Michipicoten arrives at Thunder Bay after Lake Superior Incident

LAKE SUPERIOR – A situation Saturday morning on western Lake Superior that could have had a tragic ending concluded instead with the safe arrival of the motor vessel Michipicoten at Thunder Bay, ON.

The Coast Guard received a report of the incident at 6:53 a.m. Saturday from the Michipicoten when it was located about 35 miles southwest of Michigan’s Isle Royale with 22 people on board.

Initial reports indicated the vessel, loaded with taconite pellets taken aboard at Two Harbors, MN, had struck something, however waterfront observers speculate that is unlikely. Rather, the vessel may have experienced a hull failure that allowed water to enter.

Boat crews, helicopter and members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol and National Park Service responded. The Edwin H. Gott, which was nearby, also responded. Coast Guard officials said pumps aboard the Michipicoten, plus additional pumps brought to the vessel by the tug Glenada, had removed some water on board. At one point, the list was reported to be 15 degrees to starboard, but that was reduced to around five degrees. Two more pumps were placed aboard once the vessel docked. The Coast Guard said 11 crewmembers were safely evacuated, however 11 others remained on board to guide the ship to Thunder Bay.

Michipicoten was escorted by the Gott as well as CCGS Cape Challion to Thunder Bay’s Keefer Terminal, where it docked safely, although with a noticeable starboard list.

Officials say details about the collision, and what caused it, will be released after “the situation is stabilized.”

Michipicoten (named Elton Hoyt II when it entered service in 1952) is a self-unloading lake freighter owned and operated by Canadian shipping firm Lower Lakes Towing.

USCG and other sources

Soo Locks tour boat Bide-A-Wee runs aground

SAULT STE MARIE, MI – U.S. Coast Guard units responded after receiving a report that the passenger vessel Bide-A-Wee ran aground Saturday afternoon.

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes was contacted via VHF Channel 16 at approximately 2:30 p.m. with a report that the 65’ tour boat Bide-A-Wee had run aground in Canadian waters on the north side of the St Marys River above the Soo Locks. The vessel reported they did not have any injuries and the vessel was stable.

Out of an abundance of caution, it was requested all the passengers onboard the boat be transferred off the vessel. A boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie arrived on scene and transferred all passengers safely to the tour boat Hiawatha. The Bide-A-Wee was assisted by a tug and was able to transit back safely under its own power. The cause of the grounding and any other damage to the vessel will be investigated once the situation has stabilized.

Bide-A-Wee is owned by the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, which in turn is owned by the Interlake Steamship Co.

USCG

Busy weekend for Boatnerd Events

There are two events this weekend that should be of interest to ship fans. On Saturday, check out the Port Huron Marine Mart at the American Legion Post 8, 1026 Sixth St., Port Huron, MI, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nautical items are bought, sold and traded at this long-running event. Admission: $5.

On Sunday, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Toledo, OH, is hosting Know Your Ships author Roger LeLIevre for a book signing, from noon- 3 p.m. With special guest Great Lakes cartoonist/illustrator Don Lee. Admission: Free.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

Busy weekend for Boatnerd Events

There are two events this weekend that should be of interest to ship fans. On Saturday, check out the Port Huron Marine Mart at the American Legion Post 8, 1026 Sixth St., Port Huron, MI, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nautical items are bought, sold and traded at this long-running event. Admission: $5.

On Sunday, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Toledo, OH, is hosting Know Your Ships author Roger LeLIevre for a book signing, from noon- 3 p.m. With special guest Great Lakes cartoonist/illustrator Don Lee. Admission: Free.

Iron Ore Trade Down in May

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore from U.S. Great Lakes ports totaled 5.4 million tons in May, a decrease of 3 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments were 2.8 percent above the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 14.4 million tons, an increase of 2.1 percent compared to the same point in 2023.  Iron ore shipments were also 8.2 percent above their 5-year average for five months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

Information based on data from knowledgeable sources.  However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.  Lake Carriers’ Association assumes no legal responsibility for the outcome of decisions or commitments made on the basis of this information.  Report represents the views of Lake Carriers’ Association and may not necessarily represent the views of its individual members.

Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)
www.lcaships.com

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

National Museum of the Great Lakes and The Sandpiper

Collaborate for Ultimate Great Lakes History Day

TOLEDO, OH – National Museum of the Great Lakes is partnering with The Sandpiper tour boat for Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day.

This summer, on Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, August 3, visitors can purchase a special ticket
that combines full access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes with a scenic trip along
the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper.

“The Ship & Shore experience provides an immersive way to explore Great Lakes history all
day long,” said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations at the National Museum of the
Great Lakes. “Guests will enjoy full access to our family-friendly exhibits and museum boats.
Mid-day, they will embark on a trip along the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper, visiting
spots like the Port of Toledo. The tour departs and returns from the museum docks.”

During the Maumee River tour, visitors will engage with the award-winning “Port of Toledo:
Then and Now” exhibit. This interactive exhibit uses QR codes onboard The Sandpiper,
allowing cruisers to delve into the rich history along the Maumee River. The QR codes provide
images and information, enabling visitors to visually compare the historical and current views
of the river.

Tickets for “Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day” can be purchased in advance
at nmgl.org or by calling 419-214-5000. Day-of tickets will be available only if space permits.

For additional information, visit nmgl.org/events.
Event Highlights:

• Ultimate Great Lakes History Day: July 6 and August 3, 2024
• Full Museum Access: Explore the museum’s family-friendly exhibits, the 617-foot Col.
  James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, and Museum Tug Ohio

• Maumee River Tour: Board The Sandpiper at 1 PM for a two-hour guided tour,
  featuring the interactive “Port of Toledo: Then and Now” exhibit.

• All-Day Exploration: The museum opens at 10 AM, with the last chance to board
  museum ships at 4 PM.Tips for Visitors:

  Start Early: Arrive around 10 AM to maximize your visit.
  Plan for Lunch: Food is not included; consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the
  Maritime Park before the Sandpiper tour.

• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire.

Experience Great Lakes history first-hand, from tugboats and freighters to local industry in
action.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

50th anniversary of shipwreck: Swimmers to complete Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic journey

by Matthew SafferMon, June 3rd 2024 at 9:32 AM

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI — To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 2025, open water swimmers will have an opportunity to participate in a 17-stage, 411-mile relay swim from Lake Superior, where the shipwreck lies, to Detroit, the ship’s intended destination. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, is scheduled to begin on July 26, 2025, and will be the subject of a documentary film.

Registration for the swim opens at 9:00 a.m. EDT on June 10, 2024.

The 729-foot Edmund Fitzgerald was bound for Detroit carrying over 26,000 long tons of iron ore when the ship went down in a violent Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975, taking the lives of all 29 crew members aboard. The ship lies in Canadian waters, 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan.

Seventeen teams of 4 relay swimmers will symbolically complete the intended route and cargo delivery that the Edmund Fitzgerald was tragically unable to complete on that fateful night 50 years ago, by passing between them iron ore pellets from the same dock in Superior, Wisconsin, where the ship took on its last load.

The event is being organized by Jim Dreyer, who has himself swam across all five Great Lakes.

“The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim presents epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for up to 68 swimmers to be part of history, play a role in a documentary film, and swim where no one has ever swum before and may never swim again,” Dreyer said.

“The swim is tentatively planned to start in Lake Superior from above the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck, subject to permit approval. Here, the swimmers will leave a memorial to the crew resting below in a very moving ceremony. Then, participants will swim to shore at Whitefish Point, the site of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.”

“The swim will finish at Belle Isle Beach in Detroit where our delivery of iron ore is presented to receiving dignitaries. Then, a march from the finish line to the Mariners’ Church of Detroit is tentatively planned, pending approval of permits. In a memorial service, the church bell will be rung 29 times for each crew member of the Edmund Fitzgerald, just as it was 50 years ago.”

“In between Lake Superior and Detroit, there are many other incredible adventures,” Dreyer added.

“Participants will swim the St. Marys River to Sault Ste. Marie, which may allow them the chance to safely get up close and personal with giant freighters on either side of the Soo Locks.”

“Participants will ride the currents and swim the entire length of the St. Clair River.”

“There will be significant open water crossings of Whitefish Bay, Lake Huron between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, across the mouth of Saginaw Bay, and across Lake St. Clair to Detroit.”

Swimmers will raise funds for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) to preserve the Whitefish Point Light Station.

“The Edmund Fitzgerald, has come to represent, in many ways, shipwrecks in general on the Great Lakes, and the Whitefish Point Light is the most important beacon for all vessels entering or leaving Lake Superior,” said Bruce Lynn, GLSHS Executive Director. “Preserving the legacy of the 29 men who lost their lives in this historic maritime tragedy and helping to preserve a lighthouse that safeguards mariners along Lake Superior’s ‘Shipwreck Coast,’ are causes the swimmers can really rally around while they are themselves making history.”

To learn more about the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim and to register, go online to the group’s website.

Wagenborg confirms presence of Queen Máxima during Delfsail for christening EasyMax vessels

DURING THE SEVENTH EDITION OF DELFSAIL, HER MAJESTY QUEEN MÁXIMA WILL CHRISTEN TWO EASYMAX VESSELS OF ROYAL WAGENBORG. THE CHRISTENING AND NAME GIVING CEREMONY OF BOTH GENERAL CARGO SHIPS WILL TAKE PLACE IN WAGENBORG’S HOME PORT DELFZIJL
.
In the presence of 2,000 guests, Queen Máxima will be the guest of honour at Wagenborg’s relation event during Delfsail. This is a special milestone for the family company. Wagenborg is therefore particularly proud to welcome the Queen on Friday 14 June.

Egbert Vuursteen, CEO Royal Wagenborg: “In 1995, we had the christening of ‘Kroonborg’ by then Crown Prince Willem Alexander. In 2009, then Queen Beatrix christened our ‘Beatrix’ and now Her Majesty the Queen is our guest of honour during Delfsail. I am delighted that she wants to christen no fewer than two vessels.”

Livestream
During the afternoon programme, Wagenborg looks back on 126 years of Wagenborg with all attendees and casts a glance at the future of the family company. The Easymax ships play a prominent role in this future, which will be entered with a new company motto to be launched during the event. For all interested parties, the official programme can be followed live via a livestream.
Green
The Easymax is the latest ice-strengthened vessel type with unmatched fuel efficiency performance. Today, with the lowest CO2 footprint per tonne of cargo carried, the Easymax series leads the global Energy Efficiency Design Index. The ship has the traditional Wagenborg red-grey colours, but she could have been all green!

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

“Know Your Ships” editor, cartoonist Don Lee, coming
to the National Museum of the Great Lakes June 9

TOLEDO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes looks forward to welcoming Roger LeLievre, the editor and publisher of the “2024 Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway” on Sunday, June 9, from 12-3 pm. Get your author-signed copy of the latest edition (available in standard and spiral-bound versions) and engage with the expert behind this comprehensive guide.

“Having a maritime expert like Roger engage with our visitors enhances the experience for the beloved boatnerd community and provides a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Great Lakes shipping,” said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

“Know Your Ships” is an essential guide for both casual boat watchers and serious enthusiasts of nautical commerce,” Kennedy added.

In addition, the event will feature a special appearance by renowned cartoonist and illustrator Don Lee. Lee is offering personalized freighter caricatures to visitors and signing copies of his children’s book, “Boats Can’t Jump.” Don Lee Signature Series stickers and magnets featuring the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio will also be available for purchase and signing.

For more information, visit www.nmgl.org.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

Small ports welcome uptick in Great Lakes cruises

RIX STAFF | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
Victory Cruise Lines plans to return to the Great Lakes in 2025.
Many small ports along Michigan’s coastline are eager for the upcoming cruising season on the Great Lakes.

Cruising officials are predicting another robust year, following a record-breaking 2023, and are welcoming Ponant’s Le Champlain back to the Great Lakes as the industry continues to develop.

Cruise the Great Lakes, an international partnership that promotes cruising on the Great Lakes, says vessels will make 600 port visits in 2024, bringing more than 20,000 passengers to experience cities on the American and Canadian sides of the Great Lakes. That’s roughly double the numbers a decade ago.

“As we look ahead to 2024, we remain committed to sustaining the vitality of our region’s cruising sector,” said Anna Tanski, tourism director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “In just a decade, the number of cruise passengers has more than doubled, and Great Lakes ports continue to thrive as hubs for visitors. We are focused on maintaining this momentum as we navigate the future.”

Bryan Esler

Michigan’s small-town ports include Muskegon, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, Houghton, Alpena and — new to the market — Bay City. Some towns are not expecting cruise ships this season; others, like Holland and Grand Haven, are part of shore excursions from ports – in this case, Muskegon.

The reasons for interest in the Great Lakes as a cruise destination are many. Sailing back and forth between two countries is a big selling point. American travelers are curious about destinations closer to home. Many vacationers are seeking “experience” travel.

“Cruising the Great Lakes has grown. There is an increasing number of ships that include Holland as a port destination. It’s good for everybody,” said Linda Hart, who is executive director of the Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Holland, about 45 miles away — an hour bus ride — from the port in Muskegon, expects more visitors this season as well. Cruise ship passengers are drawn to Holland because of its rich Dutch history, vibrant downtown, heated streets and sidewalks and it’s the home of the only authentic working windmill in the United States. The Holland excursions typically last a few hours, with time for passengers to have lunch downtown. Passengers from 15 ships are expected this summer.

“We recognize that we are not an active port – we used to be, but we try to stay active (in the industry) and be present in conversations,” Hart said, adding city, tourism and business officials strive to provide the best experience for passengers.

Laura Maginnis
Holland welcomed cruise ships from 2014 to 2016; the ships docked at a utility dock used for aggregate material distribution. The city has plans to create a new dock, but, in the meantime, welcomes excursions from Muskegon.

Cruise the Great Lakes anticipates the regional economic impact generated by cruising will surpass $200 million in 2024, driven by the upward trend in passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending, and the growing domestic and international appeal of Great Lakes cruises. The 2024 season represents a remarkable increase in the economic impact of nearly 50 percent compared to 2022.

Cruise lines operating on the Great Lakes in 2024 include Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, and Plantours Cruises. Victory Cruise Lines recently announced its return to the region in 2025 with its Victory 1 and Victory II vessels.

Cruises along the Great Lakes are far more expensive than Caribbean cruises, costing thousands of dollars. They generally lure an older demographic, mostly from the United States but also from parts of Europe, people in their 60s and above, who are often retired and well-traveled. They’re seeking more laid-back, enrichment vacations. The ships generally don’t offer pools, casinos or shopping. On-board activities generally include music, lectures, and cocktail hours. The focus is more about personal enrichment.

History and local culture are a part of the appeal. It’s not just the Victorian charm of car-less Mackinac Island or its late 18th-century fort or the impressive locks at Sault Ste. Marie. Each port has its own story. In Muskegon, travelers explore the city’s lumbering and maritime past with a visit to one of the city’s many museums. The city also boasts an impressive art museum.

In Sault Ste. Marie, passengers disembark to explore the border city’s downtown of shops, restaurants, historic homes and other amenities, as well as joining pre-planned tours of the region. They range from adventure excursions to lighthouse tours. The Soo Locks are the biggest attraction for most people, curious about how the busiest lock system in the world works.

Houghton is among the Michigan ports not expecting any cruise ships this season, though there were visitors in 2022 and 2023. The Upper Peninsula city completed a new pier project in 2022, not with the intent of welcoming ships but to create an attractive waterfront space.

City of Houghton

“The Pier becoming Houghton’s ‘cruise ship dock’ was more serendipitous than anything,” said Eric Waara, Houghton’s city manager. “It worked out well being able to receive passengers right in the middle of our downtown.”

Passengers disembarked to visit historic resources, waterfalls, beaches and wilderness.

“These Great Lakes cruises are not your Caribbean-type megaships where the ships have ziplines, Disney princesses, bottomless margaritas and disco lights,” he said. “They are for passengers who want a real, unscripted experience more on the lines of an expeditions as opposed to a party at sea.”

Waara is hopeful cruise ships will return to Houghton next summer.

“We are a great port,” he said. “We’re hopeful we’ll see more stops in the future! Aside from the passengers getting a taste of Houghton, there’s nothing like a really BIG boat parked on the waterfront to bring young and old out for some fun.”

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/