October 1996 News Archive

Oglebay Withdrawing as Mine’s Manager

10/31/1996:
Oglebay Norton Co. has filed a notice that Eveleth Mines, a 31-year-old Minnesota taconite producer employing 650 people, will close Dec. 31 unless a management agreement with the mine’s other three owners is reached within 60 days.Oglebay Norton officials said the notice doesn’t necessarily mean the plant will close. It is simply required because Oglebay is withdrawing as the mine’s manager and co-owner at the end of the year.

The mine’s three remaining owners – Rouge Steel, AK Steel and Stelco – want to keep the mine open and increase production. Negotiations among the steelmakers and Oglebay Norton are continuing, although it’s unclear when a new management agreement will be reached.

Eveleth Mines is located near Eveleth, Minn. It ships taconite pellets through the DM&IR dock in Duluth.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

More News from Duluth/Superior

11/01:
Few vessels were moving in Duluth-Superior on Oct. 31 as a massive fall storm moved across the upper Great Lakes. Storm warnings remained in effect on Lake Superior, with westerly winds at 35 mph and expected to rise. Waves were predicted at 16 to 20 feet.The coal-laden Walter J. McCarthy apparently was the last vessel to leave the Twin Ports, departing early on Oct. 30. Edgar B. Speer remained at anchor off Duluth Oct. 31, unwilling to attempt entry into Two Harbors. Algomarine loaded in Superior Oct. 30 but went to anchor off Duluth on Oct. 31 until the wind subsides. Inside the harbor, the Algoriver was loaded with grain but remained in port. John J. Boland was loading coal but also expected to remain in port.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Edward L. Ryerson to see Service Next Season?

10/30:
Inland Steel has officially declared they are not buying the HERBERT C. JACKSON, but may run the EDWARD L. RYERSON next year.

Reported by: Industry Source

Inland Still looking to Replace Striking Workers

10/30:
Scott Feldmeyer reports that Inland Lakes Management placed another ad in the October 28th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a help-wanted display ad for masters and mates, chiefs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd assistant engineers, for steam and motor vessels.
B. Schroder, reports seeing the same add in the Sunday (10/27) Detroit News

Weather Closes the Welland Canal

10/30:
The Welland canal was closed at noon today due to high winds gusting to 100Km/Hr. As of 1700Hrs there were 14 ships either at anchor or on the wall at various locks. I’m told that the canal may remain closed until tomorrow morning.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Storm Warnings Cause Delays

10/30:
A nasty autumn storm Oct. 29-30 sent many boats to anchor on Lake Superior and prompted others to stay in port. Winds in Duluth at 8 a.m. Oct. 30 were gusting to 20-25 knots, down considerably from the 40 knot winds recorded about 4 a.m. Winds at the Soo were reported to be around 55 knots. Waves were low off Duluth because winds were from the west and northwest, but currents were strong in the Duluth ship canal. A vessel master at the BN ore dock reported breakers going past the stern of his boat. Walter J. McCarthy left Duluth on tuesday afternoon and was reportedly encountering slow going and was only off Grand Marais by Wednesday morning. Algomarine and Algoriver apparently were staying in port for several more hours Wednesday morning waiting for the winds to ease. One master said he could avoid most of the winds by taking the northerly course around Lake Superior, but he didn’t want to get caught in the high seas that a west wind tends to build off Coppermine Point.Forecasts call for Storm Warnings to continue on Lake Superior through Oct. 30, with winds to 50 knots and waves building to 12 to 14 feet. Wind and waves are expected to diminish to gale force tonight. At least one master in Duluth harbor is now saying he won’t leave port until the Storm Warnings are dropped.

A weather buoy in eastern Lake Superior recorded winds gusting to 40 knots and a 21.3′ wave at 20 UTC

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News From Duluth/Superior

10/29:
Six of Northeastern Minnesota’s seven taconite plants plan to maintain or increase next year’s production over 1996 levels. If that holds true, Iron Range taconite production could exceed 48 million tons for the first time in 16 years.National Steel Pellet Co. in Keewatin is the only plant anticipating lower production next year. However, the company plans to improve the quality of its pellets. NSPC ships pellets through the Burlington Northern dock in Superior.

Despite the rosy forecast, industry watchers, union leaders and government officials are concerned that the Iron Range is not taking part in the next generation of iron production — direct-reduced iron. Approximately 14 plants are being built in the United States and the Caribbean to produce direct-reduced iron. Unlike taconite pellets, the highly concentrated direct-reduced iron briquets can be used in mini-mills, which are capturing a growing share of the steelmaking market.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News from the Welland Canal

10/29:
N.M. Paterson’s Cartierdoc (Car-she-a-doc) has been idle at above warf 12 in the Welland Canal (Port Colborne) since Sat. Oct 19th. The firm of E.G. Marsh Port Colborne is handling the repairs to the engine. Word has it the timing gear is “all chewed up and caused much damage”) Rumor has it repairs should be finished yesterday—but everytime I have talked w/ the crew in the last week they said it should not be too much longer. This ship was the former Montcliffe Hall (Halco) before they went out of business and acquired by the present group out of Thunder Bay, Ontario—at the lake head of Surperior.Last night the ship Cuyhoga was loading stone just below the idle ship at warf 12. While Paterson’s Matadoc proceeded to tie up on the west wall a waiting entrance to Lock 8 which was occupied by the Capt Henry Jackman—The salty Luckyman tied up on the west wall above the lock also a waiting the lock downbound.

Reported by: J. Joseph Van Volkenburg

Legal fallout from log spill

10/29:
Some 44 businesses and individuals, including Lake Michigan boat owners, have filed claims against Woodlands Harvesting Inc. of Alpena, Mich., after an incident 22 May that left 30,000, eight-foot-long pulp logs floating in Lake Michigan. As of 3 Oct., the claims, named in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Milwaukee, Wis., total U.S.$142,289 with more expected, including U.S.$30,000 for salvage of the logs.Woodlands Harvesting, the owner of the logs, filed the suit and is asking a federal judge to either find the firm not at fault or limit its liability to U.S.$175,000, the value of the barge and logs.

The barge was being towed from Michigan to Manitowoc, Wis., by SelvickMarine Towing Corp. when it spilled its cargo more than two miles from Point Betsie, Mich. Most logs were apparently recovered, but the U.S. CoastGuard in July said about 1,000 were still drifting in a 200 square mile area between Frankfort, Mich., and Door County, Wis. There were several reports of boats hitting logs near Michigan.

In the lawsuit, Woodlands Harvesting said the accident was caused through negligence and misconduct of Selvick Marine Towing, which itself is filing a lawsuit in a federal court in Michigan over a towing contract with Woodlands Harvesting. Selvick Marine Towing is seeking U.S.$36,162 in damages in the log case, the largest claim.

Anyone seeking damages from Woodlands Harvesting must file a claim with the clerk of the federal court in Milwaukee by 23 Dec.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

First Forecast For Late-Season Sailing Plans

10/29:
To assist the U.S. Coast Guard in planning for the ice season, LCA surveyed its members for a first projection of lay-up dates. According to current plans, approximately 50 LCA-registered vessels will be in service on January 1, 1997. The smaller, low-horsepower self-unloaders will, as usual, be home by Christmas.Of the 50 ships expected to be operating on January 1, most will complete their tonnage commitments by January 15. Iron ore shipments from Escanaba, Michigan, are expected to be completed by January 31.

This is just the first forecast. Much will depend on how many delays the fleet experiences in November. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that all icebreakers will be in service when ice ops begin. The MACKINAW will be out of the shipyard in early November.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

News From the Welland Canal – Algoville Conversion Completed

10/28:
Algoville has finished its conversion and is due to be returned to service this Tuesday (Oct 29.) The side tank renewal and widening was performed by Port Weller Dry Docks, it brings Algoville to maximum canal beam and I believe increases cargo capacity by about 3500 tons. In related news, the cost of converting Canadian Navigator to a self-loader this winter is now placed at $15 million Canadian.The Welland Canal will be drained between Lock 1 and Lock 2 this winter to rebuild the west wall and widen the channel to allow ships to pass in this area to speed up traffic.Taffic note: Bridge 1 will be closed for the first three months of 1997

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Deal Falls Through for the Viking I

10/28:
The Viking 1 was not officially purchased by the Port Stanley Ferry Corporation from Contessa Cruise Lines Inc. of Minnesota, and the deal has now fallen through. This is the reason why the Viking 1 was moved from Port Stanley Ontario, to Erie Pa. According to articles published in the London Free Press, the Ferry Corporation “had begun renovating the boat when key steps such as finalizing the sale had not been completed.”Chairperson of the ferry corporation, Bob Henderson said “the ferry sailed away because of our relationship with Contessa.” It is believed Gerry Matherne of St. Louis Mo. was at the helm of the vessel. Matherne was originally to be the captain of the boat when the ferry service begins, however, Matherne quit just three weeks before the vessel vanished. The Port Stanley Ferry Corporation has said it will look into purchasing a new vessel to replace the Viking 1. The corporation is looking into ferrys that are now in service to Prince Edward Island, but will become unnecessary, after the bridge to the island opens.

Reported by: Grace Goetheyn

Repairs Completed on the John J. Boland

10/25:
John J. Boland was scheduled to take on fuel Oct. 25 at Fraser Shipyards, then shift to Superior Midwest Energy Terminal to load coal (left port Oct. 26.). The Boland has been in the yard for more than a week undergoing repairs in the forward hold that appear to have been related to its unloading system.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Yankcanuck Running Again

10/23:
Yankcanuck has made several trips into Nanticoke Ontario with gypsum from Alabaster Michigan and synthetic gypsum from Conneaut Ohio. Material is being off-loaded via the vessel’s own crane and loaded onto dump trucks for the trip to the Canadian Gypsum Co. in nearby Hagersville Ontario. Two visits in 3 days for the Yankcanuck. She arrived here Saturday morning October 19th, offloaded, sailed for Conneaut and back in the Bay at anchor last night October 21st and is just finishing up offloading tonite (10/22).The James R. Barker has become a regular to Nanticoke this year at the Stelco Dock and the tug Stephen Reinhauer with barge Geo. A. Morris has become a regular caller about every other day hauling gasoline and diesel products stateside from Nanticoke. In the last 24 hours we’ve had the Algowood, Yankcanuck,Stephen Reinhauer and barge, Imperial St. Clair, Tarantau, and Canadian Olympic. Some tug assists by the venerable old Miseford.

Reported by: Dave Otterman

Kapitonas Stulpinas Makes Contact with the Viking I

10/22:
This is an update to the story dated 10/16
On October 10 it was agreed that ms Viking I was to be removed from its berth at the west side of the harbor since that was the spot for Kapitonas S. However due to pressure of its owners, no insurance for the vessel, no captain or other qualified crew, Transport Canada agreed to put her at the far southern end of the west dock, without notifying the owners/charterers of Stulpina.On arrival the captain and pilot of Stulpina made in my opinion an error of judgment of coming in, since Viking I was obstructing the slip and safe passage to the elevator. While being towed in by two small tugs, we observed the Viking moving out due to suction between both vessels, a normal occurrence between ships in limited waters. Although the mate on the Viking appeared to be heaving on the lines it proved not to be enough and the bow of the Stulpinas rubbed the Viking on her ps wing. On the radio there were only commands to tug holding the bow until after the occurrence. The master has a nice video of it all. Later the Stulpinas docked.

On Saturday the winds turned to SW 4 gusting to 5, and the Viking was still in port obstructing the passage. The pilot thought he could make it but the captain was now being very careful, and did not want to go out until the morning. In the morning the wind was the same and the captain still did not want to go out, so he lost the pilot.

Due to the holidays there were no pilots until Tuesday. The Viking left with two tugs, and the Stulpinas on her own steam, while digging her way out since the wind now was N at the available water only 22ft+ and draft was 23. After an emergency drop of the anchor she too made it safely out of port.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Port Weller Dry Docks fined

10/22:
Port Weller Dry Docks Ltd., a unit of Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd., has been fined C$80,000 for a violation of the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act.Port Weller Dry Dock pleaded guilty in St. Catharines Provincial Court, Ontario, on 15 Oct. to failing to take every reasonable precaution to protect a worker’s safety (Section 25[2][h] of the C.O.H.S.A.). Justice of the Peace Donna Cowan took into consideration that the firm is seasonal, mid-sized, had no previous safety violations and had improved safety precautions after the accident.

Thomas Quinn, 45, a supervisor, was working outside a ship under repair at the dry dock in St. Catharines on 10 June, 1995. As an 8,500 kilogram/19,000 pound steel plate was being cut out of the hull from inside the ship, it fell and killed Quinn as he was retrieving hoses in the area where the plate was to fall.

Quinn was to have kept people away when the plate was about to drop. No other safety precautions were in place.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

Viking moved

10/21:
The Viking was towed from her dock in Port Stanley on October 17th at 12:13am. It is now docked in Erie,PA.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Rumor Mill

10/21:
Please note: these are rumors, I’ve heard them from several different folks, but the are just RUMORS.1) Herbert C. Jackson has been sold to Inland Steel, transfer to take place at end of season. Adam E. Cornelius to be returned to ASC. George A. Stinson has been sold to ASC again end of season transfer.

2) There are 2 1000 footers up for sale*. The Oglebay Norton and possiblly the James R. Barker or Mesabi Miner. Coal contract at St. Clair is up for grabs again.

3) S. T. Crapo on charter to Medusa. Inland strike getting nasty. Some of the ships will be converted to barges with tugs. Medusa Chanlanger may be a conversion candidate.

4) Canadian Navigator will receive a different type of s/u gear. Jackman conversion was late and did not work out as well as planned.

5) CSL to lay-up the Tarantau, Manitoulin and Halifax at end of season. They are bring back the Lakers that went to Saltwater. A couple of them are now running into Lake Ontario.

6) Socnav is bankrupt and people taking over are the old board people. The ships need serious repairs and will still not qualify under new tanker rules. Their days are numbered. The tankers coming in from the East Coast are really making hay.

Reported by: Al Jackman

*could mean just that the mortgage is up

Icebreaker Mackinaw to be Modernized

10/21:
Congress has decided to modernize the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw. The Coast Guard Authorization Bill of 1996 (S. 1004) directs the Coast Guard to develop plans and a cost estimate for re-engineering and other modifications which will permit the Cutter to continue to operate with a reduced crew while maintaining its ability to break ice round-the-clock when necessary. S. 1004 requires the Coast Guard to submit its plan and cost estimate no later than May 1 of next year.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Proposed Great Lakes Piloting Rates

10/21:
The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) is proposing to amend the Great Lakes Pilotage Regulations by increasing Great Lakes Pilotage Rates by: 6% in Area 1 (St. Lawrence River) ; 20% in Area 2 (Lake Ontario) ; 7% in Area 4 (Lake Erie) ; 35% in Area 5 (South East Shoal to Port Huron, MI) ; 11% in Area 6 (Lake Huron and Michigan); 44% in Area 7 (St. Mary’s River); 12% in Area 8 (Lake Superior); and 17% for mutual rates.The proposed pilotage rate adjustments are different in each area because the rates have not been set on an area-by-area basis since 1967. In the interim years pilotage rates were increased by a single percentage across areas and this led to disparities between areas and between districts. The rates proposed above were calculated by applying the same formulas uniformly to each area.

The increase in Great Lakes pilotage rates is necessary because pilot compensation has fallen below established compensation targets. The compensation target for pilots providing service in the designated waters of the Great Lakes is the approximate average annual compensation for masters on U.S. Great Lakes vessels and the compensation target for pilots providing service in the undesignated waters of the Great Lakes is the approximate average annual compensation for first mates on U.S. Great Lakes vessels.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.

John J. Boland in for Repairs, Gain Rush Continues

10/16:
John J. Boland remains in Fraser Shipyards on Oct. 18. Work on aboard appears to be related to the self-unloading system.John J. Boland paid a rare visit to the Twin Ports, arriving Oct. 15 to enter Fraser Shipyards for unspecified repairs. The boat is reportedly due to be in the yard a short time, then load at Midwest Energy Terminal.

The always-busy Harvest States Cooperative elevator in Superior has been loading ships this year using only its “gallery” berth while the No. 1 berth remained idle. That changed Oct. 16 when Makeevka was tied up in Harvest States 1 to load.

Also starting to see an increase in business is the General Mills elevator in Duluth. The elevator has seen little use this year, but in the past few days has loaded Docegulf and, on Oct. 16, the Kinsman Independent.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Sketchy News

10/16:
I caught part of this one on the scanner, I’m hoping someone can add more details.
One of the Kapitonas fleet ran into the Carferry VIKING in Port Stanley Sunday, radio chatter described the collision as “rubbing paint”.The VIKING, former Ann Arbor Railroad Co. ferry was moved in June this year and restored with hopes of starting Port Stanley to Cleveland service April 1, 1997.

The real trouble came when the crew aboard the Kapitonas ship refused to move from the dock fearing another collison. Tugs were brought in (the bill going to the government with repayment by the VIKING owners when funds are available) to move the Kapitonas vessel and free up the dock. The refusal of the Kapitonas’ crew to move caused other ships to be delayed.

Sorry I don’t have more information, please e-mail if you can add to this story.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News on the Status of the George A. Stinson

10/16:
The rumors reported on 10/14 have been comfirmed…the George A. Stinson is indeed up for sale. The contract held by Interlake Steamship Co. (since March 1992) will expire at the end of this season. A number of other companies are interested in operating the Stinson, the rumor mill puts the deal to American Steamship Co. but this HAS NOT been confirmed.

Reported by: Al Jackman

ZiemiaTarnowska – Repairs Complete

10/16:
Apparently the Ziemia Tarnowska has completed temporary repairs and is underway passing by the Ren Cen the morning of 10/15/96. (See story below for details on accident)

Reported by: Tom Lauterbach

Update on the Algonorth, Duluth Superior News

10/14:
Algonorth was out of drydock on Oct. 14. Still no word on why it was drydocked. The vessel is due to load grain possibly on the 14th.The Alpena is scheduled to arrive in Duluth-Superior Oct. 14 to unload cement. This is its second trip here since fielding a replacement crew.

On the afternoon of Oct. 11, the saltie Docegulf left its anchorage off Duluth and entered port to load soybeans at the General Mills elevator. This marked the first time since the fall grain rush began in early September that no ships were lying at anchor off Duluth. It was a short-lived phenomenon, however, as the Mina Cebi arrived later that night to go to anchor while waiting for a grain berth.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Ziemia Tarnowska Crew Stuck on Board

10/14:
According to a waitress at the Antlers bar in Sault Ste. Marie, the crew of the damaged Polish vessel have no visa’s and have been stuck on board since the mishap.

Reported by: Mike Woityra

Rumor Mill has Two Self-Unloaders up For Sale

10/14:
Persistent rumors around Toledo have the George A. Stinson and the Herbert C. Jackson for sale. Further, American Steamship Co, is interested in the Stinson. No other details are available at ths time.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Strike Continues, Two More ILM Boats Running Again

10/11:
PAUL H. TOWNSEND was in Muskegon yesterday morning (10/9), riding high in the water. Thursday (10/10) evening at 1800 hours the slip was vacant.
In related news: the J.A.W. IGLEHART is running again with a new crew, she has been out since October 6.

Reported by: George Micka

Sauniere in Dry Dock

10/11:
Sauniere is now in the Port Weller Dry Dock undergoing repairs to the damage caused by grounding last month. (See story dated 10/7)

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Algonorth in for Repairs

10/10:
Algonorth docked at Duluth’s port terminal on Oct. 9 and ballasted down by the stern so the vessel’s bow could be inspected. Later that day, the boat moved into Fraser Shipyards and is reportedly going into drydock.
Apparently the damage is not accident related.

If you can add to this story please e-mail

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Ziemia Tarnowska Suffers Heavy Damage

10/10:
The Polish-flag Ziemia Tarnowska remains at the Carbide Dock in the Soo as of 10/9 undergoing temporary repairs sustained 10/2 after the vessel lost power while downbound at the Soo Locks West Center Pier and struck the West Centerpier. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Tom Cafferty was quoted in the Soo Evening News as saying the ship’s submerged bubous bow was heavily damaged (about 12 feet below the surface) by the impact. So far, the plan calls for welding a temporary bulkhead across the damaged section, with the bulb’s remains being filled with concrete. She is loaded with wheat.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Yancanuck Back in Lay-Up

10/10:
The Yancanuck is back in lay-up at her usual Sault, Ont. wharf. Date of arrival unknown.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Soo News

10/10:
Despite rumors earlier this year regarding her impending demise, Paterson’s Comeaudoc is still running. She passed up at the Soo Oct. 9 for grain (although she is sorely in need of a coat of paint). Also downbound at the Soo Oct. 8 was the newly-painted Lady Hamilton (ex. Saskatchewan Pioneer), possibly her first visit to the Soo under that name.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Port Washington Report

10-10:
The Str. MIDDLETOWN docked at Port Washington, Wisconsin at 11:15 am CDST on October 6, 1996, marking the first time in over two months that the ship has been in the Port. On an average year the MIDDLETOWN is a regular visitor to the local Wisconsin Energy electric generating dock. This trip, however, marked only the fourth visit of the year for the steamer.The Port Washington power plant received upwards of one million tons of coal per year on average during the 1950’s and 60’s. However, this tonnage diminished dramatically during the 1980’s and early 90’s as the plant was used only on a part time basis. However, major improvements at the facility have resulted in increased usage of coal, and resulting in considerably larger tonnages of coal receipts in 1996.

Since the MIDDLETOWN’s last visit on July 15, 1996, the following vessels have been in Port Washington’s small harbor to deliver coal:

Aug. 7 HERBERT C. JACKSON
Aug. 20 WILFRED SYKES
Aug. 22 JOSEPH H. FRANTZ
Sept. 7 EARL W. OGLEBAY
Sept. 16 EARL W. OGLEBAY
Sept. 25 JOSEPH L. BLOCK
Sept. 29 JOSEPH L. BLOCK
Oct. 3 ADAM E. CORNELIUS

Reported by: Paul G. Wiening

Cement Boat Strike News

10-07:
It has been one month since licensed officers of the Inland Lakes Mngt.fleet left their vessels and went on strike. The rumor mill has it that I.L.M. has almost rounded up enough people to crew the m/v Paul H. Townsend. she is expected to leave Alpena any day.

Reported by: B. Schroder

Sauniere Grounding

10-07:
On Sept. 15, the Sauniere was at midlake bound for Hamilton. I was informed that she had grounded in the St. Lawrence, east of Haskell Shoal. She is supposed to have holed one or two tanks on the starboard side and port tanks had to be flooded to correct a list.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Salty Hits Lock Pier

10-04:
Sault Ste. Marie-The grain loaded Ziemia Tarnowska was holed below the waterline as a result of an collision with the west pier of the St. Marys Ship Canal about 2pm Tuesday (10/1). The ship reportedly lost power in high winds and narrowly missed the loaded tanker Jade Star before plowing into the pier. The ship’s master and pilot ordered an anchor dropped to halt the powerless vessel’s movement, but high northwesterly winds and strong currents at the western end of the canal made it difficult to control. Two tugs dispatched to the ship were not able to keep it under control.

Reported by: John Morrison

Alpena Keeping Busy

10-03:
One of the first trips made by the newly crewed Alpena apparently was to replenish cement silos in Duluth-Superior. The vessel was reported unloading in the Twin Ports over the weekend of Sept. 21-22.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Duluth-Superior News

10-03:
The fall grain rush continues in Duluth-Superior, accented by the fact that only three of seven elevators are loading vessels. On Oct. 2, five salties were anchored off Duluth while three vessels were in port loading. Adding to the spectacle were a 1,000-footer and another vessel lying at anchor waiting to load at the BN ore dock in Superior and the USCGC Sundew apparently drilling off shore. In addition, some vessels must remain at anchor until their cargoes are finalized. The saltie Trias, for instance, was waiting Oct. 3 for its charterers to finish lining up a cargo to load.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Cement Boat Strike News

10-03:
As the strike against Inland Lakes Management continues, it would appear that news paper advertisements for crew members was successful. On October 1, the Alpena was underway through the Detroit River system, radio traffic had the Mail Boat crew explaining how to arraign service. The new crew headed out on their first trip September 15. Other ILM news has the EM Ford up for sale, the 98 year old vessel is currently being used for cement storage in Saginaw (see story below dated 9/16).

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Milwaukee News

10-02-1996:
Lewis Harriman (smallest cement carrier owned by ILM) departed Milwaukee 9/25 for Green Bay, WI under tow of the Selvick tugs ‘Mary Page Hanna’ & ‘Bonnie Selvick’. It is either going to LaFarge dock to replace the E M Ford for add’t. storage or St. Marys Cement may have bought it for the same purpose.
‘Mapleglen’ arrived Milwaukee this morning for boiler repairs.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde