1961

While under tow heading for scrap, the HARRY R. JONES went aground at Androsan, Scotland, and it wasn’t until February 15 that she arrived at her final port of Troon, Scotland.

1973

The JOSEPH H. THOMPSON ran aground at Escanaba, Michigan, after departing that port.

1976

The former GLADYS BOWATER was sailing as c) AGINOR when it caught fire and had to be abandoned off southwest Sicily. The hull was towed to Palermo, Italy, with serious damage and then to Piraeus, Greece, where it was laid up unrepaired. But the ship was resold, rebuilt and returned to service as d) ALEXANDRA in 1977. It was scrapped at Gadani Beach, Pakistan, as e) LAMYAA in 1985.

1979

OTTO NUBEL first came to the Great Lakes in 1953 and returned regularly until the final four trips in 1959. The ship was sailing as b) MARIA III when there was an explosion in the engine room on this date near Tamomago Island, Spain. A fire followed and the vessel went aground where it was abandoned as a total loss.

1999

January 6, 1999 – The Dow Chemical plant in Ludington, Michigan, announced a plan to close its lime plant, eliminating the need for Great Lakes freighters to deliver limestone.

Contributors & Sources

Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Brian Bernard, Ahoy & Farewell II, and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series from the Marine Historical Society of Detroit.

Compiled & Maintained by Roger LeLievre