more than 162,000 kilometers of Arctic coastline. The capabilities of this Polar Class 2 icebreaker will help sustain a 12-month presence in Canada’s North in support of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, high-Arctic science (including climate change research), indigenous peoples and other northern communities, and the ability to respond to major maritime emergencies including search and rescue.
It will be able to accommodate up to 100 personnel, and, as one of the only Polar Class 2 vessels in the world, will be able to operate farther north, in more difficult ice conditions and for longer periods, than any icebreaker in Canada to date.
The ship will be the seventh vessel designed and built by Seaspan under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). It will also be the fifth Polar Class vessel to be built for the CCG, and one of up to 21 icebreaking vessels overall that Seaspan is constructing.
“Genoa’s signing of the Polar Icebreaker Build Contract with Vancouver Shipyards is the latest milestone in an enduring partnership that began and continues under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Together, we are strengthening our nation’s ability to support national fleet requirements, from ship construction to vessel lifecycle support. Now more than ever, Canadian companies like Genoa are vitally important to the nation’s sovereignty and security.” said Gina Pecore, CEO, Genoa Design International
“Seaspan’s new heavy polar icebreaker is more than a ship — it represents a national capability for generations,” said Kate Morton, vice president – supply chain, Seaspan Shipyards. “Genoa continue to be an important Canadian design partner, helping us deliver this flagship vessel to the Coast Guard. Together, we’re continuing to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of Canada’s revitalized shipbuilding industry.”
Ernest McSorley: The Last Captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald
As the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking approaches, John U. Bacon’s new book revisits Captain Ernest McSorley and the tragedy that claimed 29 lives.
By Doug Marrin
On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior in a powerful storm, taking with it 29 men and cementing its place in Great Lakes history. At the helm was Captain Ernest McSorley, a man whose reputation and career are at the center of John U. Bacon’s new book, The Gales of November, released on October 7.
Bacon portrays McSorley as a complicated but admired figure. “Very positive,” Bacon said when asked his opinion of the captain in a recent interview with the Sun Times News. “Now, I know he made some crucial mistakes that night. There’s no question. But he was, without question, the best captain on the Great Lakes. Even his rivals told me this.”
Read complete interview and about his book at following link: https://thesuntimesnews.com/edmund-fitzgerald-50th-anniversary-john-bacon/
Underwater robot makes amazing scans of deep Lake Michigan shipwrecks before time runs out
See story in full and videos of the underwater scans by clicking link below:
AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award
MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying
DETROIT, MI – From dining on authentic cuisine served on the ill-fated freighter to a solemn laying of wreaths on the water, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a weekend of events to honor the 29 mariners who died in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald nearly 50 years ago.
The museum is planning several opportunities, paid and free, to honor the Fitzgerald, which went down in a violent storm on Nov. 10, 1975, and is remembered in the Gordon Lightfoot ballad.
Rebecca Salminen-Witt, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Historical Society, said tickets are expected to sell out fast for a special brunch set for Sunday, Nov. 9, and the solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 10. Free events also are scheduled at the museum throughout the weekend.
“It’s important for people to learn about this history ― there’s a lot of it. And Detroit played a huge role in the maritime history of the state and in the whole country,” Salminen-Witt said.
Friday Nov. 7
The commemorative weekend kicks off at 11 a.m. with a book talk featuring Thomas Nelson, the author of “Wrecked: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
Salminen-Witt said Nelson’s book takes a unique perspective on the ship’s sinking and how the loss of thousands of pounds of ore affected Michigan’s manufacturing economy, ultimately impacting the nation’s economy.
Register for the book talk here: https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/book-talk-wrecked
Detroit Free Press
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – October 1, 2025
Miller Boat Line’s former ferry, West Shore, is the West Shore once more
BY SHERI TRUSTY
PUT-IN-BAY – When Captain Sean Whelan of Arnold Transit Company in Michigan was a young boy, he developed a strong attachment to the ferries that got their start with Miller Boat Line on Put-in-Bay, especially the West Shore and South Shore. Both vessels were sold long ago to welcome new ferries to the Miller fleet, and they sailed away to Michigan, where the West Shore was eventually renamed the Anna May.
This year, to honor the ferry’s history, Arnold Transit Company changed the Anna May’s name back to the West Shore, and Whelan captains the boat that captured his heart many years ago.
But Whelan’s first love was the South Shore that made daily excursions to Beaver Island, which his family visited often.
“As a kid, I remember hanging out by the South Shore,” Whelan said.
Whelan was so enamored with the South Shore as a child that he wrote William Market, who owned Miller Boat Line with his wife, Mary Ann, to learn about the vessel’s history. Today, Miller Boat Line is owned by William and Mary Ann’s children, Billy, Julene and Scott.
“When I was a young kid, I wrote Miller Boat Line, and William Market wrote me back,” Whelan said. “I had an attachment to the South Shore and asked if he had any old photos. He sent me photos and a copy of an inspection.
When the West Shore also began traveling to Beaver Island, Whelan discovered a second love. Today, he sits at the West Shore’s helm and ferries passengers from Arnold’s St. Ignace dock to Mackinac Island and back.
When the West Shore came to the island later, it never dawned on me that one day I’d be the captain of it,” he said.
The West Shore has had a long career on the Great Lakes. It was built as a passenger and vehicle ferry for Miller Boat Line in 1947 and was sold in 1998 to Bud Martin of Beaver Island. There, it became a freight hauler in Lake Michigan. It was purchased by Bay City Cruises in 2008 for use as a touring boat, but those plans didn’t come to fruition.
In 2013, it was sold again, this time to Mackinac’s Star Line, which renamed the boat the Anna May. For many years, the Anna May hauled cargo during the day and offered sunset cruises on Lake Michigan in the evenings.
When Star Line rebranded to the Arnold Transit Company name, Whelan approached the owners about restoring the West Shore name.
“I’m a history buff, and I always liked the West Shore name,” he said. “When we did the rebranding of the company, I asked about changing the name of the Anna May back to the West Shore, which was its name for over 60 years.”
The name was changed in May, and today, the West Shore is back to its roots as a passenger ferry. The ship has a liquor license, and passengers enjoy leisurely trips to Mackinac Island, with a drink in one hand, a snack in the other, and a legacy of service and history all around them.
“It’s been really popular. It’s a nice, comfortable ride,” Whelan said. “They don’t make boats like that anymore.”
The West Shore is the oldest operating ferry on the Mackinac Island runs, and there is a good reason it has survived since 1947. William Market had the vision to ensure it stayed out of saltwater that would slowly erode and destroy it.
“My dad knew he would have to sell off the vessels as he replaced them. But what my father had in mind – and I love this – is he wouldn’t sell them to anyone in saltwater,” Julene said. “He had offers, but Dad said no. He said that we’re going to keep these vessels at home in the Great Lakes, that we’re going to keep them in freshwater.”
Julene remembers when each of the vessels was sold and permanently left the dock.
“When we sold the vessels, we had farewell parties with former captains and community members,” she said. “It was like saying goodbye to an old friend when they floated away for the last time.”
The name change was a surprise addition to Miller Boat Line’s 120th anniversary celebration this year. News that the West Shore’s name was restored spread joy across the island. Their beloved West Shore had risen from the dead.
“It wasn’t just my family that was happy; it was the whole island community,” Julene said. “Year-round residents and summer residents – it made everyone so happy. People started reminiscing. It was an emotional, nostalgic moment.”
Spliethoff vessel Minervagracht adrift and on fire after apparent Houthi attack
Amsterdam headquartered Spliethoff today reported that 19 crew members of its M-Class multipurpose vessel Minervagracht have been safely evacuated to nearby vessels after the ship was hit by an unknown explosive device in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden on Monday. Two seafarers suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical attention onboard the nearby ships.
