Boatnerd News

Today in Great Lakes History – January 9

Jan 9, 2026

1973
1973:  On this day in 1973, the CHARLES M. BEEGHLY was the latest running Interlake vessel when she entered winter layup at Toledo, Ohio.

1974
1974:  A combination of wind and ice forced the beset BENSON FORD, of 1924, from the shipping channel in Western Lake Erie, running aground.

1974:  MARDINA REEFER ran aground at the breakwall at Stephenville, Newfoundland, while inbound in stormy weather. The ship was scheduled to load pickled herring for Europe but became a total loss. Salvage efforts failed and the hull was pounded on the rocks and eventually split in two. The crew was rescued. The vessel had been through the Seaway in 1973.

1974:  LUCIE SCHULTE had been a Pre-Seaway and Seaway visitor to the Great Lakes. It sank in bad weather as b) TEVEGA in the Bay of Biscay while enroute from Antwerp, Belgium, to Casablanca, Morocco, with a cargo of barley. Only one member of the crew survived.

1977
1977:  January 9, 1977 – The last survivor of the PERE MARQUETTE 18 disaster, Mike Bucholtz, died.

1979
1979:  MARIGO M.F. had been a Seaway trader in 1973 and earlier as a) NEGO ANNE in 1971. The ship went aground off Alexandria, Egypt, and sustained hull and water damage. The bulk carrier was not worth repairing and sold to Brodospas of Split, Yugoslavia, for scrap. It arrived August 13, 1979, for dismantling.

1980
1980:  BILL CROSBIE was carrying steel when it got into trouble on the Atlantic on January 4, 1980. The vessel, a Seaway trader in 1974, was listing badly when it was brought into St. John’s, Newfoundland, only to roll over and sink at the wharf on this date. The hull was towed out to sea, bottom up, on November 3, 1980, and scuttled 12 miles off shore.

1983
1983:  SANTONA stranded in the Red Sea off Sudan at North Jumna Shoal. The hull was refloated but sold for scrap. It arrived at Gadani Beach, Pakistan, on April 4, 1983, for dismantling. It was a busy Seaway trader and had made 36 trips to the Great Lakes from 1959 to 1967.

1983:  BAIE COMEAU II was laid up on January 9, 1983, at Sorel, Quebec, and was sold the following April to Progress Overseas Co. S.A., Panama renamed c.) AGIA TRIAS.

2024
2024   On January 9, 2024 ALGOMA TRANSPORT arrived at Marine Recycling Corp.,
Port Colborne, ON, where she will be scrapped.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Russ Plumb, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Boatnerd News January 8, 2026

Jan 8, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

More ice delays at Soo Locks on Wednesday

    Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Ice was continuing to stall 1,000-footers at the Poe Lock on Wednesday.
   After several hours of trying to get the downbound Walter J. McCarthy Jr. into the Poe in the morning, the lockmaster had her back up until she was west of the International Bridge so the smaller boats could go around her and lock through, as a traffic backlog was building.
   The 1,000-footers are having trouble because ice builds up between the entering boat and the lock walls until the boat is stopped. There is only five feet of clearance on either side of the vessel. Smaller vessels don’t have the same issue, so they go through with little trouble.
   Wednesday afternoon the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Vincent Massey locked up through the MacArthur Lock on her way to Thunder Bay. Stationed in Quebec City, this is her first trip to the Northern Great Lakes. She was followed by Harvest Spirit.
   Downbound and delayed behind the McCarthy were Ashtabula/tug Defiance, Evans Spirit, Algoma Innovator, American Mariner, John J. Boland and Algoma Endeavour. Upbound and deplayed because they need to use the Poe Lock were Baie Comeau, Algoma Niagara, Victory/barge Maumee and Joseph L. Block.
   As of mid-evening Wednesday, there were still three smaller vessels to get through the Poe Lock before the McCarthy can try her passage again.

[Know Your Ships]

Seaway Guardian assists ice-bound traffic near Upper Canada Village

   On Wednesday, the U.S. tug Seaway Guardian broke ice from Snell Lock up through the Eisenhower Lock and the Wiley Dondero Canal to the icebound anchorage between Upper Canada Village, ON, and Wilson Hill Island, NY.
   She arrived at the same time as the downbound FWN Sky. Sten Hidra was already anchored there.
  Seaway Guardian did several circles breaking ice around Sten Hidra then went down and broke ice to the Port side of FWN Sky, which hadn’t yet left the shipping channel.
   Seaway Guardian spent about 2.5 hours there and then headed back downstream. There are no Icebreakers upstream of Eisenhower Lock.

[Pat English]

Atlantic Huron arrives at her final dock

   The tugs Svitzer Bedford and the Point Chebucto assisted the Atlantic Huron Wednesday morning reach her final resting place at R.J. MacIsaac Construction Ltd. Atlantic Huron will be scrapped over the coming months.

[Svitzer Canada Ltd.]

Vectis Pride first vessel of year to dock at Port of Trois-Rivières

   The Port of Trois-Rivières, QC, has welcomed the first vessel of the year, Vectis Pride, marking today 60 years of maritime tradition during a ceremony.
   Vectis Pride docked at the Port on January 4, 2026, at 12:05 a.m. after a voyage of 15 days across the Atlantic. The vessel, with its 13 crew members of Filipino, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian nationalities, departed the Port of Antwerp on December 20, 2025. Its steel cargo from Antwerp is handled by Logistec and destined for the construction industry.
   To win the title of the first vessel of the year, it must come from a foreign port, must have completed its crossing without stopping or calling at another Canadian port, and must also carry out loading or unloading operations in Trois-Rivières.
   During the ceremony, Captain Danut Ivan and Chief Engineer Andrei Tyshko received gift baskets of regional products, as well as a print of the artwork A Port, A Team, created by Ms. Caroline St-Pierre, a painter from Mauricie.
   Anick Métivier, President and CEO of the Port, highlighted the work of Logistec, a company specializing in the handling of all types of goods. He emphasized the ecosystem required and the efforts of all those mobilized to ensure ships reach their destination safely and as quickly as possible.
   He also took the opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining a strong City-Port relationship and noted that 2026 will allow the Port to shape an even more ambitious future.

[Maritime Matters]

VIDEO: Vincent Massey breaking ice in Thunder Bay

 

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

   The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.
   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
   “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks,” Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. “The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.”
   This winter maintenance period, the MacArthur Lock will not be dewatered and will close for the season when the weather or ice conditions make operation unsafe and/or inefficient, or when the Poe Lock closes, whichever comes first. Communication with industry will be made at least 48 hours prior to closure. The MacArthur Lock is scheduled to reopen in late April 2026.
   The Poe lock will remain operational (on a 24-hour basis) through January 15, 2026, or until commercial traffic ceases – whichever occurs first. The Poe Lock will be dewatered during the maintenance season and is scheduled to reopen on March 25.
   The team will install temporary panel bridges across the MacArthur and Poe Lock. The panel bridges will provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter closure.
   Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include the Soo Project Office fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5, constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge, repairing a Gate 2 strut arm, as well as concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5
   Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic assessment, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs and testing of Ice Study wall coating.
   In addition to the above, crews will also perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from the replacement of pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks.
   “Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.
   More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities. Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
   Visit the Detroit District Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict for information about the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the 2025-2026 shipping season and updates on maintenance work.

 [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

South Channel in Straits of Mackinac
to close Jan. 8 due to ice

   The Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is scheduled to close the South Channel in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8.
   According to the Coast Guard, the closure is due to expanded ice coverage in the area. The channel, located between Cheboygan and Bois Blanc Island, will remain in effect until ice is no longer a concern. Any ship traffic in the area can continue to use the Round Island Passage, on the northern side of Bois Blanc Island.

