Boatnerd Archives: August 1997 News Archive

News from the Twin Ports

08/30/1997:
Kaye E. Barker has been a rare caller in the Twin Ports this season. The ship loaded at DMIR ore dock in Duluth on Aug. 28

Grain traffic seems to be picking up in Duluth and Superior. On Aug. 29 Federal Rhine was loading at General Mills, Canadian Provider was at Cargill B1 and Algocape was at Peavey. Two more Canadians are due into Harvest States today.

Ashland, Wis., gets one of its occasional callers Aug. 31 when Arthur M. Anderson is due to arrive with coal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Today in Great Lakes History – August 30

The CHARLES E. WILSON was christened August 30, 1973 at Bay Ship and completed her sea trials on September 6th.

On August 30, 1942, the A. H. Ferbert (2) ran aground in the St. Mary’s River, just a day old. The vessel returned to the builder’s yard in River Rouge, Michigan for repairs.

On August 30, 1988, the Willowglen made its first visit to Duluth-Superior under that name. She loaded grain at Harvest States in Superior, arriving early in the morning and departing in the early evening the same day. Her last visit to Duluth before this was in 1981 under the name Joseph X. Robert.

The H.G. DALTON entered service on August 30, 1903.

On August 30, 1985 the tug CAPTAIN IOANNIS S. departed Quebec city with MENIHEK LAKE and LEON FALK, JR. in tow, bound for Spain to be scrapped.

Data from: James H. Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Today in Great Lakes History – August 29

On August 29, 1942, the A.H. Ferbert (2) entered service.

On her maiden voyage August 29, 1979 the INDIANA HARBOR sailed for Two Harbors, MN to load iron ore pellets for Indiana Harbor, IN. In August, 1982 INDIANA HARBOR became the first U.S. flag laker to receive satellite communication.

On August 29, 1972 the lightship HURON was placed in an earth embankment at Port Huron’s Pine Grove Park along the St. Clair River and was opened to visitors on July 13, 1974.

Canada Steamship Lines’ ATLANTIC SUPERIOR returned from Europe on August 29, 1985 with a cargo of gypsum for Picton, Ontario.

Data from: James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

U.S.-Flag Float Tops 14 Million Tons In July

08/28:
U.S.-Flag lakers moved more than 14 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargos in July, the highest monthly total recorded yet this season, and an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Iron ore cargos in U.S. bottoms increased 4.7 percent to 6.6 million tons. For the season, the U.S.-Flag ore “float” stands at 28,250,670 tons, an increase of 6.9 percent.

The July coal trade in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 4.3 percent. Strong demand from utilities has pushed the season-to-date total up 21.6 percent to 10.5 million tons.

The U.S.-Flag stone float in July was 3.9 million tons, one of the highest monthly totals on record, and an increase of 6 percent compared to last July. For the season, stone loadings in U.S. bottoms stand at 13,355,852 tons, an increase of 11.9 percent.

With the June 13 sailing of the CALCITE II (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.), all boom-type self-unloaders are in service. The only U.S.-Flag ships yet to sail this year are the small cement carriers E. M. FORD and S. T. CRAPO (both of which are currently holding storage cargos of cement) and the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

HMCS OKANAGAN

08/28:
The Canadian submarine HMCS OKANAGAN is preparing to embark on a voyage into central Canada. The last time a Canadian submarine visited the interior of Canada was in 1990 when OKANAGAN made several stops in Ontario and Quebec.
Click here for complete details and scheduled ports of call

Reported by: John Whitehead

Seaway Notice No. 11 Outflows from Lake Ontario

08/28:
Mariners are advised that Seaway Notice No. 7 of 1997, dated May 21, 1997 dealing with Outflows from Lake Ontario is hereby cancelled. Flows in the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section have returned to normal values for this time of the year.

Reported by: The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Today in Great Lakes History – August 28

EDWIN H. GOTT, 78, of Pittsburgh, died on August 28, 1986. The namesake of the 1,000 footer, he retired as Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Steel in 1973.

On August 28, 1962, the Edward L. Ryerson set a Great Lakes cargo record for iron ore. The Ryerson loaded 25,018 gross tons of iron ore in Superior, Wisconsin, breaking by 14 tons the record held by the Canadian bulk freighter Red Wing which was set in the 1961 season. The Ryerson held this record well into 1965.

The PERE MARQUETTE 22 was repowered with two 2,850 ihp four cylinder Skinner Unaflow steeple compound steam engines, 19 1/2″, 43″ dia. x 26″ stroke, built in 1953 by the Skinner Engine Co., Erie, PA and four coal-fired Foster-Wheeler water tube boilers with a total heating surface of 25,032 sq.ft. built in 1953. The repowering work was completed on August 28, 1954. Her 1954 tonnage was 3551 GRT, 1925 NRT, 2450 dwt. A new starboard tail shaft was installed at this time. Her service speed increased to 18 knots (20.7 mph).

The JOHN ANDERSON was outbound through the Duluth Ship Canal on August 28, 1928, the ANDERSON struck the north pier suffering $18,000 in damage.

The REGENT entered service on August 28, 1934. She was built for low clearances on the New York State Barge Canal and was equipped with five cargo tanks and one dry cargo hold.

The WILLIAM A. REISS (2) was laid up for the last time on August 28, 1981 at Toledo, OH and remained idle there until July 15, 1994 when she was towed to be scrapped.

Data from: James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Ship Spills Jet Fuel Into Snell Lock

08/27:
About 150 people were forced to evacuate Barnhart Island Sunday morning 8/24 after the Maltese tanker Vekua suffered a 4 inch fracture on one of its starboard tanks while entering the Lock. About 300 gallons of jet fuel spilled into the lock. Although a cleanup was not considered necessary according to St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.spokeswoman Rhonda Worden because jet fuel evaporates very quickly in warm weather, several fire departments, police agencies, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Red Cross were prepared for the worst. The ship, 151 meters long with a fuel capacity of 17,000 metric tons is 75 feet wide and the lock is 80 feet wide. The timber fenders in the lock allow the ships to enter smoothly but there are currents and occasionally ships will shift some. The US Coast Guard is investigating why the fracture occurred and should issue a report within 30 days

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

News from the Twin Ports

08/27:
A couple of unusual callers Aug. 25 at Twin Ports ore docks. Halifax arrived for taconite pellets at the BNSF ore dock in Superior. (Lately it’s been on a grain in/DMIR pellets out routine). The St. Clair arrived late to load at DMIR.

Unusual callers scheduled for later this week include Kaye E. Barker due at Cutler stone dock and Canadian Transport due at Hallett 5 and 6.

Reported by: Al Miller

Escanaba Ore Dock Loads Star in record Time

08/27:
Congratulations to the personnel at the Escanaba Ore Dock for their record setting loading time of the MV Columbia Star,on Saturday, August 23. They loaded 66,000 tons of ore in the record time of l4 hours. This is a local record.

Reported by: Jim Grill

Today in Great Lakes History – August 27

The AGAWA CANYON was launched in 1971 at Collingwood Shipyards Ltd., Collingwood, Ont. for Algoma Central Railway Ltd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The SAMUEL RISLEY arrived at Toronto, Ont. on August 27th 1985 on her way to Thunder Bay, Ont. where she replaced the retired CCGC ALEXANDER HENRY.

ELMGLEN (2) was launched August 27, 1952 as a) JOHN O. McKELLAR (2) for the Colonial Steamship Co. Ltd. (Scott Misener, mgr.), Port Colborne, Ont.

The WILLIAM CLAY FORD (1) then renamed US.266029 departed her lay-up berth at the Rouge slip on August 20, 1986 in tow of Gaelic tugs and she was taken to Detroit Marine Terminals on the Rouge River, where her pilothouse was removed to be displayed at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Detroit’s Belle Isle. The hull was moved to Nicholson’s River Rouge dock on August 27th.

MERLE M. McCURDY was launched August 27, 1910 as a) WILLIAM B. DICKSON for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH.

The U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Tender (WAGL-305) MESQUITE was commissioned on August 27, 1943 and served on the Pacific Ocean in the 7th Fleet in 1944 and 1945.

On August 27, 1940, the William A. Irvin set the Great Lakes record for the fastest unloading of an iron ore cargo using shoreside equipment. The Irvin unloaded 13,856 gross tons of iron ore in 2 hours, 55 minutes (including the time to arrive and depart the dock!) in Conneaut, Ohio. This record still stands, and consequently the Irvin is one of the few Great Lakes vessels to be retired while still holding a Great Lakes cargo record.

On August 27, 1929, the Myron C. Taylor entered service.

On Aug. 25, 1923, the Duluth, Missabe & Northern ore dock in Duluth loaded 208,212 tons of ore into 23 ships.

Data from: Al Miller, Jody L. Aho, and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Boats become TV stars

08/26:
Episodes of the popular TV show Due South are being shot on board the Seaway Queen and Canadian Mariner while they are laid up in Toronto this summer. The episodes take place aboard the fictional laker “Henry Allen”. The galley of the Queen has had various notices posted around with the Allen’s name displayed prominently for the cameras. The Mariner was under steam Sunday, August 23. She was to go for a little sail out out into Lake Ontario so they could shoot the exterior scenes. They will be used for this work until September 5.

Reported by: Clare Gilbert

Name Change at the Soo

08/26:
A few weeks ago the name of the traffic center was changed to “Soo Traffic” from “Soo Control” on ch. 12. Anyone inbound at DeTour making their securite’ call to Soo Control will be politely corrected.

Reported by: D Ocean

Ryerson Flying the Jolly Roger

08/26:
Captain Eric Treece of the Eward L. Ryerson has chosen the Jolly Roger (pirate flag) as his house flag. Captian Treece, a World War II air war buff explains: “the VF-17,”Jolly Rogers” were a U.S. Navy fighting squadron in the Solomon Is. in the S. Pacific and had a very distiguishing service record. I fly it to honor them.” Captian Treece also flies an 8th Army Air Force flag. Inland Steel gave the green light to fly the Jolly Roger from the Ryerson earlier this summer. The flag is flown when ever Captian Treece is in command of the Ryerson.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News from the Twin Ports

08/26:
Demolition began Aug. 22 to the former Cargill D grain elevator adjacent to the Duluth Port Terminal. Small explosive charges collapsed part of the original brick structure nearest the water. Demolishing the elevator and adjacent Cargill C is expected to take two years.

Federal Polaris is loading at AGP grain elevator in Duluth on Aug. 25, one of the few salties to call there this year.

Joseph H. Thompson called at Midwest Energy Terminal on Aug. 24 to load coal. The tug/barge unit has been in the Twin Ports several times this season, but not as frequently as last year.

In an unusual cargo movement, several Canadian ships have called at Silver Bay this season to load taconite pellets. The latest is John B. Aird, scheduled to load there Aug. 26.

Reported by: Al Miller

Car ferry Badger on Fall sailing schedule

08/26:
The S.S. Badger car ferry began its fall sailing schedule yesterday, making one daily round trip across Lake Michigan. The boat leaves Ludington, MI at 8:30 am Eastern Time for the four-hour cruise to Wisconsin; then departs the Manitowoc dock for the return trip at 2:00 pm Central Time.

Reported by: Kari Karr

Busy day in Goderich

08/26:
Saturday, August 23rd, was a busy day at the Port of Goderich, Ontario. Four vessels arrived in about 4 hours. The Algoway arrived around noon to load salt at the Sifto Mine. Then the James Norris arrived to load salt. Finally the Agawa Canyon and the Oakglen (P&H) arrived about the same time. The harbour was quite busy for several hours. The Oakglen arrived to unload grain and the other took on salt.

Reported by: Chris Wilson

Coast Guard to honors sailors after 54 years

08/26:
David Ginsburg’s vigil began in December 1942. His son, Irving was killed, with five others, during a Coast Guard rescue attempt at the Oswego Lighthouse. All six men drowned in a fierce gale. Coast Guard officials promised they would build a monument.

Sunday, after 54 years, the promise will be kept when the monument is dedicated on the Oswego waterfront.

David, now 99, will be a special guest at a riverside ceremony. It will feature a Coast Guard color guard and sailors from the USS Fahrion, FFG-22, a Navy ship visiting Oswego. Andrew Cisternino, 75, a former Syracuse man who nearly died trying to reach the body of his commanding officer, also plans to attend.

“That day has never gone out of my heart,” said Cisternino, of Long Island. Irving Ginsburg was wearing Cisternino’s boots when he died.

As for Irving’s father, he said he never lost faith that his son would be honored.

Reported by: Scott Marriam

Server up and running

08/24:
The web server is back!! Sorry for the delays, below is a week’s worth of news all stories have been added as of 8/24. Passage will be updated Monday

Thanks for your patience, Neil

Jackman visits Missabe dock

08/23:
Inbound Duluth 8/23 was Seaway Self Unloaders Capt. Henry Jackman. Bound for the Missabe docks in west Duluth. This could possibly be its first trip to the Missabe docks. The Jackman has become an infrequent visitor to the Twin Ports since its conversion to a self-unloader.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Cort arrives Duluth

08/22:
The Stewart J. Cort arrived through the Duluth piers just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, headed for the Port Terminal to await a dock at BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern) in Superior. The Cort has made fewer than a dozen trips under the Aerial Bridge in her 25 years on the Lakes. The vessel uses the Superior Entry almost exclusively on her trips to the Twin Ports.

Reported by: Jody L. Aho

E.M. Ford to sail again

08/21:
The E.M. Ford is scheduled to be painted in October in preperation for her 100 year anniversary. The vessel will make a few trips, and head back in to lay-up.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Algosound in Lay-up at Thunder Bay

08/21:
An earlier report mentioned an unconfirmed report that Algosound is in Lay-up. It is in Thunder Bay in Lay-up.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Thunder Bay harbor clean-up

08/21:
The Canadian government, the government of Ontario and three businesses have agreed to spend Canadian$9.3 million/U.S.$6.7 million to clean-up the harbor at Thunder Bay, Ontario. First planned in 1994 under the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, the work will reduce toxic sediment near the Northern Wood Preservers Inc. site in the harbor. Abitibi Consolidated Inc., Canadian National Railway Co., Northern Wood Preservers and Ontario will spend C$1.5 million/U.S.$1.1 with the federal government contributing C$3.3 million/U.S.$2.4 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Marcus Hanna to be launched

08/21:
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Ida Lewis-class Coastal Buoy Tender Marcus Hanna (WLM 554) will be launched at 1100 23 Aug. at Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis. Kay Loy, wife of the Coast Guard’s chief of staff, Vice Adm. James M. Loy, is the sponsor. The tender will be homeported at South Portland, Maine. It was laid down in September and will be delivered in December. Marcus Hanna was the keeper of the Twin Lights at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. While serving in the U.S. Army during the U.S. Civil War, he received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor and later the U.S. Gold Lifesaving Medal. The latter was awarded after Hanna rescued crewmembers of a schooner that ran aground in a storm.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Salty overdraft at Port Colborne

08/20:
Update, confilcting report.. “the vessel was dispatched to wharf 12 as the deepest draft read in lock 8 was 8.05 metres (26’05”).