“Minervagracht has sustained considerable damage and is experiencing a fire. The vessel was sailing Eastbound from Djibouti at the time of the incident and is not carrying any cargo,” continued the company statement. “Spliethoff ls engaging with international authorities and specialists to safeguard and secure the vessel.
“Spliethoff would again like to express its deepest concern over the current events and continues to provide support to the involved seafarers and their families at this extremely difficult time. The company would like to thank the crew of the nearby vessels for their swift assistance during the rescue operation.”
The incident bears all the fingerprints of a Houthi attack and videos of the incident, apparently from Houthi sources, have been posted on X.
In its most recent update on the incident, EU NAVFOR ASPIDES said Minervagracht remains on fire and adrift.
ASPIDES assets have been engaged in a SOLAS operation, which is now completed. All nineteen (19) crew members, Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan, are rescued.
Eighteen (18) crewmembers are on board ASPIDES’ naval units, among whom one (1) is wounded, in stable condition. The nineteenth member of the crew is seriously injured and is transferred to Djibouti.
According to reports, the Minervagracht was the subject of an unsuccessful attack attempt on September 23
Video can be viewed here: https://www.marinelog.com/news/spliethoff-vessel-minervagracht-adrift-and-on-fire-after-apparent-houthi-attack/?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=53953
Port Huron, Canadian vessels to race across international waters
PORT HURON, MI – The inaugural Bluewater Classic will see two vessels race across international waters on Oct. 4.
“Get ready for a thrilling showdown across international waters as two iconic vessels go head-to-head in the inaugural Bluewater Classic,” said Kristy Walker, co-owner of the Huron Lady II. “This friendly but fierce competition pits the beloved Huron Lady II — ‘The Lady’ — against her Canadian rival, the Duc d’Orléans II — ‘The Duc’ — in a high-spirited race along the St. Clair River and into the waters of Lake Huron, all under the towering span of the Blue Water Bridge.”
Walker owns the Huron Lady II along with her husband Dustin.
“Join us for a day of hometown pride, cross-border rivalry and riverfront excitement as these two local legends battle it out for nautical bragging rights,” Walker said. “Whether you’re cheering from shore or cruising aboard one of the contenders, this race promises unforgettable energy and fun.”
The race will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and begin at the Huron Lady II Dock, located at 102 Huron Ave. in Port Huron. On the boat, there will be a live DJ.
“This idea started back in June while talking to Andrew Kercher, a local historian — we have been working on it since June,” Walker said. She said organizers are hoping to fill the boat, which has a maximum of 100 passengers, and have spectators watch from the shore.
When asked what she is most looking forward to about the event, Walker said, “a fun day on the water celebrating our wonderful Blue Water Area and creating an annual event as we wind down our season.”
Tickets to be on the boat can be purchased by calling 810-984-1500, stopping by the ticket booth or visiting huronlady.com/cruises. The cost is $50.
“We are almost sold out for the event, but anyone can watch from the shore to cheer on your hometown favorite vessel,” Walker said.
Huron Lady II offers 90-minute sightseeing cruises with a fully narrated tour of the Blue Water Area, huronlady.com states. Those onboard see both the Michigan and Canadian shorelines along the St Clair River, the international Blue Water Bridges, the historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and many more breathtaking sights along the way. Most cruises enjoy encounters with Great Lakes freighters, as well. There are also specialty cruises offered.
For more information, visit huronlady.com or facebook.com/huronlady2cruises.
The Voice
Second Wave Expands the National Museum of the Great Lakes
TOLEDO, OHIO – Imagine for a moment you are at the helm of a 552-foot-long freighter pushing across the Great Lakes carrying 11 tons of cargo.