[USCG]

Seaway to close Jan. 8; upbound traffic resumes at Beauharnois Lock

   After several days of delays caused by heavy ice and one-way downbound traffic, upbound movement has finally resumed at the Beauharnois Locks. The Seaway will now close Jan. 8.

   Tanker Algonova was first to make the passage Monday en route to Sarnia. Following closely behind, tug Wilf Seymour and barge Alouette Spirit were also underway, heading upbound to Hamilton.

   With freezing conditions causing repeated issues in the lock chambers and requiring slow, staggered transits for downbound vessels, this progress marks a significant shift in momentum.

[Janey Anderson]

Discover the inner workings of the S.S. Badger with new guided tours

By Justine Lofton

   LUDINGTON, MI – You’re invited to take a rare behind-the-scenes look at this historic Lake Michigan car ferry.
   There will be three two-hour guided tours of the S.S. Badger, including the engine room and pilot house, this spring in Ludington.
   “Spots and dates are limited, so book your tour now to discover the ship’s inner workings firsthand,” officials said in the announcement.
   Tours are scheduled for 7:45-10 p.m. on Fridays, May 29, and June 5 and 12, at 701 Maritime Drive in Ludington. They are open to people 10 and older; minors must be with a parent or guardian.
   To book your ticket, click “Buy Tickets” on the upper right of the S.S. Badger website and then select “Dockside Pilot House and Engine Room Tours” in the pop-up window. Tickets are $53 each after online booking fees.
   The tours are scheduled for just after the ships arrives back at its Ludington dock after crossing Lake Michigan from Manitowoc, Wis.

Complete story with video at:  https://www.mlive.com/life/2026/01/discover-the-inner-workings-of-the-ss-badger-with-new-guided-tours.html

Port Report – January 8, 2026

Jan 8, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Wednesday January 7.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/8/2026

MARIATOWN, CANADA-Ron Beaupre
7 January 2026
11:40 FWN SKY, down, for Montreal.

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
1/7/2026  Qikiqtaaluk W-DEPARTS-11:52 AM-For-Quebec, Canada
DUE:
Maccoa-DUE-1/8/2026-7:14 AM
Trinityborg-DUE-1/9/2026-3:00 AM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/14/2026-2:03 AM
Harbour Feature-DUE-1/19/2026-7:59 PM
Vezhen-DUE-1/19/2026-8:31 PM
Federal Kivalina-DUE-1/25/2026-11:08 PM

TORONTO,CANADA                                     [CATOR]
DUE:
CSL Welland-DUE-1/7/2026-11:01 AM

CLARKSON, CANADA                                [CACSN]
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-ARRIVES-7:14 AM
1/7/2026  Ecosse-ARRIVES-9:12 AM
1/7/2026  Ecosse-DEPARTS-4:54 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-DEPARTS-5:24 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-DEPARTS-3:13 AM-For-Hamilton, Canada [Anchor]
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-ARRIVES-3:56 AM
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-DEPARTS-4:34 AM-For-Clarkson, Canada
1/7/2026  Ecosse-DEPARTS-6:56 AM-For-Clarkson, Canada
1/7/2026  Lois M-DEPARTS-7:58 AM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/7/2026  CSL Niagara-ARRIVES-8:49 AM
1/7/2026  Sea Eagle II-ARRIVES-10:31 AM
1/7/2026  Northern Venture-ARRIVES-5:05 PM
1/7/2026  Ecosse-ARRIVES-6:41 PM
1/7/2026  Vigilant I-ARRIVES-7:31 PM
DUE:
Radcliffe R Latimer-DUE-1/7/2026-11:15 PM
Algoma Innovator-DUE-1/9/2025-4:49 PM
Algoma Endeavour-DUE-1/9/2026-2:08 PM

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/7/2026  CSL Niagara-ARRIVES-4:40 AM
1/7/2026  CSL Niagara-DEPARTS-6:25 AM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/7/2026  Lois M-ARRIVES-11:08 AM
1/7/2026  Lois M-DEPARTS-2:17 PM-For-Thorold, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Harvester-DUE-1/7/2026-12:03 PM

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/7/2026  CSL Niagara-DEPARTS-1:18 AM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-2:55 AM
1/7/2026  Algonova-DEPARTS-3:29 AM-For-Port Colborne, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Intrepid-CEPARTS-10:44 AM-For-Port Colborne, Canada
1/7/2026  Lois M-ARRIVES-4:13 AM
1/7/2026  Lois M-DEPARTS-6:39 PM-For-Port Colborne, Canada
1/7/2026  Radcliffe R Latimer-8:46 PM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
Sam Laud unloaded at Gateway Metroplex then left for Cleveland. Herbert C. Jackson arrived at CSI Sands.
DUE:
American Mariner-DUE-1/10/2026-5:33 AM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]
1/7/2026  Sam Laud-ARRIVES-8:59 AM
1/7/2026  Sam Laud-DEPARTS-7:08 PM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/7/2026  Herbert C Jackson-ARRIVES-7:17 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]
1/7/2026  Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-1:06 AM-For-Thorold, Canada
1/7/2026  Algonova-ARRIVES-5:10 AM
1/7/2026  Algonova-DEPARTS-7:09 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-12:22 PM
1/7/2026  Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-1:52 PM-For-Goderich, Canada
1/7/2026  Radcliffe R Latimer-ARRIVES-2:12 PM
1/7/2026  Radcliffe R Latimer-DEPARTS-5:59 PM-For-Thorold, Canada
1/7/2026  Lois M-ARRIVES-8:55 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoberta-DUE-1/7/2026-12:55 PM
Algocanada-DUE-1/9/2026-12:35 PM

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
Algoma Compass arrived at Carmeuse to unload salt, then departed with no updated destination.

ASHTABULA, OHIO                                      [USASF]-Bill Kloss
Olive L. Moore/Menominee arrived for lay up.

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Manitowoc and American Courage are still on the shuttles. Sam Laud is due in.
DUE:
Sam Laud-DUE-1/8/2026-6:09 AM
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/8/2026-6:02 PM
American Spirit-DUE-1/8/2026-4:19 PM
H Lee White-DUE-1/9/2026-10:17 AM

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Great Republic is in lay up at the old Interlake Dock.
DUE:
Defiance / Ashtabula-DUE-1/9/2026-10:18 AM
Mark W Barker-DUE-1/9/2026-11:09 AM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Wye River-DUE-1/19/2026-11:54 AM
Karen Andrie-DUE-1/9/2026-3:29 AM

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/7/2026  Herbert C Jackson-DEPARTS-12:57 AM-For-Buffalo, New York
1/7/2026  New York / Double Skin 509A-ARRIVES-7:17 AM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/7/2026  New York / Double Skin 509A-DEPARTS-7:16 AM
1/7/2026  Manitoulin-ARRIVES-9:24 AM
1/7/2026  Manitoulin-DEPARTS-1:37 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
DUE:
Saginaw-DUE-1/9/2026-6:08 AM
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-1/8/2026-5:49 PM

AMHERSTBURG, CANADA                       [CAAMH]
1/7/2026  USCG Bristol Bay-ARRIVES-4:14 PM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-1/8/2026-6:03 AM
Algoberta-DUE-1/8/2026-6:00 PM

PORT HURON, MICHIGAN                       [USPHN]
1/7/2026  USCG Neah Bay-DEPARTS-8:17 AM-For-Sault Sainte Marie, Canada

ALPENA, MICHIGAN                                   [USAPN]
1/7/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-5:11 PM-For-Alpena, Michigan
1/7/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-6:14 PM
1/7/2026  Alpena-DEPARTS-6:27 PM-For-Cleveland, Ohio