Salty Mallard was drawing over 27′ draft. It was forced to stop after leaving Lock 8 above wharf 12 (stone dock) and shift some fuel around to meet Seaway standards.

The boat was carring Grain from Thunder Bay and rolls of Steel from an unknown port. The boat remained in Port until Sunday afternoon.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Great Lakes Maritime Academy

08/20:
The new class at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan has begun its three year program of training to become licensed officers on Great Lakes commercial vessels. The first week is spent learning the proper use of lifeboats, life rafts, survival suits and other safety equipment. The Academy welcomes 29 cadets this year.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Canadian seaway privatization

08/19:
Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette has announced his intent to privatize operation of the St. Lawrence Seaway by the start of the next shipping season. Michel Fournieras, vice president of the Canadian Seaway Authority, has been named acting president and instructed to persue privatization. The presidency of Glen Stewart will apparently not be extended.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Rigel Shipping Canada bringing new ships

08/19:
Rigel Shipping Canada Inc. has announced it will bring two double-hulled tankers of its parent company, Rigel Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG, to Canada for use in the domestic trade. The Ledastern (10,511-dwt, 123-meter/405-foot motor tanker built in 1993) and the Westerstern (17,000-dwt) will arrive by December.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Henry B. Smith found?

08/19:
A group of US Navy reservists has determined the possible resting place in the depths of Lake Superior of the ore freighter Henry B. Smith The 525-foot Smith, downbound from Marquette’s lower harbor with 11,000 tons of hematite ore, sand with all crew members in the great November l9l3 gale that claimed dozens of ships on the Great Lakes. The Smiths’s location has remained a mystery. On Sunday, the reserve group from Pennsylvania used an aircraft-mounted device to detect magnetic pattern changes caused by iron in the vessel’s steel hull. The group located a strong reading about four miles northeast of Marquette. The Mining Journal of Marquette reported. The detection came after a local fisherman told searchers that he had accidentally happened across what appeared to be a large sunken object in the early l990s. He spotted the object using a “fishfinder” device. The object appears to be in 250-300 feet of water. It was great to get the information, said Randy Beebe of Ishpeming, a diving enthusiast who arranged for the military unit search. “Sometimes, this is what it takes.” The site was near the southern fringes of a l00 square-mile box the reservists were prepared to search, Beebe said. In addition to the possible Smith site, the aircraft’s magnetic detection equipment found a pair of other sites Beebe believes are the known resting places of a schooner and package freighter. Beebe said several local boats equipped with up-to-date fishfinders will conduct a thorough sweep this week. If contact is made, a dive attempt will be considered

Reported by: Jim Grill

H.M.C.S. Okanagan in the Seaway

08/18:
The Canadian Maritime Command Ojibwa-class Attack Submarine H.M.C.S. Okanagan (SS 74) left Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 18 Aug. for a four-week series of Canadian port visits and public tours. Calls will include Quebec; Toronto; Montreal; and Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. This is the first time a Canadian submarine has sailed in the St. Lawrence Seaway since 1990.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Ryerson Aids in Rescue

08/18:
Late last night the Ryerson aided in the rescue of a sinking 43′ sailboat about 20 miles off the coast of Belmont Harbor in Chicago. The sailboat was enroute from Holland to Belmont Harbor when it sprang a leak and quickly started to fill w/ water. As several of the men on the sailboat tried bailing and figuring out what had happened, another had sent out a distress call. The Ryerson being in the area came to their aid and served as sort of a homing device for the coast guard. This information was heard on this morning’s tv news.

Reported by: D. Ocean

Soo’s Poe Lock Seeing Downtime

08/16:
During a recent visit to the Soo Locks I became aware that the Poe Lock has been out of service on almost a daily basis. Apparently every day they have been closing the lock to do some work on downbound gates. Don’t know what the problem is. A linetender there said that on one day they were down almost the entire morning.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

Twin Ports report

08/15:
Tug Sarah Spencer and barge Atlantic Hickory made an unusual call Aug. 13 at the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Amid the stream of U.S. lakers calling at Midwest Energy Terminal, Algolake is scheduled to call there Aug. 14.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algoma central Corp. Reports 2nd Quarter Net Income

08/15:
The Wednesday, August 13, 1997 edition of the Toronto Star reported that Algoma Central Corp. of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario reported a June 30th second-quarter net income of $7.2 million, or $1.84 a share, up from $2.7 million, or 69 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenues were $54.8 million, a slight increase from $54.1 million.

Algoma Central Corporation is the parent company of Algoma Central Marine Group which owns and operates the largest fleet of vessels on the Great Lakes. As of August 14, all ACM self-unloaders are active, and all but four bulk-carriers are active. ALGOGULF, ALGOISLE, and ALGORIVER have yet to see service in 1997, and ALGOSOUND apparently has returned to layup, after brief use in June and July.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Sarnia Natutical flea market and crafts show

08/15:
The Sarnia Natutical flea market and crafts show is Sunday August 23 at the Sarnia Bay Marina activity center. The show runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (set up 7-8 a.m.) admission is free.

Dealers – space is available at $5 a table, call 519-332-0533 to reserve, Ask for Laurie.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

St. Lawrence Seaway in 1996

08/15:
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. reported this week that in 1996, shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway of wheat increased 48 percent from 1995 to 492,000 tons. Iron and steel shipments were up 32 percent to 1.1 million tons. Direct U.S. shipments through the Montreal – Lake Ontario section increased 16 percent to 2.5 million tons. As of 5 Aug., 369 loaded foreign-registry ships and 471 loaded “Lakers” had passed through the Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock and the Snell Lock. This is up 21 from the same period in 1996.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Today in Great Lakes History – August 15

The JOSEPH L. BLOCK sailed light on her maiden voyage from the Bay Ship Building Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI to load 32,600 long tons of taconite ore pellets at Escanaba, MI for delivery to Indiana Harbor, IN on August 15, 1976.

The OTTERCLIFFE HALL, the last “straight deck” Great Lakes bulk freighter built with a pilot house forward was bare boat chartered to Misener Transportation Ltd. on August 15, 1983.

Under threat of a strike on August 15, 1978, the GEORGE A. STINSON was towed out of Lorain before her completion by six tugs and was taken to Detroit’s Nicholson’s Terminal & Dock to finish her fit-out.

The LEON FALK, JR. was laid up for the last time August 15, 1980 at the Great Lakes Engineering Work’s old slip at River Rouge, MI.

On August 15, 1985 the MENIHEK LAKE sailed under her own power to Quebec City (from there by tug), the first leg of her journey to the cutter tourch in Spain.

J.P. MORGAN, JR. arrived in tow of Hannah Marine’s tug DARYL C. HANNAH at Buffalo, NY on August 15th where she was delayed until she could obtain clearance to transit the Welland Canal. Permission to pass down the Canal was refused because of the MORGAN, JR.’s improper condition after a collision with the 480 foot Interlake steamer CRETE on June 23, 1948 in dense fog off Devils Island, in the Apostle Islands, on Lake Superior.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

News from the Seaway

08/14:
The 1979 built OOCL ASSURANCE-HK, a regular visitor to Montreal is at anchor at Montreal East today awaiting a berth at the Canmar Terminal, under her new name “CANMAR VALOUR”, ready to replace the CANMAR SPIRIT and CANMAR VENTURE, who have spent the last year on the Canmar Mediterranean sevice after many years in the Canmar service from Montreal to Northern Europe . The Canmar Spirit arrived Montreal at 1am today and the Canmar Venture is inbound for Montreal in the Cabot Strait this evening. The future use or disposition of these two vessels is not known at this time

The small 1962 built Cdn coastal tanker PETROBULK that exploded July 16 killing the Master/owner, and seriously injuring 3 Crewmen burned for 6 days in spite of CCG efforts to extinguished the fire. 1000 people were evacuated from St Barb. NFLD and considerable damage was done to the wharf causing disrupted and diverted ferry services to the town

The new (1997) small USA cruise ship GRANDE CARIBE spent most of this season in Eastern Canada and USA As the Hibernia construction project winds down vessels are being diverted to other duties. The excursion type vessel Garden City is in the Seaway at Calling Point 7 today enroute to Hamilton. The Macassa Bay arrived Hamilton Aug 09. The Canadian Steamship Lines vessels, lakers ATLANTIC HURON, NANTICOKE, and ATLANTIC ERIE are dispensing of their Hibernia ballasting equipment to return to normal service.

The well known Cdn Navy diving support vessel HMCS CORMORANT, a regular visitor to the Seaway was decommissioned in July (date unknown). She is replaced by HMCS SECHELT which arrived in Eastern Canada from the West coast.

The changes to the Christensen Canada African Services involve the departure of the THORSWAVE from the service and the arrival of a new vessel to the service, name of THORSRIVER which will have some ro/ro capabilities. The veratile general carriers THOR 1 and THORSCAPE which have completed over 50 round trips each to Africa since 1978 are expected to remain in service.

Reported by: John Whitehead

A G FARQUHARSON in Desgagnes Colours

08/14:
The tanker A G FARQUHARSON arrived at the Government Dock in Sault Ste Marie today. Although the hull is still red the ship has Desgagnes blue with yellow stack markings and is flying a Desgagnes house flag.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

July Cargo Preview

08/14:
U.S.-Flag carriage on the Lakes in July likely topped 14 million tons. Iron ore cargos in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 6.6 million tons, an increase of 4.7 percent. Stone loadings in U.S. bottoms topped 3.9 million tons, an increase of 6 percent. The U.S.-Flag coal float totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 4.3 percent.

A complete report on U.S.-Flag haulage in July will be issued later this week on the LCA’s home page.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Seaway Notice No. 10 1997 closing

08/14:
Welland Canal

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority will carry out a number of major structure restoration projects in the Welland Canal during the 1997-98 non-navigation season. Because of the volume of work, and in order not to delay the opening of the 1998 season, it is necessary that these projects start as early as possible.

Mariners are advised that the closing of the Welland Canal will be scheduled to take place near the end of December. The final date will depend largely on vessel demand and weather conditions.

Confirmation regarding the above will be provided in a timely manner.
Closing Procedures, Montreal-Lake Ontario Section
For the 1997 navigation season, the Seaway entities have agreed to apply the closing procedures outlined below. In these procedures the following definitions are used:

the closing period: the period beginning December 1 and continuing until the last vessel has completed its transit; the clearance date: 2400 hours, December 20.
During the closing period, the following procedures will be in effect:

Reporting
Commencing at 0001 hours, December 1 and for the duration of the closing period, each upbound vessel entering the Seaway at CIP 2 or departing upbound from a port, dock, wharf or anchorage in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must declare the furthermost destination of its voyage.

Commencing at 0001 hours, December 17 and for the duration of the closing period, each downbound vessel entering traffic control Sector 4 at mid-Lake Ontario must declare the furthermost St. Lawrence River destination of its voyage, along with all intermediate destinations.

Regarding a) and b), each vessel must advise the nearest traffic control centre of any changes in these destinations.
Upbound Vessels with Destinations above Port Colborne
A vessel which enters the Seaway system upbound at CIP 2 after 2400 hours on December 9 and transits above Port Colborne shall be designated a ‘wintering vessel’.
A ‘wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be granted downbound transit privileges only if, in the opinion of the Authority and the Corporation, such transit can be accomplished safely and without interfering with the orderly and timely transit of any vessel not designated as a ‘wintering vessel’ or without otherwise disrupting the system.
A ‘Wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must give notification of such intent to the Authority or Corporation at least 48 hours prior to arriving at CIP 16 (Port Colborne).
If a ‘wintering vessel’ is granted downbound transit privileges through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section, it will be subject to the following:
A ‘wintering vessel’ will yield, whenever required to do so by the Authority or the Corporation, its downbound order of turn at Port Colborne (CIP 16) and in the area from Cape Vincent to Prescott anchorage in favour of vessels which are not designated as ‘wintering vessel’.
The application of sub-paragraph (i) above shall not excuse a ‘wintering vessel’ from liability for the post-clearance-date operational surcharges as specified in the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls.
A ‘wintering vessel’ will be required to accept and acknowledge that a downbound transit is not assured, and that the Authority and the Corporation make no representation whatsoever as to their ability to successfully transit the vessel downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section.
Acceptance for Transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section
Upbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at Cap St. Michel up to 2400 hours, December 20.
Downbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at calling-in point Cape Vincent up to 2400 hours, December 20.
Vessels which have complied with these clearance date call-in procedures will be cleared through the system, operating conditions permitting. ‘Operating conditions’ means all conditions which affect or may affect the operation and maintenance of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway as determined by the Seaway entities.
Vessels which report at the designated call-in points at Cap St. Michel and Cape Vincent after 2400 hours, December 20, will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit. Such transit will be subject to the provisions of Paragraph 4 below.
Vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf in the Cap St. Michel-Cape Vincent section of the Seaway and which report for transit after the clearance date will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit.
Such transits will be subject to the surcharges as outlined in Paragraph 4 below, with the exception that, for vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf within the St. Lambert-Iroquois Lock segment, the application of the surcharges will commence after 2400 hours, December 21, i.e. $20,000 on December 22, $40,000 on December 23 and $60,000 on December 24.
For vessels included in the foregoing paragraph, the time and date that the vessel reports to be ready in all respects to transit will be taken as the criteria for the establishment of the amount of surcharge.
In no event will any vessel be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway after 2400 hours, December 24, unless it has reached a prior written agreement as to approval of such transit with both the Authority and the Corporation.

Post-Clearance-Date Transit
Vessels which report at a designated call-in point after 2400 hours on December 20, and which are permitted by the entities to transit may be subject to the operational surcharge specified as follows:
For vessels reporting on December 21 – $20,000
For vessels reporting on December 22 – $40,000
For vessels reporting on December 23 – $60,000
For vessels reporting on December 24 – $80,000

It will be announced no later than December 15 whether or not, based upon operating conditions, vessels will be subject to the aforementioned operational surcharges on December 21. Should the surcharge for this date not be applied, then at 24-hour intervals, similar reviews will be made for subsequent days, until such date as the applicable surcharge is to be applied. However, in no event will such a review be made after December 18.

In the event there is a postponement of the application of surcharges, the applicable daily amounts will be based on the vessel’s call-in time at Cap St. Michel or Cape Vincent. Appendix 1 to this Notice provides the details on this.
Assessed operational surcharges will be prorated on a per lock basis. Surcharges representing transit through U.S. locks will be for the account of the Corporation and payable in U.S. funds and surcharges representing transit through Canadian locks will be for the account of the Authority and payable in Canadian funds.
Regardless of conditions, no vessel will be accepted for either upbound or downbound post-clearance-date transit of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway until it has furnished the applicable operational surcharge. In cases where it appears as if it may be necessary to request post-clearance-date transit, vessels are urged to deposit security in the amount of $80,000 to cover the potential operational surcharge. Failure to have sufficient funds on deposit will cause delay which could result in additional surcharge cost, or denial of transit, to vessels unable to furnish the applicable operational surcharge immediately upon reaching the designated call-in point.

Transit Restrictions (Draft and Power to Length Ratio)
Unique ice conditions are encountered in the St. Lambert-Iroquois segment. To reduce the problem of lengthy delays caused by vessels operating in ice, the following restrictions will apply during the closing period.
After 0001 hours on December 7, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:
Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 20:1 (kW/metre);
Vessels with a forward draft of less than 40 dm. Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 20 dm.
After 0001 hours on December 12, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:
Upbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 24:1 (kW/metre) Vessels with a forward draft of less than 50 dm.
Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 25 dm.
In all cases, the draft is to be sufficient to have the propeller fully submerged. The draft limitations referred to in a) and b) do not apply to tugs. Subject to approval, vessel operators may utilize a tug of a minimum of 3000 HP to augment the power of a vessel not meeting the requirements as specified above. In calculating the vessel’s power to length ratio, 50% of the tug’s horsepower can be added to the vessel’s power. For determining the power to length ratio, the information contained in the Lloyd’s Register will be used. Vessel operators should note that compliance with the above restrictions does not assure transit and that the Seaway entities may increase or decrease the restrictions as ice or other conditions dictate. These changes will be announced as early as practical, but in no case later than 24 hours before they go into effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Today in Great Lakes History – August 14

Sea trials for the HENRY FORD II took place on August 14, 1924 and shortly after she left on her maiden voyage with coal from Toledo, OH to Duluth, MN and returned with iron ore to the Ford Rouge Plant at Dearborn.

Having been sold for scrap, the GOVERNOR MILLER was towed down the Soo Locks on August 14, 1980 for Milwaukee, WI to load scrap.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

News from the Twin Ports

08/13:
The fuel boat Reiss Marine, which served the Twin Ports until going out of business last winter, reportedly has been sold Mexican and a Mexican crew is in town preparing the boat for the transit south. Two companies are now using trucks to provide fueling services to ships in Duluth.

Demolition work is proceeding on Duluth’s former Cargill C and D elevators, which stood empty for about 20 years. The company doing the demolition reportedly has hauled three large truckloads of bird dung out of the elevators and still has a long ways to go before cleanup work is finished.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Twin Ports

Reported by: Al Miller

Today in Great Lakes History – August 13

Operated by a crew of retired Hanna captains, chief engineers and executives, the GEORGE M. HUMPHREY departed Great Lakes Engineering Works under her own power on August 13, 1986 for Lauzon, Que. The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY cleared Lauzon September 3rd with the former Hanna steamer PAUL H. CARNAHAN in tow of the Dutch tug SMIT LLOYD 109. The tow locked through the Panama Canal, September 27th through 30th, and arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan December 10, 1986 completing a trip of over 14,000 miles. The HUMPHREY was scrapped in 1987 by Shiong Yek Steel Corp.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Record Month For Lakes Stone Trade

08/12:
Shipments of limestone and gypsum from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4,980,154 net tons in July, the highest monthly total since LCA began its survey of the trade. The previous record was 4,879,662 net tons, loaded in August of last year.

For the season, stone loadings stand at 17.5 million tons, an increase of 13.4 percent compared to last year’s end-of-July total.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Today in Great Lakes History – August 12

The TOM M. GIRDLER was christened August 12, 1951, she was the first of the C4 conversions.

The MAUNALOA II was launched August 12, 1899

The RIDGETOWN (a WILLIAM E. COREY) sailed from Chicago on her maiden voyage August 12, 1905 bound for Duluth, MN to load iron ore.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

M/V Algoway helps save 5 people

08/11:
At about 10:00 A.M. Sunday morning the U. S. Coast Guard, Saginaw River Station,received a distress call from the 43′ pleasure craft “Sole Pleasure” , near Gravelley Shoals, in the Saginaw Bay, that there was a fire aboard. The fire was extinguished without harm to the occupants, but the vessel was now dead in the water. The Coast Guard was aware that the M/V Algoway was inbound and requested the Captain to see if he could spot the “Sole Pleasure” and he was able to. The Captain of the Algoway went out of his way , took a line and towed the crippled vessel in to the Mouth of the Saginaw and the vessel was taken in for repairs. Big thanks to the Captain and crew of the M/V Algoway and the joint efforts of the U S. Coast Guard Saginaw River Station.

Reported by: Dan Maus

I Salute the crew of the Algoway

Carferry bolts down stateroom beds

08/11:
“All the stateroom beds on the S.S. Badger have been secured in an open position so that passengers cannot raise or lower them.

‘We did this voluntarily,’ said Thom Hawley, director of public information for Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc. ‘We realize this may cause some inconvenience for our passengers, but we felt it was a measure we should take.’

Hawley said the fold-down beds in all 42 staterooms on the Badger have been fastened in the down position so that they cannot be raised or lowered by passengers.

The modification followed the death of a passenger last month who apparently suffocated when a pull-down bed raised up, trapping her.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

St. Lawrence Seaway in 1996

08/11:
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. reported this week that in 1996, shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway of wheat increased 48 percent from 1995 to 492,000 tons. Iron and steel shipments were up 32 percent to 1.1 million tons. Direct U.S. shipments through the Montreal – Lake Ontario section increased 16 percent to 2.5 million tons. As of 5 Aug., 369 loaded foreign-registry ships and 471 loaded “Lakers” had passed through the Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock and the Snell Lock. This is up 21 from the same period in 1996.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Midwest Energy line up

08/11:
The Blues Festival is not the only place in town to have a line waiting to get in. Midwest Energy, the coal terminal in Superior that brings low sulfer coal in from Montana by train and loads that coal onto ships destined for Detroit Edison and other ports on the lower lakes, joins the club. They had a party and everybody came. There are fours ships either here, or about to be here, that will load coal at Midwest Energy. And the party has already started. Last night (8/7), the St. Clair was literally in line to get into the terminal. She had pulled out of her berth at the Reiss Coal Dock in West Duluth, and moved across the St. Louis River and sat in the water just behind the Columbia Star, waiting for the Star to finish. As soon as the last lump of coal entered the last hold on the Star, she was off for the lower lakes and the St. Clair moved into place. She left early this morning, and was replaced by the Walter J. McCarthy. The McCarthy is there now and should be departing through the Duluth Ship Canal late this afternoon. The H. Lee White will follow the same path the St. Clair did, moving from the Reiss dock to Midwest Energy. The Indiana Harbor is already at the Port Terminal waiting to go, and the Canadian Transport is steaming across Lake Superior, due to arrive around the middle of this afternoon. She may set anchor off the Duluth piers. If she is smart, she might try docking over at the DECC, settle in and enjoy the Blues Festival. She will be here a while. It would make a nice weekend aboard ship. She was the first laker to be outfitted with an exercise room and a sauna.

Reported by: Duluth Shipping News

“Princess” now on The Saginaw

08/11:
The “Princess” a 38′ steel hull ,steam fired, single cylinder, walking beam engine has been launched and has been seen paddling up and down the Saginaw River. She is equipped with feathering, side paddlewheels on both sides of her and will reverse as needed, all speeds and needs of the engine are requested by bells rung from the pilot house to the engineer. It is also equipped with the typical river boat steam whistle, being of proper tone and loudness[genuine riverboat]. However, due to liability reasons no rides for pay will be available, but, members of The Saginaw River Historical Society CAN ride for free. want to JOIN the SOCIETY??? This engine was designed and utilizes the most “up to date” 1860’s technology and functions as smooth as a “school marms leg”, It can be seen docked at “The Brass Lantern”, a fine dining and watering hole on the east side [1019 N. Water St.] of Bay City, Mich 48708, on the Saginaw River.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Vintage Oldsmobiles on Badger

08/11:
60 or so vintage Oldsmobiles will be crossing the lake from Manitowoc on August 20 on the S.S. Badger, to be a part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Oldmobile in Lansing. They are scheduled to arrive at Ludington at 5:30 PM on Aug 20, and will be available for public viewing for about an hour after they are off-loaded.

The caravan will be given some Lake Michigan water to take to Lansing as part of the Pacific Ocean-Lake Michigan connection. The water is to be used to sprinkle the cars coming from San Francisco which have been have already been sprinkled with Pacific Ocean water.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

New Montreal to South Africa service

08/11:
Christensen Canadian African Lines will operate three ships every 21 days from Montreal to the Ports of Cape Town and Durban in South Africa. The Thorl (ro/ro), the Thorscape (Singaporean-registry 20,321-dwt ro/ro built in 1977, operated by Jaya Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd.) and the Thorsriver (ro/ro) will work on the service.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Canada Maritime Services changes

08/11:
Canada Maritime Services Ltd. has placed the Canmar Valour (1,000-TEU capacity containership) in service on Route B of its container service from North America to the Mediterranean, which it operates with Orient Overseas Container Line. Canada Maritime Services bought the ship from O.O.C.L. to replace the Canmar Spirit (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services) and the Canmar Venture (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services). The ships had sailed Route 3 of Canada Maritime’s northern service, which includes the St. Lawrence Seaway. In October, the Canmar Valour will be drydocked for a new radar installation, a new electronic chart system and a new fuel treatment plant.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Today in Great Lakes History – August 11

The H.M. GRIFFITH was the first self-unloader to unload grain at Robin Hood’s new hopper unloading facility at Port Colborne, Ont on August 11, 1987

On August 11, 1977 the THOMAS LAMONT was the first vessel to take on fuel at Shell’s new fuel dock at Sarnia, Ont. The dock’s fueling rate was 60 to 70,000 gallons per minute and was built to accommodate one-thousand footers.

Opening ceremonies for the METEOR (2) museum ship were held on August 11, 1973 with the President of Cleveland Tankers present whose company had donated the ship. This historically unique ship was enshrined into the National Maritime Hall of Fame.

The T.W. ROBINSON and US.265808 (former BENSON FORD (2)) departed Quebec City on August 11, 1987 along with US.265808 (former BENSON FORD (2)) in tow of the Polish tug JANTAR bound for Recife where they arrived on September 22, 1987. Scrapping began the next month in October.

August 10

On August 10, 1952, the Arthur M. Anderson entered service. Exactly fourteen years later, on August 10, 1966, the vessel’s namesake, Arthur Marvin Anderson, passed away.

On August 10, 1969, the Edmund Fitzgerald set the last of many cargo records it set during the 1960s. The Fitzgerald loaded 27,402 gross tons of taconite pellets at Silver Bay on this date. This record was broken by the Fitzgerald’s sister ship, the Arthur B. Homer, during the 1970 shipping season.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Tug VENTURE sinks Again

08/08:
The tug VENTURE which sank at the compensating gates in the St. Mary’s River on May 20 (see news archive) suffered a similar fate on Tuesday, August 5 as the tug lost power and was again pinned to the gate by the strong current. Attempts to free the tug will be made today. (August 7). Three crew members escaped serious injury although the Captain apparently suffered an injury to his jaw.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

Big Month for Lake Erie Coal

08/07:
Coal shipments from the Lake Erie ports of Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut totaled 2,545,025 net tons, an increase of 44 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, Lake Erie coal loadings total 9,264,372 net tons, an increase of 28.6 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

71 members of the House of Representatives have signed to support Jones Act

08/08:
When Congress recessed on August 1, 214 members of the House of Representatives had signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Lakes legislators was Sabo (MN). In total, 71 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution to date and this group represents virtually every lakefront district. More members of Congress are expected to sign the Resolution when the House returns in September.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Today in Great Lakes History – August 08

The JAMES R. BARKER became the longest vessel on the Great Lakes when it entered service on August 8, 1976. It held at least a tie for this honor until the Paul R. Tregurtha entered service on May 10, 1981.The BARKER’s deckhouse had been built at AmShip’s Chicago yard and was transported in sections to Lorain on the deck of the steamer GEORGE D. GOBLE.

The BUFFALO was christened August 8, 1978

The E.B. BARBER along with the motor vessel SAGINAW BAY arrived August 8, 1985 under tow in Vigo, Spain. Demolition began on August 9, 1985 by Miguel Martins Periera at Guixar-Vigo.

The Soo River Company was forced into receivership on August 8, 1982.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Canadian Mariner departs Port Weller Drydocks

08/07:
At 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 5th, the tugs Glenevis, Glenside and Argue Martin pulled the Canadian Mariner out of Port Weller’s deep drydock and proceeded downbound through lock 1 of the Welland Canal. The four vessels entered Lake Ontario at about noon and shortly thereafter Argue Martin, which had been assisting at Mariner’s stern, left the tow and returned to the canal.

Glenevis and Glenside took Canadian Mariner across the lake to Toronto where it seems the bulker will spend a short time in mid-summer layup.

Argue Martin returned to Port Weller Drydocks at 15:30.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Something smells fishy in Port Stanley

08/07:
Port Stanley is very congested with commercial fishing vessels, boats from Port Colborne, Port Dover, Port Maitland, Kingsville and Wheatley are trolling for smelt and gill netting for perch and pickerel. There are 35 or more boats fishing out of Port Stanley, the harbor is recieving 300,000 pounds of fish per day.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Algolake makes unusual call

08/07:
Algolake made an unusual call Aug. 6 at the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. Not far away, Algontario wass unloading cement at St. Lawrence Cement.

Reported by: Al Miller

American Merchant Mariners Tell Congress The Truth About Jones Act “Reform”

08/07:
The crew of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA has written Congress a letter in support of the Jones Act.

July 24, 1997

Dear Representative:

We are the officers and crew members of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the largest U.S.-Flag vessel on the Great Lakes. We carry Jones Act cargo, primarily Montana coal from Superior, Wisconsin, to a power plant on the St. Clair River in Michigan. Every 5 1/2 to 6 days, we deliver the equivalent of 6 100-car unit train loads of coal. Last year alone, we carried over 3,000,000 tons of this coal. We did it safely, swiftly, and in a manner which did not degrade our environment. We work hard, under all sorts of conditions – from the ice in spring, into the summer, through the gales of November, and back into the ice of winter.

We have given up a lot for this job, counting among the hardships absence from our families for long periods of time. We make a good living, with good benefits for us and our families. We are able to educate our children and pay our mortgages. We are productive members of society. We are all tax-paying American citizens. And we are angry. The movement afoot to “reform” (read: “abolish”) the Jones Act would put us out of our jobs. The so-called Jones Act Reform Coalition twists facts, invents others, and generally insults us and our profession.

They claim their bill will create jobs for the American mariner, but this is not true – our jobs will go to foreigners because of a loophole in the law wider than Lake Superior. The provision allows foreign flag ships to move cargo between U.S. ports WITHOUT employing American sailors, WITHOUT paying taxes and WITHOUT compliance with U.S. safety and environmental laws. There is no way this ship and its owner, The Interlake Steamship Company, could ever compete under those circumstances. “Reform” of the Jones Act will simply be the end of the U.S. Flag fleet.

There is a resolution in the House in support of the Jones Act (H. Con. Res 65). As of today, 187 members of the House have signed this resolution. (note: As of the August 5 recess, 214 members have signed.) I urge you to join with your fellow legislators and voice your support for our nation’s Cabotage laws. If you have already signed, thank you for your support. We think we earn it every day by safely and efficiently delivering cargo on the Great Lakes, and will do so as long as there is shipping on the Lakes, provided the Jones Act remains the foundation of U.S. maritime policy.

Sincerely,

Officers and Crew Members of M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA

Captain Mitchell B. Hallin, Phoenix, AZ
Michael E. LaCombe, First Mate, Marine City, MI
Karl G. Hardesty, Second Mate, Plainwell, MI
Dennis S. Badaczewski II, Third Mate, Marquette, MI
Douglas R. Paulson, Wheelsman, Calumet, MI
Polly A. Sales, Wheelsman, Superior, WI
Bill M. Sales, Jr., Wheelsman, Superior, WI
William B. Bosley, Watchman, Beaver, WV
Bob A. Moss, Watchman, Duluth, MN
Jason K. Law, Watchman, Springville, NY
Dave A. Myklejord, AB Maintenance Man, Fosston, MN
Matthew J. Dunham, Deckhand, Marquette, MI
Brian K. Olson, Superior, WI
Kymberli King, Deck Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Robert Liimatta, Chief Engineer, Hawthorne, WI
Henry R. Taylor, Jr., 1st Asst. Engineer, Taylor, MI
Brian O. Berghefer, 2nd Asst. Engineer, Laurium, MI
Stephen J. Kowalski, Jr., 2nd Asst. Engineer, Staten Island, NY
Gary A. Heagerty, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Stockton, CA
Glen M. Lahti, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Brule, WI
Bill F. Jurey, QMED), Fort Meyers, FL
Randy Johnson, QMED, Barnes, WI
Carmen J. Tucker, QMED, Cleveland, OH
Brian D. Gallop, Conveyorman, Grand Rapids, MN
Joe R. Evans, Gateman, Vermillion, OH
Kenneth Barnett, Engine Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Donna Dresp, Chief Cook, Stuart, FL
Andy Jaworski, Second Cook, Beulah, MI
Sandy L. Vantassel, Porter, Walbridge, OH

Note: QMED = Qualified Member of the Engine Department

I salute the crew aboard the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, you can help their effort by writing your own Representative.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Today in Great Lakes History – August 07

The JAMES R. BARKER was christened August 7, 1976 she was to become Interlake’s first 1000 footer and the flag ship of the fleet for Moore McCormack Leasing, Inc. (Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio, mgr.). She was built at a cost of more than $43 million under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. She was the third thousand footer to sail on the Lakes and the first built entirely on the Lakes.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Ore tonnage from Superior up

08/06:
Iron ore shipments from three Lake Superior ports were ahead of last year’s pace through June even though ore consumption is slowing, the American Iron Ore Association reported.

Ore tonnage from Superior was up 10 percent over last year; Duluth was up 9 percent; and Two Harbors 29 percent.

Shipments were down 17 percent in Silver Bay and 11 percent in Taconite Harbor.

The statistics for Two Harbors and Taconite Harbor likely were affected by the train wreck last winter that slowed shipments through Taconite Harbor and prompted some tonnage to be routed through Two Harbors.

In May, iron ore consumption was 8 percent below last year’s pace.

Reported by: Al Miller

Victor L. Schlager heading for refit

08/06:
The tug Ohio towed the tug Victor L. Schlager dead ship down the St. Clair and Detroit River on Saturday, August 2. Another vessel inquired, and the Ohio said it was going for a complete refit, but didn’t give the destination. The Schlager, a fire tug (engine # 58) for the Chicago fire department, was built at Christy Corporation in 1950.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Dock worker hurt in Toldeo

08/06:
Arthur Woodward, a Toledo World Terminal dock worker was severely injured Sunday, August 3. A bundle of Aluminum fell on him while he was in the hold of a ship. He was flown by Life Flight to Mercy Hospital in Toledo where his leg was amputated. Unloading of the vessel was delayed for several hours.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Ore Boat article in Lake Superior Magazine

08/06:
There is a nice cover article in the July, 1997 issue of Lake Superior Magazine about life aboard the ore boats.It features the second mate on the COURTNEY BURTON and goes into a bit of detail about the various superstitions as well as the working conditions. It is nicely illustrated, too. It was written by Donn Larson and photographed by Paul L. Hayden. If you can’t find it in your store, visit the web site.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

Today in Great Lakes History – August 06

WALTER J. McCARTHY JR.’s bottom was damaged at the fit-out dock and required dry docking on August 6, 1977 for repairs prior to her maiden voyage.

The IMPERIAL BEDFORD was delivered to Imperial Oil Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont. on August 6,1969.

The fourth Welland Canal was officially opened with much ceremony on August 6, 1932 when the steamer LEMOYNE, then the largest bulk carrier on the Lakes, locked down the Flight Locks.

On August 6, 1982 the Pierson fleet was placed in receivership and eventually the entire fleet was purchased by Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd. (P&H Shipping Ltd.,), Mississauga, Ont.

The CITY OF SAGINAW 31 was launched August 6, 1929.

The WILLIAM CLAY loaded her first cargo of iron ore on August 6, 1953 to be delivered to her home port at the Ford Rouge Plant south of Detroit, MI.

On August 6, 1965 the JOHN T. HUTCHINSON, upbound in the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River after having unloaded taconite ore at McLouth Steel, lost steering control and struck a stationary section of the Grosse Ile toll bridge. This caused the bridge section and two cars to drop into the river. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, but the bridge was closed for several months. The HUTCHINSON sailed to AmShip’s South Chicago yard for repairs.

The KINGDOC (2) was launched August 6, 1963 for N.M. Paterson & Sons Ltd.

The POINTE NOIRE was released on August 6, 1977 after running aground two days prior in the Rock Cut in the St. Marys River blocking the channel.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

News from the Seaway

08/05:
The ice strengthened Dutch built S.L.I.L -BR reg., ex J.A.Z. Desgagnes made stops at Gaspe and Newfoundland before departing from Cdn shores. She has since passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is in the Mediterranean bound for the Suez Canal and will take the Red Sea route to Madagascar off the East Coast of Africa. She is reportsd to have Chinese owners and will trade to the Mediterranean from Madagascar.

The well known Cdn tanker A R Farquaharson is underway again after layup in Halifax NS, since Oct 1996. The ex Texaco Chief, and owned in 1996 by Imperial Oil is in Quebec City and due to depart for the Great Lakes. Her master is currently acting as the vessel’s agent

The CSL laker Jean Parisien while eastbound in the Seaway gave a destination of SEA.. causing speculation that she may be joining the 3 CSL Lakers engaged in the HIBERNIA rig ballasting. However she passed Latittude 66 West today at 0105, eastbound, ordered for Belledune, New Brunswick

The Jacques Desgagnes and Cecilia Desgagnes are west bound in the Strait of Belle Isle, returning from another successful Arctic voyage. The Arctic Viking will berth at Cote St Catherine tonight, to load for another sea-lift trip

The tanker Emerald Star will depart Quebec City this evening bound for Goose Bay on the Coast of Labrador.

The Maltese vessel SEDOY departed Montreal this evening on a first visit to the Great Lakes. The russian tanker Vlasimir Vysotski tentered the St Lambert Lock at 1052 on a first time visit, destination Sarnia. The Swiss tanker RHONE with a cargo of European wine in bulk will not proceed west of Montreal

Reported by: John Whitehead

Ferry, U.S. Coast Guard vessel damaged in explosion

08/05:
A fireworks explosion on the city pier in Charlevoix, Mich., on 26 July killed one person and injured 17 others, with shrapnel spread within a 300-meter/1,000-foot radius of the explosion. A local ferry was holed above the waterline and half its windows were destroyed. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Balsam-class Seagoing Buoy Tender U.S.C.G.C. Acacia (WLB 406), homeported at the pier, suffered minor scrapes and dents to its hull and flying bridge.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Confirmed Mapleglen is at Port Weller for 5 year

08/05:
P + H MAPLEGLEN x Algocape, x Carol Lake 1960 is at Port Weller Dry Dock for her 5 year inspection.

Reports are that she is expected to be there for about one month.

The Mapleglen runs mainly from The Lakehead (Thunder Bay) to down below (St Lawrence River Ports) The Oakglen x T.R. Mc Lagen her fleet mate does the same but often runs the shorter trip to Goderich from the Lake head.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Former Mackinaw Island Ferry working in Maine

08/05:
While on vaction in Bar Harbor Maine I came across the 1923 built CHIPPEWA (X-MARY MARGRET). She used to be a Mackinwaw Island ferry. She was purchased by the Downeast Windjammer Cruises in 1994 and brought to Maine where they restored her. She is now used for sightseeing tours of the waters around Bar Harbor Maine.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Today in Great Lakes History – August 05

The Richard M. Marshall (later Joseph S. Wood, John Dykstra, Benson Ford, and, finally, 265808) entered service on August 5, 1953. From 1966 until it was retired at the end of 1984, this vessel and the William Clay Ford (1) were fleetmates. There is only one other instance of two boats being owned by the same company at some point in their careers with as close or closer age difference. The Charles M. Beeghly (originally Shenango II) and the Herbert C. Jackson, fleetmates since 1967, both entered service on May 14, 1959.

The aft section of the WALTER J. McCARTHY JR.was float launched August 5, 1976. She was American Steamship’s first thousand-footer and the first thousand-footer built at Bay Ship.

The G.A. TOMLINSON (2). was sold outright to Columbia Transportation Co. (an Oglebay Norton Co.), on August 5, 1971 along with the last two Tomlinson vessels, the SYLVANIA and the JAMES DAVIDSON.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Montrealais and Mapleglen arrive at Port Weller Drydocks

08/04:
At 08:54 on August 2nd, the tugs Glenevis, Argue Martin and James E. McGrath assisted the P&H bulker Mapleglen into the facility’s shallow dock. Once she was secured the HMCS Athabaskan was moved northward along Port Weller’s long fitout wall until her stern was adjacent to Mapleglen’s stern. This was done so that there would be room for Montrealais to secure forward of her.

Montrealais departed wharf 1, below lock 1 where she had been since 11:35 on July 31st, and arrived at the drydocks at 14:02. The three tugs then assisted her to the fitout wall.

Both Mapleglen and Montrealais are apparently in for 5-year inspections and minor general reparis.

See the Welland Canal section of Vessel Transits for a complete record of daily ship movements through the canal.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Rare trip to Silver Bay

08/04:
John B. Aird paid a rare call Aug. 3 to Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

Today in Great Lakes History – August 04

Two favorites of many boatwatchers, entered service on August 4. The William Clay Ford (1) entered service on August 4, 1953, and the Edward L. Ryerson entered service on August 4, 1960.

The MELISSA DESGAGNES sailed to Holland under her ‘a’ name ONTADOC (2) with a load of Bentonite from Chicago on August 4, 1979.

The E.J. BLOCK was laid up for the last time at Indiana Harbor, IN on August 4 1984, the E.J. BLOCK was sold for scrap in late May, 1987.

The D.M. CLEMSON (2) left Superior on August 4, 1980 in tow of Malcolm Marine’s tug TUG MALCOLM for Thunder Bay where she was dismantled.

The HOCHELAGA (2) was launched August 4, 1949 at the Collingwood Shipyards Ltd., Collingwood, Ont. for Canada Steamship Lines Ltd., Montreal, Que

On a foggy August 4, 1977 the POINTE NOIRE went hard aground near the entrance to the Rock Cut in the St. Marys River and blocked the channel. After her grain cargo was lightered by Columbia Transportation’s crane steamer BUCKEYE, the POINTE NOIRE was released on August 6th. She was reloaded in Hay Lake and continued her downbound trip. Repairs to her bottom damage were completed at Thunder Bay. Ont.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

August U.S. Vessel Report

08/02:
On August 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 65 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. These vessels represent nearly 97 percent of available carrying capacity.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships can be activated if demand warrants. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Lakes Virtually Ringed With Jones Act Supporters

08/02:
As of August 1, 212 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Carson (Indiana); Coyne (Pennsylvania); and McHale (Pennsylvania). In total, 70 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution and this group represents virtually every lakefront district.

Equally important, the Resolution now needs just 6 more co-signers to reach a majority of the House of Representatives.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Today in Great Lakes History – August 02

The AMERICAN MARINER was launched on August 2, 1979 for the Connecticut Bank & Trust Co., (American Steamship Co., Buffalo, NY, mgr.). She was to be named CHICAGO (3), but that name was removed before launch.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s report on the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD was released on August 2, 1977. It cited faulty hatch covers, lack of water tight cargo hold bulkheads and damage caused from an undetermined source as the cause of her loss.

The BENSON FORD’s maiden voyage was on August 2, 1924 with coal from Toledo, OH to Duluth, MN and returned with iron ore to the Ford Rouge Plant at Dearborn.

On August 2, 1990 the Lightship HURON was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark. LIGHTSHIP 103 had been almost completely restored and was opened to the public for tours and remains so at this time

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Armco calls in St. Clair

08/01:
Oglebay Norton’s, ARMCO, unloaded a cargo of coal in St. Clair yesterday, July 30. Her destination was not the Edison Power Plant but the small Azco Salt Dock in downtown St. Clair. This visit might have been her first to that dock?

Reported by: Rod Burdick

Twin Ports news

08/01:
Kinsman Independent was finishing its load July 31 at Harvest States elevator in Superior, another location it’s visited rarely in the past year.

American Mariner was busy on Lake Superior July 30-31. The vessel arrived at the Reiss Inland dock in Duluth to unload July 30, then came back down river to load at Midwest Energy Terminal with a cargo of coal for Taconite Harbor.

St. Clair paid one of its occasional visits July 30 to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

News on the Hermine

08/01:
The vessel La Grande Hermine was towed to Jordan Harbour,to the Marina at the Beacon Inn. The Macassa Bay is still the Macassa Bay, she was towed back from Hibernia where her and the Garden City had been used as ferries carrying workers back and forth between the GBS structure and the shore-side construction facilities. The Garden City should be returning under her own power.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Today in Great Lakes History – August 01, 1997

On August 1, 1982, the Canadian tanker Hubert Gaucher entered service.

Data from: Jody L. Aho and Ahoy & Farewell II

This is a small sample, the book includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history