The nation becomes more realistic as you enter the pilot house of the ship St. Mary’s Challenger. The pilot house is one of the newest artifacts included in a 5,000-foot addition to the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Standing behind the vessel’s wheel provides an opportunity to discover what it’s like as captain to sail on one of the five great lakes.
The $5.5 million expansion at the museum along the Maumee River made room for the pilot house, a new permanent gallery, space for rotating exhibits, offices, a conference room and places for seminars and workshops. “I feel like I just birthed my fourth child,” said Museum Executive Director Kate Fineske. “Construction is not for the faint of heart. But it is so exciting to finally welcome the public into our new space…our collection is vast and wide.” Only about 10% of the museum’s collection is on display at one time with the rest in storage. “We really needed the space.”
The museum moved to Toledo in 2014, and the additions were unveiled in June. Capturing the essence of the massive lakes and demonstrating the connection to our lives is no small task. The great lakes measure 94,250 square miles. 11,000 miles of shoreline would stretch from Toledo to Perth, Australia.
“When I joined the team in 2019, just to give you an idea of how much we’ve grown, we had about six folks,” explained Fineske. “We have close to 30 now.” No tax dollars are used to support the museum. Expenses are covered through membership, admission revenue and donations.
Toledo City Paper
AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award
MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying
DETROIT, MI – From dining on authentic cuisine served on the ill-fated freighter to a solemn laying of wreaths on the water, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a weekend of events to honor the 29 mariners who died in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald nearly 50 years ago.
The museum is planning several opportunities, paid and free, to honor the Fitzgerald, which went down in a violent storm on Nov. 10, 1975, and is remembered in the Gordon Lightfoot ballad.
Rebecca Salminen-Witt, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Historical Society, said tickets are expected to sell out fast for a special brunch set for Sunday, Nov. 9, and the solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 10. Free events also are scheduled at the museum throughout the weekend.
“It’s important for people to learn about this history ― there’s a lot of it. And Detroit played a huge role in the maritime history of the state and in the whole country,” Salminen-Witt said.
Friday Nov. 7
The commemorative weekend kicks off at 11 a.m. with a book talk featuring Thomas Nelson, the author of “Wrecked: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
Salminen-Witt said Nelson’s book takes a unique perspective on the ship’s sinking and how the loss of thousands of pounds of ore affected Michigan’s manufacturing economy, ultimately impacting the nation’s economy.
Register for the book talk here: https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/book-talk-wrecked
Detroit Free Press
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 30, 2025
Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht
adrift and ablaze after attack in Gulf of Aden
LONDON/ATHENS – The Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Minervagracht is on fire and drifting in the Gulf of Aden after an attack with an explosive device required the helicopter rescue of its 19 crew, the EU maritime mission Aspides and the vessel’s operator said on Monday.
The vessel has been a frequent visitor to the Great Lakes/Seaway system.
It was not immediately clear whether the attack that injured two sailors was carried out by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, who since 2023 have launched numerous assaults on vessels in the Red Sea that they deem to be linked with Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war on Gaza.
The vessel’s Amsterdam-based operator Spliethoff said Minervagracht was in international waters in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by an unidentified explosive device that inflicted substantial damage and started a fire on the ship.
The ship was about 128 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, Yemen, when the explosion happened.
Rescuers evacuated the vessel’s 19 crew, who are Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan. One was wounded and in stable condition and another was seriously injured and being transported to Djibouti, the EU maritime mission Aspides said.
“The MV Minervagracht is on fire and adrift,” said Aspides, which added that the vessel had not previously asked for its protection.
Reuters
Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Illuminates Downtown Toledo Skyline
TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced
the official exterior lighting of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship during last week’s Legacy in Lights: The Schoonmaker Shines celebration.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of The Admiral Society, the museum’s leadership-level membership group, the Schoonmaker now glows along both sides of its hull, becoming a permanent and iconic feature of Toledo’s nighttime skyline.
“Seeing the Schoonmaker lit for the first time was truly breathtaking,” said Sara Smith, the museum’s Director of Institutional Advancement. “This project highlights the power of The Admiral Society members—leaders who not only support our mission but also shape the
future of how we share Great Lakes history with our community.”
Each year, The Admiral Society selects a special “future-building” project to fund, ranging from artifact acquisitions and new exhibitions to educational outreach initiatives. For 2025, members chose to illuminate the Schoonmaker, ensuring that the ship’s presence is celebrated both day and night along the downtown Toledo skyline.
Originally launched in 1911 and now serving as a museum vessel, the Schoonmaker stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of Great Lakes maritime history. Its new exterior lighting underscores both the museum’s commitment to preservation and Toledo’s growing reputation as a Great Lakes city.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award
MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying
DETROIT, MI – From dining on authentic cuisine served on the ill-fated freighter to a solemn laying of wreaths on the water, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a weekend of events to honor the 29 mariners who died in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald nearly 50 years ago.
The museum is planning several opportunities, paid and free, to honor the Fitzgerald, which went down in a violent storm on Nov. 10, 1975, and is remembered in the Gordon Lightfoot ballad.
Rebecca Salminen-Witt, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Historical Society, said tickets are expected to sell out fast for a special brunch set for Sunday, Nov. 9, and the solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 10. Free events also are scheduled at the museum throughout the weekend.
“It’s important for people to learn about this history ― there’s a lot of it. And Detroit played a huge role in the maritime history of the state and in the whole country,” Salminen-Witt said.
Friday Nov. 7
The commemorative weekend kicks off at 11 a.m. with a book talk featuring Thomas Nelson, the author of “Wrecked: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
Salminen-Witt said Nelson’s book takes a unique perspective on the ship’s sinking and how the loss of thousands of pounds of ore affected Michigan’s manufacturing economy, ultimately impacting the nation’s economy.
Register for the book talk here: https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/book-talk-wrecked
Detroit Free Press
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 29, 2025
AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award
MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 27, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: American Launches First All-U.S. Cruises on The Great Lakes
Guilford, CT – American Cruise Lines has announced the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season. These new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country.
“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.
American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).
All cruises offer an included pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes. All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.
American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including suites, and singles available without supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.
Find out more at americancruiselines.com
American Cruise Lines
New Algoma Legacy takes Algoma Central fleet to 100 ships
St Catharines, Ontario-headquartered Algoma Central Corporation (TSX:ALC), today took delivery of the Algoma Legacy. Built at Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding (YAMIC) in Chin, it is the first of three new methanol-ready Kamsarmax-sized ocean belt self-unloading vessels. With this addition, the company will have an ownership interest in 100 vessels across its global fleet, marking, it says, a “historic milestone that underscores its leadership in long-term growth in diversified short sea shipping markets.”
“This is a proud moment on two fronts: the delivery of the Algoma Legacy, the first of three newbuild next generation methanol-ready self-unloading vessels and the achievement of our 100th vessel globally,” said Gregg Ruhl, president & CEO of Algoma Central Corporation. “Reaching ownership interest in 100 vessels not only reflects decades of progress, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable shipping solutions for our customers, but also the dedication and passion of our employees. Seeing our Bear recognized on the global stage is a proud reminder of how far we have come as a company.”
A decade ago, the company operated just under 40 vessels, serving primarily the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway. Today, Algoma’s dry and liquid bulk fleets have grown by more than 60 vessels, in Canada and globally,
The Algoma Legacy will join the world’s largest ocean self-unloader pool, followed by two sister vessels in 2026 and early 2027. These new vessels will replace the three oldest ships in the Pool allowing for redeployment of the vessels being replaced and are expected to be 40% more efficient owing to a combination of fuel efficiency and optimized cargo lift.
Algoma now has seven vessels under construction with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2027.
[Marine Log]
Calumet unloads road salt at the Soo on Friday
With winter not too far away, the Lower Lakes Towing self-unloader Calumet dropped the first of three expected loads of road salt at the Carbide Dock on Friday. This load and the next are expected to be about 16,500 net tons; the last one will be around 8,000 net tons. The salt is destined for use not only in the Soo but in other Upper Peninsula communities.
Jim Lehocky
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 25, 2025
Final Pieces of Tug James Whalen Arrive at Pool 6, Thunder Bay
Watch a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN-B27haHoM
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 23, 2025
Engine response issue causes SS Badger
to scrape sister ship Spartan while docking
LUDINGTON, MI – While backing to the loading apron in the usual manner last Wednesday evening, the engines of the SS Badger did not respond as ordered by the captain operating the engine order telegraphs, according to Lake Michigan Carferry spokesman Thom Hawley. The mechanical failure caused the vessel to collide with its permanently moored sister ship, the SS Spartan, in Ludington Harbor.
The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Marine engineers inspected the vessel following the collision. The damaged sea gate was removed, and the ship resumed its normal sailing schedule Thursday morning. The Badger sailed out of Ludington on its regular 9 a.m. departure for Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
“The sea gate has no function in loading or unloading the Badger. Its sole function is to prevent very high-water ingress onto the car deck and the ship can operate normally without it,” Hawley said. He added that marine engineers are considering how best to replace the damaged section.
“The SS Badger has a remarkable safety record,” Hawley said. “We will continue to review the incident to continually improve our operational standards and the valuable service we provide our passengers.”
The SS Badger continues its daily service between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, with the 2025 sailing season scheduled to end Oct. 12.
Shoreline Media
Inclement Weather Delays Salvage Efforts of Grounded Vessel ‘Thamesborg’ in the Canadian Arctic
Malte Humpert
September 17, 2025
Ten days after hitting a shoal along Canada’s Arctic Northwest Passage Dutch-flagged general cargo vessel Thamesborg remains aground. Operator Wagenborg continues to stage for the salvage operation, but inclement weather forced a temporary delay of some operations. Photos show the vessel enveloped in thick fog.
Local sea ice conditions should remain favorable for several more weeks to come. The annual Arctic Ocean ice minimum usually occurs around the middle of September before sea ice makes a return starting sometime in October.
A salvage master and naval architect as well as the first set of salvage equipment and additional staff have arrived on site, the company announced.
“Remaining salvage equipment and staff is underway to the site and expected to arrive within 7 days,” Wagenborg stated.
A salvage plan has been submitted according to the latest update by the Canadian Coast Guard, which remains on site with CCGS Des Groseilliers. Another Coast Guard vessel, CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, has been released after shuttling equipment and personnel to the incident site.
Further inspection of Thamesborg again confirmed that no fuel spills have occurred and the fuel tanks and cargo holds remain intact. A number of ballast tanks sustained damage and experienced flooding.
A new set of photos released by the Canadian Coast Guard shows the vessel listing to starboard.
The Thamesborg incident is the second grounding along the NWP this summer. Last month Canadian cargo ship Rosaire A. Desgagnés ran aground in Pelly Bay, Nunavut on a supply mission, but was able to be refloated during high tide.
Similarly, in 2018 cruise ship Akademik Ioffe used the flooding tide and its own propulsion to lift off a shoal in Canada’s Gulf of Boothia.
Water levels between low and high tides in Franklin Strait, where Thamesborg ran aground, vary by around 60 centimeters, according to the tide schedule of the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
gcaptain
UPDATE: Two Salvage Vessels Arrive in Canadian Arctic to Begin Refloating of Grounded ‘Thamesborg’
Malte Humpert
September 22, 2025
A tug and an ice-class cargo vessel have arrived in the Canadian Arctic to begin efforts to refloat the Dutch-flagged Thamesborg. The 21,359-dwt vessel has been aground on a shoal along the Northwest Passage since earlier this month.
Thamesborg was carrying a load of carbon blocks from Lianyungang, China to Baie-Comeau, Canada when the modern ice-class vessel struck a shoal in the Franklin Strait. Parts of Canada’s Arctic waters remain poorly mapped with many surveys conducted decades ago and at low resolution. Shipping experts point out that the usual shipping lane passes further west through the Strait. It is unclear why Thamesborg selected an easterly route.
The 450 tonnes tug Beverly M I was dispatched from Belledune, New Brunswick on September 9 arriving at the incident site over the weekend. With 4,000 horsepower the tug has a bollard pull of 71 tonnes. The same tug assisted Wagenborg’s general cargo ship Tiberborg when it went adrift in Baffin Bay in mid-August. Beverly M I escorted Tiberborg back to Baie-Comeau.
In addition to the tug a Norwegian-flagged ice-class reefer cargo ship has now arrived alongside Thamesborg. The 4,230-dwt Silver Copenhagen traveled from the Baltic Sea with a stop in Greenland’s Nuuk. It has a 1B ice-class, key to safely operating in the Canadian Arctic as winter sea ice will start to return in the coming weeks.
With a draft of just 6 meters Silver Copenhagen was able to safely pull up alongside Thamesborg to facilitate the transfer of its cargo
“Weather permitting, it is expected that the first part of the salvage operation will start over the course of this week with part of the cargo of Thamesborg being transshipped to one of the attending salvage vessels,” the vessel’s manager Wagenborg stated. Inclement weather forced a temporary delay of some operations last week.
A third salvage vessel is also underway to the incident location and will assist in the last part of the salvage operation, according to the company.
Coast Guard officials approved the company’s plan for the safe refloating of the ship last week. The icebreaker Des Groseilliers remains on standby in the vicinity as well. Continuous inspection of Thamesborg through ROV surveys confirms that fuel tanks and cargo holds remain intact.
gCaptain
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 22, 2025
New Cement Carrier Tamarack Has Naming Ceremony at Toronto
TORONTO, ON – It’s not every day we get to welcome a brand-new ship to the Great Lakes fleet!
It was truly a historic moment at the Amrize Toronto Cement Terminal Sept. 18 as we celebrated the official naming of MV Tamarack, the first new, purpose-built cement carrier to join the Great Lakes fleet in 28 years.
A special thanks to Leticia Simas, CFO of Amrize Cement and the vessel’s proud godmother, who officially named the vessel in true maritime tradition by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne on the hull.
Tamarack represents everything we believe Great Lakes shipping can and should be: smarter, safer, and more responsible. Built for performance and sustainability, this ship is designed to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and improve safety for our crew.
We are deeply grateful to Amrize for their partnership and trust, and to our incredible crew, led by Captain John Campbell and Chief Engineer Jerome Lippe.
A heartfelt thank you to our distinguished guests, including Hon. Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, Marjan Schippers, Dutch Consul General, and His Worship Jim Hegerdorn, Mayor of Loyalist Township.
Here’s to safe voyages, a strong future, and a proud new chapter for Great Lakes shipping.
MV Tamarack is owned by Eureka Shipping, a joint venture between The CSL Group and SMT Shipping.
CSL Group
2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips
Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 21, 2025
2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips
Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
Boatnerd News – September 20, 2025
Presque Isle Arrives at Erie for Repairs
Tug/barge combo Presque Isle arrived at Eria, PA, Friday morning for repairs. The duo sustained damage after grounding at Johnson’s Point, St. Marys River, on August 5. There has been no official information from operator Great Lakes Fleet/Key Lakes, however waterfront reports indicate she dropped her four starboard propeller blades during the incident, which were soon recovered and returned to the vessel. Her starboard rudder was also dislodged at some point prior and recovered by divers.
2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips
Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg
Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners
TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
- Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.
Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:
- Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
- Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9
Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals
DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals.
“The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com
The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD
Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking
By: Max White
(WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos: https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw