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
1/7/2026  USCG Mackinaw-ARRIVES-10:26 AM
DUE:
Wm Boyd-DUE-1/7/2026-11:45 AMSAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/7/2026  American Integrity-DEPARTS-12:50 AM-For-Two Harbors, Minnesota
1/7/2026  Clyde S VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-3:30 AM
1/7/2026  American Spirit-DEPARTS-3:31 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/7/2026  Saginaw-DEPARTS-3:36 AM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/7/2026  Walter J McCarthy Jr-ARRIVES-4:44 AM
1/7/2026  John G Munson-DEPARTS-4:52 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Island
1/7/2026  Defiance / Ashtabula-ARRIVES-5:45 AM
1/7/2026  Clyde S VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-6:13 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/7/2026  Algoma Innovator-ARRIVES-7:30 AM
1/7/2026  Evans Spirit-ARRIVES-10:00 AM
1/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-11:37 AM-For-Sault Ste Marie, Canada
1/7/2026  Algocanada-ARRIVES-11:41 AM
1/7/2026  Harvest Spirit-ARRIVES-11:59 AM
1/7/2026  Baie Comeau-ARRIVES-12:42 PM
1/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-12:48 PM
1/7/2026  USCG Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-1:33 PM
1/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-2:45 PM
1/7/2026  American Mariner-ARRIVES-3:19 PM
1/7/2026  Defiance / Ashtabula-DEPARTS-4:00 PM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/7/2026  USCG Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-4:00 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Innovator-DEPARTS-5:03 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/7/2026  Evans Spirit-DEPARTS-5:17 PM-For-Windsor, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-6:02 PM
1/7/2026  Harvest Spirit-DEPARTS-6:21 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/7/2026  American Mariner-DEPARTS-6:29 PM-For-Buffalo, New York
1/7/2026  Victory / Maumee-ARRIVES-6:39 PM
1/7/2026  John J Boland-ARRIVES-7:13 PM
1/7/2026  Baie Comeau-DEPARTS-7:49 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/7/2026  Joseph L Block-ARRIVES-7:55 PM
1/7/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-8:55 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/7/2026  Algoma Endeavour-ARRIVES-9:35 PM
1/7/2026  Victory / Maumee-DEPARTS-10:05 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/7/2026  John J Boland-DEPARTS-11:40 PM
DUE:
USCG Neah Bay-DUE-1/8/2026-3:28 AM

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN                         [USMQT]
1/7/2026  Hon James L Oberstar-DEPARTS-8:01 PM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
Joseph L Block-DUE-1/8/2026-8:57 AM
Lee A Tregurtha-DUE-1/8/2026-7:53 PM
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-1/10/2026-4:04 AM

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
1/7/2026  H Lee White-DEPARTS-12:01 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/7/2026  Mark W Barker-DEPARTS-8:05 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/7/2026Presque Isle-ARRIVES-8:45 AM
DUE:
Algoma Buffalo-DUE-1/8/2026-3:00 AM
Victory / Maumee-DUE-1/9/2026-6:47 AM
Edgar B Speer-DUE-1/9/2026-2:39 AM
Mesabi Miner-DUE-1/9/2026-11:29 AM
Dirk S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/10/2026-7:07 AM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
American Integrity-DUE-1/8/2026-3:45 AM

SILVER BAY, MINNESOTA                         [USSIB]
1/7/2026  Paul R Tregurtha-DEPARTS-5:24 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO                         [CATHU]
1/7/2026  Saginaw-ARRIVES-8:18 PM
DUE:
Baie Comeau-DUE-1/8/2026-2:55 PM
Harvest Spirit-DUE-1/8/2026-11:53 AM
Algoma Niagara-DUE-1/8/2025-2:59 PM
CCGS Vincent Massey-DUE-1/8/2026-12:52 PM
Manitoulin-DUE-1/9/2026-10:18 AM
Frontenac-DUE-1/9/2026-12:04 PM
Kathy McKeil-DUE-1/10/2026-3:00 AM
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/13/2026-9:00 PM

ESCANABA, MICHIGAN                            [USESC]
1/7/2026  Erika Kobasic-ARRIVES-11:48 AM
DUE:
Nickelena-DUE-1/7/2026-3:00 PM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
1/7/2026  Bradshaw McKee-DEPARTS-1:09 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/7/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-8:14 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/7/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-ARRIVES-3:09 PM
1/7/2026  Erika Kobasic-DEPARTS-4:17 PM-For-Escanaba, Michigan
1/7/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-4:59 PM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/7/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-ARRIVES-5:56 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
1/7/2026  Baltic-ARRIVES-12:51 PM
DUE:
USCG Mobile Bay-DUE-1/7/2026-9:51 PM

LUDINGTON, MICHIGAN                          [USLDM]
DUE:
Undaunted / PM 41-DUE-1/8/2026-4:21 AM

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN                          [USMKG]
1/7/2026  Meredith Ashton-ARRIVES-10:25 AM

GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN / FERRYSBURG, MICHIGAN                       [USGHN]
1/7/2026  Calumet-ARRIVES-1:35 AM
1/7/2026  Calumet-DEPARTS-6:55 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana
1/7/2026  Undaunted / PM 41-ARRIVES-8:22 AM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
1/7/2026  Nickelena-DEPARTS-12:28 AM-For-Escanaba, Michigan

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
1/7/2026  Nathan S-DEPARTS-1:16 PM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee-DUE-1/8/2026-2:36 AM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
1/7/2026  Mesabi Miner-DEPARTS-3:56 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/7/2026  Undaunted / PM 41-DEPARTS-8:01 AM-For-Grand Haven, Michigan
1/7/2026  Calumet-ARRIVES-2:32 PM
1/7/2026  Dorothy Ann / Pathfinder-DEPARTS-6:16 PM-For-Burns Harbor, Minnesota
1/7/2026  Sharon M I-DEPARTS-6:22 PM-For-Port Maitland, Canada
1/7/2026  Stewart J Cort-ARRIVES-7:12 PM
DUE:
Burns Harbor-DUE-1/9/2026-8:30 AM
Paul R Tregurtha-DUE-1/9/2026-1:07 PM
Lois M-DUE-1/14/2026-7:17 AM

GARY HARBOR, INDIANA                         [USGYY]
1/7/2026  Dirk S VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-11:18 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/7/2026  American Century-ARRIVES-7:46 PM
DUE:
Edwin H Gott-DUE-1/8/2026-10:41 AM
Walter J McCarthy Jr-DUE-1/8/2026-1:32 PM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
1/7/2026  Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-3:08 AM-For-Monroe, Michigan
1/7/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-DEPARTS-4:13 AM-For-Marquette, Michigan
1/7/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-6:10 AM
1/7/2026  Nathan S-ARRIVES-1:41 PM
1/7/2026  Nathan S DEPARTS-3:21 PM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
DUE:
Wilfred Sykes-DUE-1/8/2026-2:29 AM
Hon James L Oberstar-DUE-1/9/2026-10:32 AM

 

 

Today in Great Lakes History – January 8

Jan 8, 2026

1877
1877:  On 8 January 1877, the tug KATE FELCHER burned at East Saginaw, Michigan. Her loss was valued at $3,000, but she was insured for only $2,000. She was named after the wife of her owner, the well-known Capt. James Felcher of East Saginaw.

1938
1938:  JOHN HULST (Hull#286) was launched in 1938, at River Rouge, Michigan, by Great Lakes Engineering Works for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co

1939
1939:  In 1939, several tugs helped release the CHIEF WAWATAM, which had been aground since January 3. In 1974, BENSON FORD, of 1924, became beset by ice in Western Lake Erie.

1976
1976:  January 8, 1976, LEON FALK JR. closed the season at Superior, Wisconsin, after she departed the Burlington-Northern ore docks.

1996
1996:  The research ship CALYPSO, a converted wooden minesweeper, served noted deep-sea diver Jacques Cousteau for many years. It came to the Great Lakes in 1980 and explored several wrecks including the EDMUND FITZGERALD and GUNILDA. It sank at Singapore following a collision on this date. The hull was refloated but never repaired. Subsequently, there were disputes over ownership, with a later report saying the vessel would be displayed at the Bahamas as a tourist attraction.

2004
2004:  On 08 January 2004, McKeil Marine’s CAPT. RALPH TUCKER was the first vessel of 2004 to arrive at the port of Manistee, Michigan. Once docked at the General Chemical facilities, Captain Bill Sullivan and Chief Engineer Otto Cooper were each presented with hand-carved Hackberry canes. This was a notable way for the vessel to start her last year of operation. Later that year she was sold for scrap.

2025
2025:   The MACCO which went aground on 12-24-2024 northeast of Montreal has been refloated after 2 weeks and two attempts. She was escorted by tugs to Sorel where it will eventually continue on its trip to Europe. The ship is Cyprus flagged and ran aground near Vercheres, Quebec after a power Failure.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Brian Bernard, Max Hanley, Jody Aho, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Boatnerd News January 7, 2026

Jan 7, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

VIDEO: Vincent Massey breaking ice in Thunder Bay

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

   The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.
   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
   “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks,” Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. “The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.”
   This winter maintenance period, the MacArthur Lock will not be dewatered and will close for the season when the weather or ice conditions make operation unsafe and/or inefficient, or when the Poe Lock closes, whichever comes first. Communication with industry will be made at least 48 hours prior to closure. The MacArthur Lock is scheduled to reopen in late April 2026.
   The Poe lock will remain operational (on a 24-hour basis) through January 15, 2026, or until commercial traffic ceases – whichever occurs first. The Poe Lock will be dewatered during the maintenance season and is scheduled to reopen on March 25.
   The team will install temporary panel bridges across the MacArthur and Poe Lock. The panel bridges will provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter closure.
   Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include the Soo Project Office fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5, constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge, repairing a Gate 2 strut arm, as well as concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5
   Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic assessment, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs and testing of Ice Study wall coating.
   In addition to the above, crews will also perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from the replacement of pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks.
   “Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.
   More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities. Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
   Visit the Detroit District Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict for information about the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the 2025-2026 shipping season and updates on maintenance work.

 [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

Poe Lock reopens after maintenance,
then fog closes part of St. Marys River

9 a.m. UPDATE: The fog lifted a few hours after midnight and river traffic resumed. CCG icebreaker Vincent Massey was in the lower river headed for Lake Superior.

ORIGINAL REPORT:   SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Lake boats can’t seem to catch a break at the Soo Locks and on the St. Marys River.
   The Poe Lock was closed from 8 a.m. to about 6 p.m. Tuesday for maintenance, delaying the downbound Edwin H. Gott, American Spirit and John G. Munson. After the lock reopened, and after Wilfred Sykes locked down through the adjacent MacArthur Lock, the Gott locked down, then the river was closed from Nine Mile Point to the Mud Lake Junction Buoy due to fog. American Spirit was stopped at the West Pier, the Munson above the locks and the unfortunate Gott hove to in the ice near the Nine Mile Anchorage, not making much progress for the day enroute to Gary.
   Vessels continue to have issues with ice in the upper locks approaches, with the Corps tug Owen M. Frederick doing ice control around the lock gates and lock walls.
   Monday evening, the upbound Saginaw came to a stop in the ice at Stribling Point at the north end of Neebish Island. After help from USCG Katmai Bay Tuesday morning, Saginaw was underway and locking up in the late afternoon for Thunder Bay but tied up at the Algoma Export Dock, perhaps for the night. She was followed up by the Algoma Buffalo, headed for Superior. At 10 p.m. Tuesday, the American Integrity was at the lower Poe Lock pier waiting to go up, while Clyde S. VanEnkevort was anchored off Bay Mills. Harvest Spirit was inbound at DeTour and headed for the anchorage, joining the Algocanada. Baie Comeau was approaching from the west.
   Temperatures are near 30 with some fog. The Soo Locks close for the season Jan. 15.

[Know Your Ships]

South Channel in Straits of Mackinac
to close Jan. 8 due to ice

   The Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is scheduled to close the South Channel in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8.
   According to the Coast Guard, the closure is due to expanded ice coverage in the area. The channel, located between Cheboygan and Bois Blanc Island, will remain in effect until ice is no longer a concern. Any ship traffic in the area can continue to use the Round Island Passage, on the northern side of Bois Blanc Island.

[USCG]

Seaway to close Jan. 8; upbound traffic resumes at Beauharnois Lock

   After several days of delays caused by heavy ice and one-way downbound traffic, upbound movement has finally resumed at the Beauharnois Locks. The Seaway will now close Jan. 8.

   Tanker Algonova was first to make the passage Monday en route to Sarnia. Following closely behind, tug Wilf Seymour and barge Alouette Spirit were also underway, heading upbound to Hamilton.

   With freezing conditions causing repeated issues in the lock chambers and requiring slow, staggered transits for downbound vessels, this progress marks a significant shift in momentum.

[Janey Anderson]

Vectis Pride first vessel of year to dock at Port of Trois-Rivières

   The Port of Trois-Rivières, QC, has welcomed the first vessel of the year, Vectis Pride, marking today 60 years of maritime tradition during a ceremony.
   Vectis Pride docked at the Port on January 4, 2026, at 12:05 a.m. after a voyage of 15 days across the Atlantic. The vessel, with its 13 crew members of Filipino, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian nationalities, departed the Port of Antwerp on December 20, 2025. Its steel cargo from Antwerp is handled by Logistec and destined for the construction industry.
   To win the title of the first vessel of the year, it must come from a foreign port, must have completed its crossing without stopping or calling at another Canadian port, and must also carry out loading or unloading operations in Trois-Rivières.
   During the ceremony, Captain Danut Ivan and Chief Engineer Andrei Tyshko received gift baskets of regional products, as well as a print of the artwork A Port, A Team, created by Ms. Caroline St-Pierre, a painter from Mauricie.
   Anick Métivier, President and CEO of the Port, highlighted the work of Logistec, a company specializing in the handling of all types of goods. He emphasized the ecosystem required and the efforts of all those mobilized to ensure ships reach their destination safely and as quickly as possible.
   He also took the opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining a strong City-Port relationship and noted that 2026 will allow the Port to shape an even more ambitious future.

[Maritime Matters]

 

Port Report – January 7, 2026

Jan 7, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Tuesday January 6.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/7/2026

MARIATOWN, CANADA-Ron Beaupre
6 January 2026
11:52 FEDERAL OSHIMA of Majuro, down, cargo, for Wandellar.
11:53 ONEGO DUERO docks at Johnstown.
15:10 HAPPY RANGER, down, cargo, for Montreal,
18:14 STEN HIDRA, down, for Montreal.

JOHNSTOWN, CANADA                            [CAJOH]
1/6/2026  Onego Duero-ARRIVES-11:44 AM

KINGSTON, CANADA                                 [CAKIN]
1/6/2026  Salvage Monarch-ARRIVES-9:54 PM
DUE:
SC Marigot-DUE-1/19/2026-12:30 PM

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
CSL Assiniboine-DUE-1/6/2026-3:00 AM
Maccoa-DUE-1/8/2026-9:28 AM
Trinityborg-DUE-1/9/2026-7:03 AM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/13/2026-3:49 PM
Federal Kivalina-DUE-1/25/2026-7:25 AM

TORONTO,CANADA                                     [CATOR]
DUE:
CSL Welland-DUE-1/7/2026-11:01 AM

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/6/2026  Algoma Strongfield-ARRIVES-2:12 AM
1/6/2026  Northern Venture-ARRIVES-3:59 AM
1/6/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-6:20 AM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/6/2026  Northern Venture-DEPARTS-4:07 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/6/2026  Wilf Seymour-ARRIVES-10:05 PM
DUE:
Sea Eagle II-DUE-1/6/2026-11:24 PM
Radcliffe R Latimer-DUE-1/7/2026-5:23 PM
Algoma Innovator-DUE-1/9/2026-2:55 AM

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/6/2026  Northern Venture-ARRIVES-12:56 AM
1/6/2026  Northern Venture-DEPARTS-2:08 AM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/6/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-8:30 AM
1/6/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-10:05 AM-For-Thorold, Canada
1/6/2026  Sea Eagle II-ARRIVES-6:29 PM
1/6/2026  Algonova-ARRIVES-7:35 PM
1/6/2026  Sea Eagle II-DEPARTS-7:43 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/6/2026  Algonova-DEPARTS-9:19 PM-For-Sarnia, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Harvester-DUE-1/6/2026-7:21 AM

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/6/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-12:37 PM
1/6/2026  Sea Eagle II-DEPARTS-4:38 PM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/6/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-5:48 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/6/2026  CSL Niagara-ARRIVES-8:48 PM
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-1/6/2026-8:00 PM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Sam Laud-DUE-1/7/2026-6:27 AM
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-1/7/2026-5:39 PM
American Mariner-DUE-1/9/2026-8:09 AM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]
1/6/2026  Sea Eagle II-ARRIVES-10:59 AM
1/6/2026  Sea Eagle II-DEPARTS-12:15 PM-For-Thorold, Canada
1/6/2026  CSL Niagara-ARRIVES-1:44 PM
1/6/2026  CSL Niagara-DEPARTS-6:34 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/6/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-7:43 PM
1/6/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-9:28 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/6/2026  Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-10:08 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
Manitoulin departed the anchorage for Thunder Bay.
DUE:
CSL St Laurent-DUE-1/6/2026-4:11 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-1/5/2026-9:53 PM
Algoberta-DUE-1/7/2026-12:55 PM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Algoma Intrepid departed with salt for Thorold, ON. Manitowoc and American Courage are on the shuttles.
DUE:
American Spirit-DUE-1/8/2026-2:28 PM
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/7/2026-11:52 PM

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Victory/Maumee departed for Duluth.
DUE
Defiance / Ashtabula-DUE-1/8/2026-2:59 PM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A departed for Detroit.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/6/2026  Sam Laud-ARRIVES-2:15 AM
1/6/2026  Harvest Spirit-DEPARTS-2:31 AM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/6/2026  Sam Laud-DEPARTS-7:05 AM-For-Buffalo, New York
1/6/2026  Samuel De Champlain-ARRIVES-1:09 PM
1/6/2026  Herbert C Jackson-ARRIVES-10:45 PM
1/6/2026  Ann Marie-ARRIVES-11:18 PM
1/6/2026  Madison R-ARRIVES-11:21 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/6/2026  New York / Double Skin 509A-ARRIVES-9:37 PM
DUE:
Leo A McArthur-DUE-1/6/2026-9:16 AM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
1/6/2026  Algoma Compass-DEPARTS-2:10 AM-For-Erie, Pennsylvania
1/6/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-2:48 AM
1/6/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-7:04 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada

MIDLAND, CANADA                                     [CAMID]
1/6/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-8:42 AM
1/6/2026  CCGS DEPARTS-10:53 AM-For-Midland, Canada
1/6/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-1:02 PM
1/6/2026  Thunder Bay-ARRIVES-1:06 PM
1/6/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-4:01 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
1/6/2026  Algoberta-ARRIVES-12:31 AM
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-1/7/2026-10:25 PM

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
1/6/2026  Meredith Ashton-DEPARTS-7:18 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
1/6/2026  Meredith Ashton-ARRIVES-7:28 AM
1/6/2026  Meredith Ashton-DEPARTS-8:02 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
DUE:
William Boyd-DUE-1/6/2026-11:45 AM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/6/2026  American Century-ARRIVES-12:29 AM
1/6/2026  Stewart J Cort-DEPARTS-5:16 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
1/6/2026  Edwin H Gott-ARRIVES-6:31 AM
1/6/2026  American Century-DEPARTS-8:00 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
1/6/2026  American Spirit-ARRIVES-9:40 AM
1/6/2026  Wilfred M Cohen-DEPARTS-11:19 AM-For-Sault Ste Marie, Canada
1/6/2026  Wilfred M Cohen-ARRIVES-2:15 PM
1/6/2026  Saginaw-ARRIVES-2:20 PM
1/6/2026  Wilfred Sykes-ARRIVES-2:30 PM
1/6/2026  American Integrity-ARRIVES-5:10 PM
1/6/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-5:55 PM
1/6/2026  Wilfred Sykes-DEPARTS-6:46 PM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
1/6/2026  John G Munson-ARRIVES-8:30 PM
1/6/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-9:37 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/6/2026  Edwin H Gott-DEPARTS-9:52 PM-For-Gary Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-1/6/2026-9:21 PM

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN                         [USMQT]
1/6/2026  Wilfred Sykes-DEPARTS-3:56 AM-For-Sault Ste Marie, Canada
DUE:
Joseph L Block-DUE-1/8/2026-2:47 AM

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
1/6/2026  John J Boland-ARRIVES-1:53 AM
1/6/2026  John J Boland-DEPARTS-11:41 AM-For-??
1/6/2026  H Lee White-ARRIVES-12:14 PM
1/6/2026  Presque Isle-ARRIVES-3:02 PM
1/6/2026  USCG Spar-DEPARTS-3:36 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/6/2026  USCG Spar-ARRIVES-4:53 PM
DUE:
Mark W Barker-DUE-1/6/2026-3:59 AM
Presque Isle-DUE-1/6/2026-5:30 PM
USCG Spar-DUE-1/6/2026-6:00 PM
Algoma Buffalo-DUE-1/8/2026-5:31 AM
Victory / Maumee-DUE-1/8/2026-10:12 PM
Edgar B Speer-DUE-1/9/2026-8:47 AM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
1/6/2026  Walter J McCarthy Jr-DEPARTS-1:19 AM-For-Gary Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
American Integrity-DUE-1/7/2026-11:09 PM

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO                         [CATHU]
1/6/2026  Algoma Endeavour-ARRIVES-7:48 AM
1/6/2026  Algoma Innovator-DEPARTS-2:30 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/6/2026  American Mariner-DEPARTS-3:55 PM-For-Buffalo, New York
1/6/2026  Evans Spirit-DEPARTS-4:14 PM-Windsor, Canada
DUE:
Baie Comeau-DUE-1/7/2026-9:42 PM
Harvest Spirit-DUE-1/7/2026-9:47 PM
Algoma Niagara-DUE-1/8/2026-7:48 AM
CCGS Vincent Massey-DUE-1/8/2026-10:30 AM
Manitoulin-DUE-1/9/2026-12:43 AM
Frontenac-DUE-1/9/2026-11:03 AM
Kathy McKeil-DUE-1/10/2026-3:00 AM
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/11/2026-3:00 AM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
1/6/2026  Bradshaw McKee-ARRIVES-5:01 PM

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/6/2026  Erika Kobasic-ARRIVES-6:25 AM
1/6/2026  Erika Kobasic-DEPARTS-11:23 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/6/2026  Nickelena-DEPARTS-12:12 PM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/6/2026  Erika Kobasic-ARRIVES-1:35 PM
DUE:
Nickelena-DUE-1/7/2026-3:26 AM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-1/7/2026-3:45 AM

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN                          [USMKG]
Meredith Ashton-DUE-1/7/2026-11:04 AM

GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN / FERRYSBURG, MICHIGAN                       [USGHN]
DUE:
Calumet-DUE-1/7/2026-1:02 AM

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN                               [USHLM]
1/6/2026  Undaunted / PM 41-DEPARTS-3:51 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
1/6/2026  John Marshall-DEPARTS-9:35 AM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
1/6/2026  John Marshall-ARRIVES-12:32 PM

GARY HARBOR, INDIANA                         [USGYY]
1/6/2026  Edgar B Speer-DEPARTS-6:43 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/6/2026  Dirk S VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-7:51 PM
DUE:
Edwin H Gott-DUE-1/7/2026-10:24 AM
American Century-DUE-1/7/2026-6:48 PM
Walter J McCarthy Jr-DUE-1/8/2026-9:32 AM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
1/6/2026  Joseph L Block-DEPARTS-6:38 AM-For-Marquette, Michigan
1/6/2026  John Marshall-ARRIVES-10:12 AM
1/6/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-ARRIVES-11:24 AM
1/6/2026  John Marshall-DEPARTS-12:01 PM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
DUE:
Rebecca Lynn-DUE-1/6/2026-10:03 PM
Wilfred Sykes-DUE-1/8/2026-9:36 PM

 

Today in Great Lakes History – January 7

Jan 7, 2026

1924
1924:  The rail car ferry ONTARIO NO. 1 had a rough overnight crossing of Lake Ontario. The ship was diverted to Toronto with three feet of ice on the deck and anchored off Port Credit. With no seagate, it had to sail into the wind and could not make its docking at Cobourg as scheduled.

1943
1943:  ORNEFJELL came to the Great Lakes beginning in 1933 and returned as b) AKABAHRA after being sold in 1937. It was torpedoed and sunk on the Mediterranean in position 37.07 N / 4.38 E.

1970
1970:  On January 7, 1970, the e.) ONG, a.) REDHEAD of 1930, had her Canadian registry closed. The tanker had been sold for use as a water tender at Antigua in the Lesser Antilles and had departed Toronto on December 1, 1969

1974
1974:  07 January 1974 – EDMUND FITZGERALD (steel propeller bulk freighter, 711 foot, 13,632 gross tons, built in 1958, at River Rouge, Michigan) lost her anchor in the Detroit River when it snagged on ice. It was raised in July 1992. The anchor weighs 12,000 pounds and now resides outside the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan.

1977
1977:  BARFONN had visited the Seaway beginning in 1959 and returned as b) ORIENT EXPLORER in 1967 and as c) AEGEAN in 1971. It caught fire at Colombo, Sri Lanka, as d) TONG THAY and became a total loss. The vessel was taken to Singapore Roads, laid up, sold for scrap and arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for dismantling on March 24, 1978.

1980
1980:   GUDUR [Built 1965 by A/B Finnhuda Varf Stockholm, Sweden  Renamed GARDA 1969-1971 UK-337329 BILL CROSBIE 1971-C-337329]  As BILL CROSBIE: Took on severe list while on voyage Halifax, Nova Scotia for Ireland, on January 4, 1980, in position 45.40N x 39.50W, after cargo shifted in heavy weather. Abandoned by crew on January 7, 1980, but was towed January 9, 1980, into St. John’s, Newfoundland. There she heeled over and sank at her berth on same day.

1997
Interlake Announces the Conversion of the Mauthe
Interlake Steamship Company Announces the Conversion of the Steamship J.L. Mauthe (from a press release dated 01/07/97)
Cleveland based Interlake Steamship Company, which owns and operates a fleet of ten ships, has announced plans to convert a 647′ x 70′ bulk carrier to a self-unloading barge. The ship selected for this major conversion is the steamship J.L. Mauthe. The Mauthe was built in 1953 for the Interlake Steamship Co. by Great Lakes Engineering Works, River Rouge, Michigan. The vessel was last operated in 1993. Since July 1993, the Mauthe has been laid up in Superior Wisconsin.
Interlake has entered into an agreement with Bay Shipbbuilding Company, a division of Manitowoc Marine Group, located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for the conversion of this ship to a self-unloading barge. The basic design of this barge will include a 260′ unloading boom and an innovative cargo hold, tunnel belt and loop belt system capable of discharging a wide variety of cargoes.
Interlake expects to have other necessary agreements in place by mid-January which will permit the commencement of the conversion.
The barge is expected to be available for service in late 1997.
Reported by: Interlake Steamship Company

1997
The J.L. Mauthe arrived at Bay Ship at 1900 Hours on 7 Jan 1997.

 Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Boatnerd News January 6, 2026

Jan 6, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Seaway season extended to Thursday

Due to ice and the large number of vessels awaiting transit, the closing date of the Seaway has been extended to Jan. 8. It had originally been scheduled to close Jan. 5.

At 7:30 Tuesday morning, approximately 20 ships were still expected at the St. Lambert Lock.

Since 1959, the river portion of the Seaway has closed just 9 times in the month of January, 8 of those coming since 2013. The 2017 season ended after ice caused havoc at the US locks.

[Michael James Folsom, Rene Beauchamp]

 

Poe Lock down till Tuesday afternoon

The Poe Lock at the Soo will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday for maintenance involving divers. Stewart J. Cort locked down in the early morning after having difficulty with ice in the lock. She was followed by American Century. Edwin H. Gott is moored in the upper approaches awaiting reopening while American Spirit will find a good place to stop in the ice. John G. Munson was just around Whitefish Point at 8 a.m., with Wilfred Sykes also approaching.

Monday evening the upbound Saginaw came to a stop in the ice at Stribling point at the north end of Neebish Island. At 9 a.m., USCG Katmai Bay was on scene to assist. American Integrity was upbound near Lime Island.

Temperatures are near 30 with some fog. The Soo Locks close for the season Jan. 15.

[Know Your Ships]

 

Icebreaker Vincent Massey at Midland

   Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Vincent Massey is at Midland, ON, to assist the Thunder Bay. The Massey is expected to head to Thunder Bay, ON, next.

 

South Channel in Straits of Mackinac
to close Jan. 8 due to ice

   The Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is scheduled to close the South Channel in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8.
   According to the Coast Guard, the closure is due to expanded ice coverage in the area. The channel, located between Cheboygan and Bois Blanc Island, will remain in effect until ice is no longer a concern. Any ship traffic in the area can continue to use the Round Island Passage, on the northern side of Bois Blanc Island.

[USCG]

Atlantic Huron arrives at scrap yard

   On Monday morning, the Canada Steamship Lines’ Atlantic Huron arrived in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, under her own power, where she will be scrapped.

   Sheet Harbour is emerging as a center for responsible ship recycling in Canada, with local company R.J. MacIsaac Construction handling the dismantling of vessels like the former CCGS Hudson, MV Holiday Island, and Deep Panuke PFC, focusing on safe, environmentally compliant practices that maximize local economic impact and follow international standards for hazardous material management, setting a new example for the industry.

 

James R. Barker is first winter arrival at Sturgeon Bay

   James R. Barker is first vessel to arrive for winter layup at Sturgeon Bay, WI. Tugs Jimmy L and Donald Sarter assisted her with the spin at Sherwood Point (the big boats need to turn around and back into the yard, six miles). She is expected to go right into the drydock.

[Rosann Hollinger]

Seaway to close Jan. 8; upbound traffic resumes at Beauharnois Lock

   After several days of delays caused by heavy ice and one-way downbound traffic, upbound movement has finally resumed at the Beauharnois Locks. The Seaway will now close Jan. 8.

   Tanker Algonova was first to make the passage Monday en route to Sarnia. Following closely behind, tug Wilf Seymour and barge Alouette Spirit were also underway, heading upbound to Hamilton.

   With freezing conditions causing repeated issues in the lock chambers and requiring slow, staggered transits for downbound vessels, this progress marks a significant shift in momentum.

