Boatnerd News

Boatnerd News – November 24, 2025

Nov 24, 2025

Saltie Volgaborg loses power on St. Marys River

12:25 UPDATE: Volgaborg has been cleared to proceed upbound without tug assistance. Anchored vessels will get underway in the same order as they anchored.

ORIGINAL REPORT: SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Just after 9 a.m. Monday, the upbound saltwater vessel Volgaborg reported it had lost power near Frechette Point on the lower St. Marys River. They were able to get a bow and stern anchor out and did not go aground. The salties Bandura and Shipka, right behind her, anchored immediately in the Nine Mile (Hay Lake) Anchorage. The downbound Federal Bering was able to tie up on the MacArthur Lock lower wall with the assistance of tug Colorado, after which the tug headed down to the Volgaborg to stand by if needed. Although power was reported restored, U.S. Coast Guard inspectors boarded the Volgaborg to make sure the vessel was ready to proceed. Meanwhile, CSL Welland joined the other two vessels in the anchorage around noon, with the downbound Edgar B. Speer being held at the locks. Volgaborg, owned by the Amsterdam-based Royal Wagenborg fleet, is headed for Duluth.

Know Your Ships

[More Photos in the Gallery below]

Car drives into Seaway Canal; Ship traffic halted

MONTREAL – Lower Seaway is closed to up and down traffic Monday morning (11/24/25 – 07:00) as a result of a car that drove into the South Shore Canal near the CPR Bridge (east end of Kahnawake). No word on when things will resume moving. At this time, five upbound and two downbound ships are impacted.

Janey Anderson – Ship Junkies

Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
   The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
   On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
   The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
   Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said. 
   The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
   The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
   Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.

   For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
Wednesday morning update:
   The Tow passed under the Mackinac Bridge at approx. 8:00 AM  
 Thursday Update;
   The tow was passing Port Huron this morning.
UPDATE:
Friday update provided by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography
Excellent video today. Click on link:  https://www.facebook.com/windsoraerialdronephotography
 Update:
Saturday photos added arriving Port Colborne
Update:
Sunday evening AIS Is showing the tow stopped at Port Weller, Canada

[More Photos in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 23, 2025

Nov 23, 2025

Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
   The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
   On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
   The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
   Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said. 
   The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
   The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
   Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.

   For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
Wednesday morning update:
   The Tow passed under the Mackinac Bridge at approx. 8:00 AM  
 Thursday Update;
   The tow was passing Port Huron this morning.
UPDATE:
Friday update provided by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography
Excellent video today. Click on link:  https://www.facebook.com/windsoraerialdronephotography
 Update:
Saturday photos added arriving Port Colborne

[More Photos in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 22, 2025

Nov 22, 2025

Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
   The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
   On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
   The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
   Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said. 
   The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
   The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
   Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.

   For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
Wednesday morning update:
   The Tow passed under the Mackinac Bridge at approx. 8:00 AM  
 Thursday Update;
   The tow was passing Port Huron this morning.
UPDATE:
Friday update provided by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography
Excellent video today. Click on link:  https://www.facebook.com/windsoraerialdronephotography

[More Photos in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 21, 2025

Nov 21, 2025

Toledo Museum Announces 2025 Christmas Tree
Ship Event, Plus Free Admission and Holiday Giveback

   Toledo, Ohio – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will host its annual Christmas Tree Ship event on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Presented by UToledo Health, with support from the Port of Monroe, the day features free museum admission for all visitors and marks the museum’s largest community giveback event of the year.
   Inspired by the historic schooner Rouse Simmons—known as the original “Christmas Tree Ship”—the event blends holiday tradition with Great Lakes history. The community is invited to purchase a live 5–7 ft. Christmas tree for themselves or donate one to a community member in need. Trees, sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan, may be pre-purchased through Sunday, November 30, at 1 p.m.

NMGL also invites the community to purchase gift card donations, which the museum’s community partners will distribute:

  • East Toledo Family Center
  • Family House
  • Lucas County Children Services
  • Sylvania Area Family Services

   Thanks to the generosity of UToledo Health, every tree or gift card donation will include a matching healthy hygiene kit provided to families in need. More details on how to donate can be found at nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25.

   “This event embodies who we are as a museum—not just a place that preserves, shares, and celebrates history, but a place that also uplifts our community,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Event Schedule — Saturday, December 6

  • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Free admission to the National Museum of the Great Lakes
  • 11:00 a.m. — East Toledo Holiday Parade
  • 1:15 p.m. — Live Facebook stream of the tugboat delivering Christmas trees
  • 1:30 p.m. — Santa arrives by tugboat at the museum with live trees
  • 1:45–3:45 p.m. — Meet & greet with Santa inside the museum

Families in need of a donated tree may contact United Way’s Community Resource Advisors by dialing 211.

How to Participate
   Purchase or donate a tree, purchase a gift card for donation, or learn more about the event at nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25

[National Museum of the Great Lakes]

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
Wednesday morning update:
   The Tow passed under the Mackinac Bridge at approx. 8:00 AM  
 Thursday Update;
   The tow was passing Port Huron this morning.
[More Photos of Tuesday’s start in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 20, 2025

Nov 20, 2025

Toledo Museum Announces 2025 Christmas Tree
Ship Event, Plus Free Admission and Holiday Giveback

   Toledo, Ohio – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will host its annual Christmas Tree Ship event on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Presented by UToledo Health, with support from the Port of Monroe, the day features free museum admission for all visitors and marks the museum’s largest community giveback event of the year.
   Inspired by the historic schooner Rouse Simmons—known as the original “Christmas Tree Ship”—the event blends holiday tradition with Great Lakes history. The community is invited to purchase a live 5–7 ft. Christmas tree for themselves or donate one to a community member in need. Trees, sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan, may be pre-purchased through Sunday, November 30, at 1 p.m.

NMGL also invites the community to purchase gift card donations, which the museum’s community partners will distribute:

  • East Toledo Family Center
  • Family House
  • Lucas County Children Services
  • Sylvania Area Family Services

   Thanks to the generosity of UToledo Health, every tree or gift card donation will include a matching healthy hygiene kit provided to families in need. More details on how to donate can be found at nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25.

   “This event embodies who we are as a museum—not just a place that preserves, shares, and celebrates history, but a place that also uplifts our community,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Event Schedule — Saturday, December 6

  • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Free admission to the National Museum of the Great Lakes
  • 11:00 a.m. — East Toledo Holiday Parade
  • 1:15 p.m. — Live Facebook stream of the tugboat delivering Christmas trees
  • 1:30 p.m. — Santa arrives by tugboat at the museum with live trees
  • 1:45–3:45 p.m. — Meet & greet with Santa inside the museum

Families in need of a donated tree may contact United Way’s Community Resource Advisors by dialing 211.

How to Participate
   Purchase or donate a tree, purchase a gift card for donation, or learn more about the event at nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25

[National Museum of the Great Lakes]

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
Wednesday morning update::
   The Tow passed under the Mackinac Bridge at approx. 8:00 AM  
[More Photos of Tuesday’s start in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 19, 2025

Nov 19, 2025

Ocean Tower departs with Big Blue 70 from Manitowoc

Ocean Tower departed with Big Blue 70 at 8:24 AM Tuesday morning with the tug Donald J Sarter assisting them in getting down the river.
   The Sarter was back in Sturgeon Bay by 2:31 PM
[More Photos of Tuesday’s start in the Gallery below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 18, 2025

Nov 18, 2025

Manitowoc’s WWII submarine USS Cobia
is home, with a new look and hull numbers restored

   MANITOWOC, WI – Manitowoc’s WWII submarine USS Cobia is home with a new look and hull numbers restored
   USS Cobia returned from dry dock in Sturgeon Bay last month sporting something new — 245! It’s the first time she’s worn her hull numbers since the last dry docking in 1996. Back then, the project manager and museum staff decided not to repaint them. This year, we chose to bring them back.
   Every museum ship selects a specific period in its service life to guide restoration work. Since Cobia saw few modifications after World War II, our goal has always been to preserve her WWII appearance. When she was last dry docked in 1996, the team chose to represent mid-1945, just prior to the end of the war. During wartime, submarines removed their hull numbers so they couldn’t be identified at sea, so the decision was made to paint them over.
   Cobia’s missing numbers have been debated ever since. While historically accurate, many submarine veterans and historic ship enthusiasts weren’t fans of a boat without her numbers. To them, a hull number wasn’t just paint — it was their home address, their identity. As sub veteran Mark Becker put it: “In the eyes of an old sailor, her hull numbers identify her to the world. Every ship or submarine that I’ve had the honor of knowing wore her hull numbers proudly … and besides, they look really COOL!”
   They also served a practical purpose for her crew. Hull numbers often helped drunken sailors find their way home! One night in Subic Bay, Philippines, the Cobia crew was enjoying a much-earned liberty when Lt. John Marshall had a few too many after receiving bad news from his family. His shipmates carried him back to the dock and dropped him through a hatch. Unfortunately, they’d dropped him into the wrong submarine! They climbed down, hauled him out, and delivered him (this time correctly) to Cobia.
   When the U.S. Navy was founded in 1775, ships were known only by name. But as names were reused, confusion set in. (USS Ranger has been used 10 times, making it the most frequently used name in the US Navy!) In the 1890s, the Navy introduced “naval registry identification numbers” to keep things straight.
   Hull classification symbols combine letters for ship type and a number identifying the specific vessel. For example: BB = battleship, DD = destroyer, SS = submarine, CV = aircraft carrier.
   Ships keep their numbers for life, but their classification can change with modifications. In 1951, Cobia’s designation shifted from SS to AGSS when she became an auxiliary general submarine, a non-combat research and training vessel. New designations were added as technology evolved, such as SSN or CVN for nuclear-powered submarines and carriers, and so on.
   Restoring Cobia’s hull numbers brings her story full circle — honoring both her wartime service and the submariners who called her home. “245” isn’t just paint on steel; it’s a symbol of identity, pride and tradition. It connects today’s visitors with the generations who served beneath the waves and reminds us why this boat still matters.
   Now, with her numbers gleaming once again, Cobia stands proud — part museum, part memory and all heart. The veterans are smiling, the sailors can find their way home again, and the old girl finally has her “address” back.

[Herald Times Reporter]

Big Blue 70 in Manitowoc ready to go, but holding for weather

Update:  She is loaded on the barge and ready to go. They were supposed to leave Saturday morning but are now waiting on weather.
     Next departure time is said to be at first light Tuesday November 18
[Photos in Gallery Below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 17, 2025

Nov 17, 2025

Lake Superior winds continue to delay shipping

   UPDATE 10 a.m. MONDAY: Vessel traffic is on the move after high winds have died down. 

   ORIGINAL REPORT: ST. MARYS RIVER – After low water in the Rock Cut at Barbeau forced her to drop the hook in the Nine Mile anchorage Saturday night, Joseph L. Block resumed her downbound trip late Sunday afternoon.

   Weather is continuing to affect shipping on the northern Great Lakes. Five vessels – American Century, Federal Shimanto, Wigeon, Kathy McKeil and Edwin H. Gott – were at anchor in the lee of Whitefish Point Sunday evening. USCG Mackinaw was stopped near Lime Island, while Indiana Harbor remained anchored north of DeTour. The small USCG 49412 was busy swapping summer buoys for winter markers. She and USCG Spar are filling in for the USCG Buckthorn, which is drydocked at Escanaba, MI, for scheduled maintenance.

   Wilfred Sykes, Lee A. Tregurtha and American Mariner were hunkered down at Marquette Sunday. Other vessels on Lake Superior were taking the northerly course.

Big Blue 70 in Manitowoc ready to go, but holding for weather

Update:  She is loaded on the barge and ready to go. They were supposed to leave Saturday morning but are now waiting on weather.
     Next departure time is said to be at first light Monday November 17
[Photos in Gallery Below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 16, 2025

Nov 16, 2025

Gale Warnings Up on Northern Great Lakes

   Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Gale warnings are in effect for portions of Lake Superior and northern Lake Huron. NW winds Saturday evening lowered the water level of the Rock Cut on the St. Marys River, prompting the downbound Joseph L. Block to drop the hook in the 9 Mile Anchorage. The Two Harbors-bound Indiana Habor spent Saturday anchored above DeTour, while American Century, headed to Superior, WI, sought shelter in the lee of Whitefish Point.
   Herbert C. Jackson, headed for Muskegon, was sheltering off Port Inland.
   At 9 p.m. Saturday, the USCG Mackinaw and the Edwin H. Gott were on course for DeTour.  Hon. James L. Oberstar and CCG Samuel Risley were downbound Saturday morning.
   The forecast calls for highest gusts up to 40 kts from the northwest and highest waves around 12 feet expected until 10 p.m. Sunday.
   USCG Spar was upbound Saturday afternoon, followed by the small buoy tender CG 49412, with green buoys on her aft deck. Both moored at Group Soo base.

 

Big Blue 70 in Manitowoc ready to go but holding for weather

Update:  She is loaded on the barge and ready to go. They were supposed to leave Saturday morning but are now waiting on weather.
     Nest departure time is said to be at first light Monday November 17
[Photos in Gallery Below]

 

 

 

 

Boatnerd News – November 15, 2025

Nov 15, 2025

Interlake Maritime Services promotes two executives

In a press release Interlake Maritime services has promoted two executives.
   Kyle Fries has been promoted to Vice President of Fleet Engineering
   Phil Moore will Transition to Vice President of Marine Technical Services
  [You may read the complete letter in the Gallery Below]

Vancouver Shipyards delivers cutting-edge science vessel to Canadian Coast Guard

Written by Marine Log Staff
11-14-2025
   Seaspan Shipyards this week officially delivered the offshore oceanographic science vessel (OOSV) CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) in an acceptance ceremony at its Vancouver Shipyards.
   CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is named after a well-respected Inuk elder from Nunavik, who was a renowned promoter of Inuit language and culture.
   Built at a project cost of CAD 1.47 billion, the 88-meter long ship will replace CCGS Hudson, which was decommissioned in 2022 following 59 years of dedicated service. The new OOSV will be Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s primary oceanographic science platform and is the largest dedicated science vessel ever built for the Canadian Coast Guard. It combines cutting-edge marine research facilities with robust operational versatility.
   With a crew capacity of 34 crew plus 26 scientists it will have a range and endurance of over 6,000 nautical miles and up to six weeks at sea and can also support search and rescue and environmental response operations.

Key features include:
   Modular working deck allowing mission-specific science modules to be swapped in and out;
   Marine mammal observation station for real-time environmental monitoring;
   Ocean sampling room and multiple specialized laboratories (general-purpose, chemical, acoustics, salinity, computer, and seawater);
   Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and Hydro Wire Launch and Recovery System (LARS);
   Main and secondary cranes, stern A-frame, towing booms, and seismic compressors for deep-water deployments;
   Drop keel and advanced sonar/sensor arrays for detailed ocean-data collection.
   The OOSV will sail to Patricia Bay for Canadian Coast Guard training and familiarity before starting its voyage to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the ship’s home port.
   The OOSV’s delivery follows a number of other shipbuilding milestones at Seaspan over the last year, including the launch of HMCS Protecteur, cutting steel on the CCG’s new heavy polar Icebreaker, a successful functional design review for the multi-purpose icebreakers and the design award for six U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters.
   “Seaspan is immensely proud to deliver CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, an incredibly complex vessel that will perform important scientific research missions for Canada. As the first shipyard to deliver two different classes of ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is showing that the investments made to rebuild shipbuilding on the West Coast have been successful — we are designing and building ships for Canada, in Canada,” said John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards. “Today’s celebration is thanks to the dedication, creativity and teamwork of our engineers, designers, naval architects, skilled tradespeople, suppliers and Coast Guard partners. Thank you and congratulations to all on this magnificent milestone.”
   “The delivery of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk marks a major milestone in our efforts to modernize the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet,” said Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard. “As our largest dedicated science vessel, this ship will serve as a world-class platform for critical d research, supporting sustainable marine resource management and our response to changing ocean conditions. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the team at Vancouver Shipyards for their skill, dedication, and craftsmanship in bringing this complex and vital vessel to life. Their work helps ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of ocean science and marine safety for generations to come.”

Loading of Big Blue 70 Complete

   Loading of KoneCrane Number 70 has Finished in Manitowoc today.  It will be towed out the great lakes and Seaway by the tug Ocean Tower.  
   If weather is good , right now a 7:00 AM sailing time has been set, Can Change with the weather.
[Photos in the gallery below]

 

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