[Janey Anderson]

Frozen waters cause serious supply
chain issues across the Great Lakes

The delays are caused by the U.S. Coast Guard having equipment issues and unpredictable weather.
Author: Rowyn Schneider

   TOLEDO, Ohio — Winter may have come early for the Great Lakes this year, but neither the U.S. nor the Canadian Coast Guard can keep traffic moving through the ice.

   The lakes’ frozen waters are currently impacting commercial traffic between ports across the Great Lakes in places like Toledo, Sandusky, as well as ports in Michigan and Minnesota. The delivery of cargo like iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials like salt, grain, and sand are being impacted by these delays.

   The United States Coast Guard (USCG) usually conducts ice-breaking operations every year, but it has run into some issues this year.

   According to a press release issued by the Lake Carriers Association, the sudden onset of winter has caused the USCG to prioritize removing buoys and navigational equipment in lake waters before they get damaged by ice. The only heavy ice breaker ship in operation under the USGC, the Mackinaw,  has been working with several other ice-breaking tug boats to move this equipment. 

   “The U.S. Coast Guard is focused on their acquisition of Arctic Security Cutters, yet they can’t even keep our internal domestic waters open.  This is a major national security problem if steel mills in the U.S. cannot have a reliable supply chain during the winter” stated Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association.

   Canadian ports along the lakes are also fighting frozen waters, but the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)  has three icebreaker ships to help carry out its ice-breaking operations. The CCG has only had access to two of its heavy icebreaker ships this year, as the third ship, Samuel Risley, has been stuck at port in Sarnia, Ontario, due to an engineering problem.

   Crews from both the USCG and CCG have been working hard to clear pathways for cargo ships, but these delays will negatively affect commercial traffic this year.

Toledo Blade

Port Report – January 6, 2026

Jan 6, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Monday January 5.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/6/2026

MARIATOWN, CANADA-Ron Beaupre
5 January 2026
01:10 MIEDWIE, down, for Montreal.
18:51 ALGONOVA, up, for Sarnia.
21:19 WILF SEYMOUR & ALOUETTE SPIRIT, up, for Hamilton.
22:34 FEDERAL DELTA, down, cargo, for Montreal

KINGSTON, CANADA                                 [CAKIN]
DUE:
Salvage Monarch-DUE-1/6/2026-8:13 PM
SC Marigot-DUE-1/18/2026-10:34 PM

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
CSL Assiniboine-DUE-1/6/2026-3:00 AM
Maccoa-DUE-1/8/2026-1:26 PM
Trinityborg-DUE-1/10/2026-12:27 AM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/13/2026-3:49 PM
Federal Kivalina-DUE-1/23/2026-6:57 PM

TORONTO,CANADA                                     [CATOR]
1/5/2026  Salvage Monarch-DEPARTS-8:55 AM-For-Hamilton, Canada

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/5/2026  Lois M-ARRIVES-1:34 AM
1/5/2026  Algoma Sault-ARRIVES-8:41 AM
1/5/2026  G3 Marquis-ARRIVES-9:10 AM
1/5/2026  Salvage Monarch-ARRIVES-11:48 AM
1/5/2026  Salvage Monarch-DEPARTS-7:34 PM-For-Kingston, Canada
1/5/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-7:46 PM
DUE:
Algoma Equinox-DUE-1/5/2026-3:00 PM
Northern Venture-DUE-1/5/2026-9:59 PM
Algoma Strongfield-DUE-1/6/2026-3:04 AM
Frontenac-DUE-1/5/2026-10:00 PM
Sea Eagle II-DUE-1/6/2026-3:50 PM
Wilf Seymour-DUE-1/7/2026-4:30 AM
Radcliffe R Latimer-DUE-1/8/2026-12:56 AM

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/5/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-11:25 AM
1/5/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-1:01 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Harvester-DUE-1/5/2026-2:45 AM

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/5/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-3:48 AM
1/5/2026  Harvest Spirit-DEPARTS-4:02 AM-For-Port Colborne, Canada
1/5/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-8:46 AM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/5/2026  Northern Venture-ARRIVES-7:16 PM
1/5/2026  Northern Venture-DEPARTS-10:43 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-1-6-2026-4:00 PM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
Manitoulin departed for Thunder Bay and is at the Port Colborne anchorage.
DUE:
Hebert C Jackson-DUE-1/7/2026-5:07 AM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]
1/5/2026  Manitoulin-DEPARTS-3:06 AM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]
1/5/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-1:54 AM-For-Thorold, Canada
1/5/2026  Harvest Spirit-ARRIVES-5:36 AM
1/5/2026  Harvest Spirit-DEPARTS-6:57 AM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/5/2026  Northern Venture-ARRIVES-3:56 PM
1/5/2026  Northen Venture-DEPARTS-5:27 PN-For-Thorold, Canada

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
CSL St Laurent-DUE-1/6/2026-4:11 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Departing were Algoberta for Sarnia and Algocanada for Sault Ste. Marie.
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-1/5/2026-9:53 PM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Algoma Intrepid arrived at Cargill  to load salt. Manitowoc and American Courage are still running shuttles.
DUE:
American Spirit-DUE-1/7/2026-7:16 PM
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/10/2026-11:07 PM

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
CSL Niagara departed for Hamilton

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Victory/Maumee arrived at Ironville.
DUE:
New York / Double Skin 209A-DUE-1/5/2026-1:00 PM
Defiance / Ashtabula-DUE-1/8/2026-8:20 AM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is at Michigan Paving.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/5/2026  American Integrity-ARRIVES-2:25 AM
1/5/2026  American Integrity-DEPARTS-7:06 AM-For-Two Harbors, Minnesota
1/5/2026  Madison R-DEPARTS-8:43 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/5/2026  Ann Marie-DEPARTS-8:44 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/5/2026  Leo A McArthur-ARRIVES-11:18 AM
1/5/2026  Sea Eagle II-DEPARTS-3:22 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
DUE:
Leo A McArthur-DUE-1/5/2026-11:05 AM
Samuel De Champlain-DUE-1/6/2026-1:31 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/5/2026  Victory / Maumee-ARRIVES-11:06 AM
1/5/2026  Victory / Maumee-DEPARTS-11:17 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/5/2026  Kathy McKeil-ARRIVES-8:25 PM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
1/5/2026  Algoma Compass-ARRIVES-10:28 AM
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-1/6/2026-12:15 AM

MIDLAND, CANADA                                     [CAMID]
DUE:
Thunder Bay-DUE-1/6/2026-9:16 AM
Vincent Massey-DUE-1/6/2026-4:06 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
1/5/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-7:51 AM
1/5/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-1:08 PM-For-Midland, Canada
1/5/2026  Baltic-DEPARTS-2:55 PM-For-Green Bay, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-5:09 PM
1/5/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-8:11 PM-For-Goderich, Canada
DUE:
Everlast-DUE-1/7/2026-4:22 AM
Algoberta-DUE-1/6/2026-12:22 AM
Algonova-DUE-1/7/2026-3:58 PM

PORT HURON, MICHIGAN                       [USPHN]
1/5/2026  USCG Neah Bay-ARRIVES-6:08 PM

ALPENA, MICHIGAN                                   [USAPN]
1/5/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-5:40 AM
1/5/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-6:26 AM-For-Alpena, Michigan
1/5/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-7:44 AM
1/5/2026  Samuel De Champlain-ARRIVES-8:00 AM
1/5/2025  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-5:49 PM-For-Alpena, Michigan
1/5/2026  Samuel De Champlain-DEPARTS-5:58 PM-For-Detroit, Michigan
1/5/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-6:14 PM
1/5/2026  Alpena-ARRIVES-6:23 PM

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
1/5/2026  Candace Elise-DEPARTS-9:13 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
1/5/2026  Candace Elise-ARRIVES-9:50 AM
1/5/2026  Meredith Ashton-ARRIVES-9:52 AM
DUE:
Wm Boyd-DUE-1/5/2026-11:45 AM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/5/2026  H Lee White-DEPARTS-12:55 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/5/2026  Mark W Barker-DEPARTS-2:05 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/5/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-ARRIVES-3:18 AM
1/5/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-DEPARTS-5:16 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
1/5/2026  Thunder Bay-ARRIVES-6:54 AM
1/5/2026  USCG Katmai Bay-ARRIVES-8:02 AM
1/5/2026  Thunder Bay-DEPARTS-8:48 AM-For-Midland, Canada
1/5/2026  USCG Katmai Bay-DEPARTS-9:28 AM
1/5/2026  Presque Isle-ARRIVES-10:29 AM
1/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-11:27 AM
1/5/2026  Algoma Endeavour-ARRIVES-12:22 PM
1/5/2026  Presque Isle-DEPARTS-12:51 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/5/2026  Algoma Endeavour-DEPARTS-2:16 PM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/5/2026  Radcliffe R Latimer-ARRIVES-3:52 PM
1/5/2026  Radcliffe R Latimer-DEPARTS-6:37 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada
1/5/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-8:06 PM
1/5/2026  Stewart J Cort-ARRIVES-9:07 PM
1/5/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-10:16 PM-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-1/7/2026-12:42 AM

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN                         [USMQT]
1/5/2026  Hon James L Oberstar-ARRIVES-3:18 AM
1/5/2026  Kaye E Barker-ARRIVES-8:06 AM
1/5/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-9:25 AM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
1/5/2026  Indiana Harbor-ARRIVES-7:03 AM
1/5/2026  John G Munson-DEPARTS-8:08 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana
1/5/2026  Clyde S VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-11:33 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/5/2026  Burns Harbor-ARRIVES-1:15 PM
DUE:
Mark W Barker-DUE-1/6/2026-3:57 AM
H Lee White-DUE-1/6/2026-2:27 AM
John J Boland-DUE-1/6/2026-2:01 AM
Presque Isle-DUE-1/6/2026-4:03 PM
Algoma Buffalo-DUE-1/8/2026-12:22 AM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
1/5/2026  Edwin H Gott-DEPARTS-6:17 AM-For-Gary Harbor, Indiana
1/5/2026  Walter J McCarthy Jr-ARRIVES-8:48 AM
DUE:
American Integrity-DUE-1/7/2026-12:00 PM

SILVER BAY, MINNESOTA                         [USSIB]
1/5/2026  Defiance / Ashtabula-ARRIVES-2:49 AM
1/5/2026  Defiance / Ashtabula-DEPARTS-3:58 PM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/5/2026  Paul R Tregurtha-ARRIVES-7:09 PM

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO                         [CATHU]
1/5/2026  Algoma Innovator-ARRIVES-11:38 AM
1/5/2026  Evans Spirit-ARRIVES-5:04 PM
DUE:
Algoma Endeavour-DUE-1/6/2026-7:26 AM
Baie Comeau-DUE-1/7/2026-6:49 PM
Manitoulin-DUE-1/8/2026-10:02 AM
Harvest Spirit-DUE-1/7/2026-7:02 PM
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/11/2026-3:00 AM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee-DUE-1/6/2026-5:18 PM

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/5/2026  Jimmy L-DE#PARTS-12:15 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  Donald J Darter-DEPARTS-12:17 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  Donald J Sarter-ARRIVES-1:49 AM
1/5/2026  James R Barker-ARRIVES-1:59 AM
1/5/2026  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-2:04 AM
1/5/2026  Jimmy L-DEPARTS-2:33 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-6:40 AM
1/5/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-10:03 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  USCG Moilbe Bay-ARRIVES-7:02 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
1/5/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-1:59 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-1/6/2026-11:12 PM

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN                          [USMKG]
DUE:
Meredith Ashton-DUE-1/6/2026-5:19 PM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
1/5/2026  Bradshaw McKee-ARRIVES-10:53 AM
1/5/2026  Bradshaw McKee-DEPARTS-8:23 PM-For-Charlevoix, Michigan
1/5/2026  Albert / Margaret-ARRIVES-9:45 PM

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN                               [USHLM]
1/5/2026  Undaunted / PM 41-ARRIVES-5:43 PM

ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN-BENTON HARBOR,MICHIGAN [USBEH]
1/5/2026  Undaunted / PM 41-DEPARTED-1:15 PM-For-Holland, Michigan

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
1/5/2026  Bradshaw McKee-DEPARTS-1:47 AM-For-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1/5/2026  Prentiss Brown-ARRIVES-7:30 AM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
1/5/2026  Baie Comeau-DEPARTS-9:42 AM-For-Thunder Bay, Canada
1/5/2026  Calumet-ARRIVES-10:19 PM
DUE:
Calumet-DUE-1/5/2026-9:00 PM
Mesabi Miner-DUE-1/6/206-2:16 AM
Stewart J Cort-DUE-1/7/2026-8:42 AM
Lois M-DUE-1/8/2026-5:52 AM

GARY HARBOR, INDIANA                         [USGYY]
1/5/2026Edgar B Speer-ARRIVES-4:04 PM
DUE:
American Century-DUE-1/8/2026-8:11 AM
Edwin H Gott-DUE-1/7/2026-9:21 AM
Walter J McCarthy Jr-DUE-1/8/2026-10:42 AM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
1/5/2026  Joseph L Block-ARRIVES-6:30 PM
DUE:
Rebecca Lynn-DUE-1/6/2026-11:43 PM
Wilfred Sykes-DUE-1/8/2026-8:12 AM

 

Today in Great Lakes History – January 6

Jan 6, 2026

1923
1923:   THOMAS FRIANT [Built 1884 by Duncan Robertson of Grand Haven, Michigan]Sprung a leak and sank twelve miles from Two Harbors, MN, Lake Superior, January 6, 1923, on voyage Bayfield, WI; no lives lost. [Source: BGSU]

1961
1961:  While under tow heading for scrap, the HARRY R. JONES went aground at Androsan, Scotland, on January 6, 1961, and it wasn’t until February 15 that she arrived at her final port of Troon, Scotland.

1973
1973:  The JOSEPH H. THOMPSON ran aground at Escanaba, Michigan, after departing that port.

1976
1976:  The former GLADYS BOWATER was sailing as c) AGINOR when it caught fire and had to be abandoned off southwest Sicily. The hull was towed to Palermo, Italy, with serious damage and then to Piraeus, Greece, where it was laid up unrepaired. But the ship was resold, rebuilt and returned to service as d) ALEXANDRA in 1977. It was scrapped at Gadani Beach, Pakistan, as e) LAMYAA in 1985.

1979
1979:  OTTO NUBEL first came to the Great Lakes in 1953 and returned regularly until the final four trips in 1959. The ship was sailing as b) MARIA III when there was an explosion in the engine room on January 6, 1979, near Tamomago Island, Spain. A fire followed and the vessel went aground where it was abandoned as a total loss.

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

2025
2025:  The US Coast Guard received a report that the WILFRED SYKES experienced generator issues on Lake Superior . The crew contacted fleetmate JOSEPH L BLOCK which was nearby for an escort and assistance with anchoring. The BLOCK tied up alongside the SYKES, towing her on the hip to a safe anchorage in Batchawana Bay. The were no reported injuries. The block resumed her trip to Two Harbors, Minnesota

2025:   1-6-2025 TUG EVERLAST and her barge NORMAN McLEOD were the last vessels to transit The St. Lawrence Seaway for the 2024 season.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Brian Bernard, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

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