Boatnerd News

Boatnerd News – October 1, 2025

Oct 1, 2025

 

Miller Boat Line’s former ferry, West Shore, is the West Shore once more

BY SHERI TRUSTY

   PUT-IN-BAY – When Captain Sean Whelan of Arnold Transit Company in Michigan was a young boy, he developed a strong attachment to the ferries that got their start with Miller Boat Line on Put-in-Bay, especially the West Shore and South Shore. Both vessels were sold long ago to welcome new ferries to the Miller fleet, and they sailed away to Michigan, where the West Shore was eventually renamed the Anna May.
   This year, to honor the ferry’s history, Arnold Transit Company changed the Anna May’s name back to the West Shore, and Whelan captains the boat that captured his heart many years ago.
   But Whelan’s first love was the South Shore that made daily excursions to Beaver Island, which his family visited often.
   “As a kid, I remember hanging out by the South Shore,” Whelan said.
   Whelan was so enamored with the South Shore as a child that he wrote William Market, who owned Miller Boat Line with his wife, Mary Ann, to learn about the vessel’s history. Today, Miller Boat Line is owned by William and Mary Ann’s children, Billy, Julene and Scott.
   “When I was a young kid, I wrote Miller Boat Line, and William Market wrote me back,” Whelan said. “I had an attachment to the South Shore and asked if he had any old photos. He sent me photos and a copy of an inspection.
   When the West Shore also began traveling to Beaver Island, Whelan discovered a second love. Today, he sits at the West Shore’s helm and ferries passengers from Arnold’s St. Ignace dock to Mackinac Island and back.
   When the West Shore came to the island later, it never dawned on me that one day I’d be the captain of it,” he said.
   The West Shore has had a long career on the Great Lakes. It was built as a passenger and vehicle ferry for Miller Boat Line in 1947 and was sold in 1998 to Bud Martin of Beaver Island. There, it became a freight hauler in Lake Michigan. It was purchased by Bay City Cruises in 2008 for use as a touring boat, but those plans didn’t come to fruition.
   In 2013, it was sold again, this time to Mackinac’s Star Line, which renamed the boat the Anna May. For many years, the Anna May hauled cargo during the day and offered sunset cruises on Lake Michigan in the evenings.
   When Star Line rebranded to the Arnold Transit Company name, Whelan approached the owners about restoring the West Shore name.
   “I’m a history buff, and I always liked the West Shore name,” he said. “When we did the rebranding of the company, I asked about changing the name of the Anna May back to the West Shore, which was its name for over 60 years.”
   The name was changed in May, and today, the West Shore is back to its roots as a passenger ferry. The ship has a liquor license, and passengers enjoy leisurely trips to Mackinac Island, with a drink in one hand, a snack in the other, and a legacy of service and history all around them.
   “It’s been really popular. It’s a nice, comfortable ride,” Whelan said. “They don’t make boats like that anymore.”
   The West Shore is the oldest operating ferry on the Mackinac Island runs, and there is a good reason it has survived since 1947. William Market had the vision to ensure it stayed out of saltwater that would slowly erode and destroy it.
   “My dad knew he would have to sell off the vessels as he replaced them. But what my father had in mind – and I love this – is he wouldn’t sell them to anyone in saltwater,” Julene said. “He had offers, but Dad said no. He said that we’re going to keep these vessels at home in the Great Lakes, that we’re going to keep them in freshwater.”
   Julene remembers when each of the vessels was sold and permanently left the dock.
   “When we sold the vessels, we had farewell parties with former captains and community members,” she said. “It was like saying goodbye to an old friend when they floated away for the last time.”
   The name change was a surprise addition to Miller Boat Line’s 120th anniversary celebration this year. News that the West Shore’s name was restored spread joy across the island. Their beloved West Shore had risen from the dead.
   “It wasn’t just my family that was happy; it was the whole island community,” Julene said. “Year-round residents and summer residents – it made everyone so happy. People started reminiscing. It was an emotional, nostalgic moment.”

Spliethoff vessel Minervagracht adrift and on fire after apparent Houthi attack

Amsterdam headquartered Spliethoff today reported that 19 crew members of its M-Class multipurpose vessel Minervagracht have been safely evacuated to nearby vessels after the ship was hit by an unknown explosive device in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden on Monday. Two seafarers suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical attention onboard the nearby ships.
   “Minervagracht has sustained considerable damage and is experiencing a fire. The vessel was sailing Eastbound from Djibouti at the time of the incident and is not carrying any cargo,” continued the company statement. “Spliethoff ls engaging with international authorities and specialists to safeguard and secure the vessel.
   “Spliethoff would again like to express its deepest concern over the current events and continues to provide support to the involved seafarers and their families at this extremely difficult time. The company would like to thank the crew of the nearby vessels for their swift assistance during the rescue operation.”
   The incident bears all the fingerprints of a Houthi attack and videos of the incident, apparently from Houthi sources, have been posted on X.
   In its most recent update on the incident, EU NAVFOR ASPIDES said Minervagracht remains on fire and adrift.
   ASPIDES assets have been engaged in a SOLAS operation, which is now completed. All nineteen (19) crew members, Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan, are rescued.
   Eighteen (18) crewmembers are on board ASPIDES’ naval units, among whom one (1) is wounded, in stable condition. The nineteenth member of the crew is seriously injured and is transferred to Djibouti.
   According to reports, the Minervagracht was the subject of an unsuccessful attack attempt on September 23

Video can be viewed here:   https://www.marinelog.com/news/spliethoff-vessel-minervagracht-adrift-and-on-fire-after-apparent-houthi-attack/?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=53953

Port Huron, Canadian vessels to race across international waters

   PORT HURON, MI – The inaugural Bluewater Classic will see two vessels race across international waters on Oct. 4.
   “Get ready for a thrilling showdown across international waters as two iconic vessels go head-to-head in the inaugural Bluewater Classic,” said Kristy Walker, co-owner of the Huron Lady II. “This friendly but fierce competition pits the beloved Huron Lady II — ‘The Lady’ — against her Canadian rival, the Duc d’Orléans II — ‘The Duc’ — in a high-spirited race along the St. Clair River and into the waters of Lake Huron, all under the towering span of the Blue Water Bridge.”
   Walker owns the Huron Lady II along with her husband Dustin.
   “Join us for a day of hometown pride, cross-border rivalry and riverfront excitement as these two local legends battle it out for nautical bragging rights,” Walker said. “Whether you’re cheering from shore or cruising aboard one of the contenders, this race promises unforgettable energy and fun.”
   The race will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and begin at the Huron Lady II Dock, located at 102 Huron Ave. in Port Huron. On the boat, there will be a live DJ.
   “This idea started back in June while talking to Andrew Kercher, a local historian — we have been working on it since June,” Walker said. She said organizers are hoping to fill the boat, which has a maximum of 100 passengers, and have spectators watch from the shore.
   When asked what she is most looking forward to about the event, Walker said, “a fun day on the water celebrating our wonderful Blue Water Area and creating an annual event as we wind down our season.”
   Tickets to be on the boat can be purchased by calling 810-984-1500, stopping by the ticket booth or visiting huronlady.com/cruises. The cost is $50.
   “We are almost sold out for the event, but anyone can watch from the shore to cheer on your hometown favorite vessel,” Walker said.
   Huron Lady II offers 90-minute sightseeing cruises with a fully narrated tour of the Blue Water Area, huronlady.com states. Those onboard see both the Michigan and Canadian shorelines along the St Clair River, the international Blue Water Bridges, the historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and many more breathtaking sights along the way. Most cruises enjoy encounters with Great Lakes freighters, as well. There are also specialty cruises offered.

For more information, visit huronlady.com or facebook.com/huronlady2cruises.

The Voice

Second Wave Expands the National Museum of the Great Lakes

   TOLEDO, OHIO – Imagine for a moment you are at the helm of a 552-foot-long freighter pushing across the Great Lakes carrying 11 tons of cargo.
   The nation becomes more realistic as you enter the pilot house of the ship St. Mary’s Challenger. The pilot house is one of the newest artifacts included in a 5,000-foot addition to the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Standing behind the vessel’s wheel provides an opportunity to discover what it’s like as captain to sail on one of the five great lakes. 
   The $5.5 million expansion at the museum along the Maumee River made room for the pilot house, a new permanent gallery, space for rotating exhibits, offices, a conference room and places for seminars and workshops.  “I feel like I just birthed my fourth child,” said Museum Executive Director Kate Fineske. “Construction is not for the faint of heart. But it is so exciting to finally welcome the public into our new space…our collection is vast and wide.” Only about 10% of the museum’s collection is on display at one time with the rest in storage. “We really needed the space.”
   The museum moved to Toledo in 2014, and the additions were unveiled in June. Capturing the essence of the massive lakes and demonstrating the connection to our lives is no small task. The great lakes measure 94,250 square miles. 11,000 miles of shoreline would stretch from Toledo to Perth, Australia.  
   “When I joined the team in 2019, just to give you an idea of how much we’ve grown, we had about six folks,” explained Fineske. “We have close to 30 now.”  No tax dollars are used to support the museum. Expenses are covered through membership, admission revenue and donations.

Toledo City Paper

AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award

     The book Ahoy & Farewell III, released last fall to mark the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s 80th anniversary, has won an award for Outstanding Michigan History Publication from the Historical Society of Michigan.
   MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
   Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
The book may be ordered at MHSD.org
To order by mail,
US orders $48 (includes postage)
Canadian orders $63 (includes postage) Must write US Funds after the numerical dollar amount.
Send payment to
Vinny Cioletti – MHSD
10 Port Ave.
Monrore, MI 48161

Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying

   DETROIT, MI – From dining on authentic cuisine served on the ill-fated freighter to a solemn laying of wreaths on the water, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a weekend of events to honor the 29 mariners who died in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald nearly 50 years ago.
   The museum is planning several opportunities, paid and free, to honor the Fitzgerald, which went down in a violent storm on Nov. 10, 1975, and is remembered in the Gordon Lightfoot ballad.
   Rebecca Salminen-Witt, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Historical Society, said tickets are expected to sell out fast for a special brunch set for Sunday, Nov. 9, and the solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 10. Free events also are scheduled at the museum throughout the weekend.
   “It’s important for people to learn about this history ― there’s a lot of it. And Detroit played a huge role in the maritime history of the state and in the whole country,” Salminen-Witt said.
   Friday Nov. 7
   The commemorative weekend kicks off at 11 a.m. with a book talk featuring Thomas Nelson, the author of “Wrecked: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   Salminen-Witt said Nelson’s book takes a unique perspective on the ship’s sinking and how the loss of thousands of pounds of ore affected Michigan’s manufacturing economy, ultimately impacting the nation’s economy.
   Register for the book talk here: https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/book-talk-wrecked

  Detroit Free Press

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

 

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 30, 2025

Sep 30, 2025

Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht
adrift and ablaze after attack in Gulf of Aden

   LONDON/ATHENS – The Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Minervagracht is on fire and drifting in the Gulf of Aden after an attack with an explosive device required the helicopter rescue of its 19 crew, the EU maritime mission Aspides and the vessel’s operator said on Monday.
   The vessel has been a frequent visitor to the Great Lakes/Seaway system.
   It was not immediately clear whether the attack that injured two sailors was carried out by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, who since 2023 have launched numerous assaults on vessels in the Red Sea that they deem to be linked with Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war on Gaza.
   The vessel’s Amsterdam-based operator Spliethoff said Minervagracht was in international waters in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by an unidentified explosive device that inflicted substantial damage and started a fire on the ship.
   The ship was about 128 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, Yemen, when the explosion happened.
   Rescuers evacuated the vessel’s 19 crew, who are Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan. One was wounded and in stable condition and another was seriously injured and being transported to Djibouti, the EU maritime mission Aspides said.
   “The MV Minervagracht is on fire and adrift,” said Aspides, which added that the vessel had not previously asked for its protection.

Reuters

Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship
Illuminates Downtown Toledo Skyline

   TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced
the official exterior lighting of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship during last week’s Legacy in Lights: The Schoonmaker Shines celebration.
   Thanks to the vision and generosity of The Admiral Society, the museum’s leadership-level membership group, the Schoonmaker now glows along both sides of its hull, becoming a permanent and iconic feature of Toledo’s nighttime skyline.
   “Seeing the Schoonmaker lit for the first time was truly breathtaking,” said Sara Smith, the museum’s Director of Institutional Advancement. “This project highlights the power of The Admiral Society members—leaders who not only support our mission but also shape the
   future of how we share Great Lakes history with our community.”
   Each year, The Admiral Society selects a special “future-building” project to fund, ranging from artifact acquisitions and new exhibitions to educational outreach initiatives. For 2025, members chose to illuminate the Schoonmaker, ensuring that the ship’s presence is celebrated both day and night along the downtown Toledo skyline.
   Originally launched in 1911 and now serving as a museum vessel, the Schoonmaker stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of Great Lakes maritime history. Its new exterior lighting underscores both the museum’s commitment to preservation and Toledo’s growing reputation as a Great Lakes city.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

 

AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award

     The book Ahoy & Farewell III, released last fall to mark the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s 80th anniversary, has won an award for Outstanding Michigan History Publication from the Historical Society of Michigan.
   MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
   Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
The book may be ordered at MHSD.org
To order by mail,
US orders $48 (includes postage)
Canadian orders $63 (includes postage) Must write US Funds after the numerical dollar amount.
Send payment to
Vinny Cioletti – MHSD
10 Port Ave.
Monrore, MI 48161

Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying

   DETROIT, MI – From dining on authentic cuisine served on the ill-fated freighter to a solemn laying of wreaths on the water, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a weekend of events to honor the 29 mariners who died in the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald nearly 50 years ago.
   The museum is planning several opportunities, paid and free, to honor the Fitzgerald, which went down in a violent storm on Nov. 10, 1975, and is remembered in the Gordon Lightfoot ballad.
   Rebecca Salminen-Witt, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Historical Society, said tickets are expected to sell out fast for a special brunch set for Sunday, Nov. 9, and the solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 10. Free events also are scheduled at the museum throughout the weekend.
   “It’s important for people to learn about this history ― there’s a lot of it. And Detroit played a huge role in the maritime history of the state and in the whole country,” Salminen-Witt said.
   Friday Nov. 7
   The commemorative weekend kicks off at 11 a.m. with a book talk featuring Thomas Nelson, the author of “Wrecked: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   Salminen-Witt said Nelson’s book takes a unique perspective on the ship’s sinking and how the loss of thousands of pounds of ore affected Michigan’s manufacturing economy, ultimately impacting the nation’s economy.
   Register for the book talk here: https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/book-talk-wrecked

  Detroit Free Press

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

 

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 29, 2025

Sep 29, 2025

AHOY & FAREWELL III Wins
Historical Society of Michigan Award

     The book Ahoy & Farewell III, released last fall to mark the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s 80th anniversary, has won an award for Outstanding Michigan History Publication from the Historical Society of Michigan.
   MHSD president and book co-author Roger LeLievre accepted the award recently at the HSOM’s annual conference. The book’s other two authors are Viktor Kaczkowski and William T. Moran.
   Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the MHSD’s long-running series marks the MHSD’s 80th anniversary. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell during the last 30 years. The nearly 300-page, high-quality volume features a wealth of color photos, with multiple images of every vessel referenced, plus a complete history of every vessel listed.
The book may be ordered at MHSD.org
To order by mail,
US orders $48 (includes postage)
Canadian orders $63 (includes postage) Must write US Funds after the numerical dollar amount.
Send payment to
Vinny Cioletti – MHSD
10 Port Ave.
Monrore, MI 48161

Marine Historical Society of Detroit 

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

 

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 27, 2025

Sep 27, 2025

PRESS RELEASE: American Launches First All-U.S. Cruises on The Great Lakes

   Guilford, CT – American Cruise Lines has announced the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season. These new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country.
   “Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
   This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.
   American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).
   All cruises offer an included pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes. All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.
   American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including suites, and singles available without supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.

Find out more at americancruiselines.com

American Cruise Lines

New Algoma Legacy takes Algoma Central fleet to 100 ships

St Catharines, Ontario-headquartered Algoma Central Corporation (TSX:ALC), today took delivery of the Algoma Legacy. Built at Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding (YAMIC) in Chin, it is the first of three new methanol-ready Kamsarmax-sized ocean belt self-unloading vessels. With this addition, the company will have an ownership interest in 100 vessels across its global fleet, marking, it says, a “historic milestone that underscores its leadership in long-term growth in diversified short sea shipping markets.”

“This is a proud moment on two fronts: the delivery of the Algoma Legacy, the first of three newbuild next generation methanol-ready self-unloading vessels and the achievement of our 100th vessel globally,” said Gregg Ruhl, president & CEO of Algoma Central Corporation. “Reaching ownership interest in 100 vessels not only reflects decades of progress, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable shipping solutions for our customers, but also the dedication and passion of our employees. Seeing our Bear recognized on the global stage is a proud reminder of how far we have come as a company.”

A decade ago, the company operated just under 40 vessels, serving primarily the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway. Today, Algoma’s dry and liquid bulk fleets have grown by more than 60 vessels, in Canada and globally,

The Algoma Legacy will join the world’s largest ocean self-unloader pool, followed by two sister vessels in 2026 and early 2027. These new vessels will replace the three oldest ships in the Pool allowing for redeployment of the vessels being replaced and are expected to be 40% more efficient owing to a combination of fuel efficiency and optimized cargo lift.

Algoma now has seven vessels under construction with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2027.

[Marine Log]

Calumet unloads road salt at the Soo on Friday

With winter not too far away, the Lower Lakes Towing self-unloader Calumet dropped the first of three expected loads of road salt at the Carbide Dock on Friday. This load and the next are expected to be about 16,500 net tons; the last one will be around 8,000 net tons. The salt is destined for use not only in the Soo but in other Upper Peninsula communities.

Jim Lehocky

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 25, 2025

Sep 25, 2025

Final Pieces of Tug James Whalen Arrive at Pool 6, Thunder Bay

Watch a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN-B27haHoM

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 23, 2025

Sep 23, 2025

Engine response issue causes SS Badger
to scrape sister ship Spartan while docking

LUDINGTON, MI – While backing to the loading apron in the usual manner last Wednesday evening, the engines of the SS Badger did not respond as ordered by the captain operating the engine order telegraphs, according to Lake Michigan Carferry spokesman Thom Hawley. The mechanical failure caused the vessel to collide with its permanently moored sister ship, the SS Spartan, in Ludington Harbor.
   The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
   Marine engineers inspected the vessel following the collision. The damaged sea gate was removed, and the ship resumed its normal sailing schedule Thursday morning. The Badger sailed out of Ludington on its regular 9 a.m. departure for Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
   “The sea gate has no function in loading or unloading the Badger. Its sole function is to prevent very high-water ingress onto the car deck and the ship can operate normally without it,” Hawley said. He added that marine engineers are considering how best to replace the damaged section.
   “The SS Badger has a remarkable safety record,” Hawley said. “We will continue to review the incident to continually improve our operational standards and the valuable service we provide our passengers.”
   The SS Badger continues its daily service between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, with the 2025 sailing season scheduled to end Oct. 12.

Shoreline Media

Inclement Weather Delays Salvage Efforts of Grounded Vessel ‘Thamesborg’ in the Canadian Arctic

Malte Humpert
September 17, 2025

   Ten days after hitting a shoal along Canada’s Arctic Northwest Passage Dutch-flagged general cargo vessel Thamesborg remains aground. Operator Wagenborg continues to stage for the salvage operation, but inclement weather forced a temporary delay of some operations. Photos show the vessel enveloped in thick fog.
   Local sea ice conditions should remain favorable for several more weeks to come. The annual Arctic Ocean ice minimum usually occurs around the middle of September before sea ice makes a return starting sometime in October.
   A salvage master and naval architect as well as the first set of salvage equipment and additional staff have arrived on site, the company announced.
   “Remaining salvage equipment and staff is underway to the site and expected to arrive within 7 days,” Wagenborg stated.
   A salvage plan has been submitted according to the latest update by the Canadian Coast Guard, which remains on site with CCGS Des Groseilliers. Another Coast Guard vessel, CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, has been released after shuttling equipment and personnel to the incident site.
   Further inspection of Thamesborg again confirmed that no fuel spills have occurred and the fuel tanks and cargo holds remain intact. A number of ballast tanks sustained damage and experienced flooding.
   A new set of photos released by the Canadian Coast Guard shows the vessel listing to starboard.
   The Thamesborg incident is the second grounding along the NWP this summer. Last month Canadian cargo ship Rosaire A. Desgagnés ran aground in Pelly Bay, Nunavut on a supply mission, but was able to be refloated during high tide.
   Similarly, in 2018 cruise ship Akademik Ioffe used the flooding tide and its own propulsion to lift off a shoal in Canada’s Gulf of Boothia.
   Water levels between low and high tides in Franklin Strait, where Thamesborg ran aground, vary by around 60 centimeters, according to the tide schedule of the Canadian Hydrographic Service.

gcaptain

UPDATE:  Two Salvage Vessels Arrive in Canadian Arctic to Begin Refloating of Grounded ‘Thamesborg’

Malte Humpert
September 22, 2025

   A tug and an ice-class cargo vessel have arrived in the Canadian Arctic to begin efforts to refloat the Dutch-flagged Thamesborg. The 21,359-dwt vessel has been aground on a shoal along the Northwest Passage since earlier this month.
   Thamesborg was carrying a load of carbon blocks from Lianyungang, China to Baie-Comeau, Canada when the modern ice-class vessel struck a shoal in the Franklin Strait. Parts of Canada’s Arctic waters remain poorly mapped with many surveys conducted decades ago and at low resolution. Shipping experts point out that the usual shipping lane passes further west through the Strait. It is unclear why Thamesborg selected an easterly route.
   The 450 tonnes tug Beverly M I was dispatched from Belledune, New Brunswick on September 9 arriving at the incident site over the weekend. With 4,000 horsepower the tug has a bollard pull of 71 tonnes. The same tug assisted Wagenborg’s general cargo ship Tiberborg when it went adrift in Baffin Bay in mid-August. Beverly M I escorted Tiberborg back to Baie-Comeau.
   In addition to the tug a Norwegian-flagged ice-class reefer cargo ship has now arrived alongside Thamesborg. The 4,230-dwt Silver Copenhagen traveled from the Baltic Sea with a stop in Greenland’s Nuuk. It has a 1B ice-class, key to safely operating in the Canadian Arctic as winter sea ice will start to return in the coming weeks.
   With a draft of just 6 meters Silver Copenhagen was able to safely pull up alongside Thamesborg to facilitate the transfer of its cargo
   “Weather permitting, it is expected that the first part of the salvage operation will start over the course of this week with part of the cargo of Thamesborg being transshipped to one of the attending salvage vessels,” the vessel’s manager Wagenborg stated. Inclement weather forced a temporary delay of some operations last week.
   A third salvage vessel is also underway to the incident location and will assist in the last part of the salvage operation, according to the company.
   Coast Guard officials approved the company’s plan for the safe refloating of the ship last week. The  icebreaker Des Groseilliers remains on standby in the vicinity as well. Continuous inspection of Thamesborg through ROV surveys confirms that fuel tanks and cargo holds remain intact.

gCaptain

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 22, 2025

Sep 22, 2025

New Cement Carrier Tamarack Has Naming Ceremony at Toronto

TORONTO, ON – It’s not every day we get to welcome a brand-new ship to the Great Lakes fleet!
   It was truly a historic moment at the Amrize Toronto Cement Terminal Sept. 18 as we celebrated the official naming of MV Tamarack, the first new, purpose-built cement carrier to join the Great Lakes fleet in 28 years.
   A special thanks to Leticia Simas, CFO of Amrize Cement and the vessel’s proud godmother, who officially named the vessel in true maritime tradition by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne on the hull.
   Tamarack represents everything we believe Great Lakes shipping can and should be: smarter, safer, and more responsible. Built for performance and sustainability, this ship is designed to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and improve safety for our crew.
   We are deeply grateful to Amrize for their partnership and trust, and to our incredible crew, led by Captain John Campbell and Chief Engineer Jerome Lippe.
   A heartfelt thank you to our distinguished guests, including Hon. Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, Marjan Schippers, Dutch Consul General, and His Worship Jim Hegerdorn, Mayor of Loyalist Township.
   Here’s to safe voyages, a strong future, and a proud new chapter for Great Lakes shipping.
   MV Tamarack is owned by Eureka Shipping, a joint venture between The CSL Group and SMT Shipping.

CSL Group

2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips

Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 21, 2025

Sep 21, 2025

2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips

Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 20, 2025

Sep 20, 2025

Presque Isle Arrives at Erie for Repairs

Tug/barge combo Presque Isle arrived at Eria, PA, Friday morning for repairs. The duo sustained damage after grounding at Johnson’s Point, St. Marys River, on August 5. There has been no official information from operator Great Lakes Fleet/Key Lakes, however waterfront reports indicate she dropped her four starboard propeller blades during the incident, which were soon recovered and returned to the vessel. Her starboard rudder was also dislodged at some point prior and recovered by divers.

2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips

Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg

Door County Maritime Museum Presentation on 50th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

On Oct. 2, 2025, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. will host a hybrid presentation entitled “The 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Chris Winters, a member of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
Winter will discuss the Nov. 10, 1975 loss of the 729-foot-long bulk freighter and its crew of 29. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite from Superior, Wis. to Detroit, Mich. when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds of 60 mph or more.
The sinking made national headlines and was immortalized a year later by Canadian performer Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The upcoming event is part of the museum’s Door County Medical Center 2025-26 Maritime Speaker Series.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free, although a donation of a nonperishable food items is requested. The program will also be live streamed on the Zoom platform. To register or more details, click on the link below.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

 

 

Boatnerd News – September 19, 2025

Sep 19, 2025

Sault finds partner to build ‘waterfront that works’

There has never been someone with the skills and expertise brought on to get this past the finish line,’ said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker
   Sault Ste. Marie’s 57-year-old dream of a multimodal port caught a favourable wind Wednesday as Mayor Matthew Shoemaker announced a development partnership with the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority.
   “Since 1968, before my time, the city has pursued the goal of developing a port,” Shoemaker told a gaggle of media representatives on the waterfront this afternoon.
   “For more than 55 years, it has only remained an idea, waiting for the right moment. We feel that moment is here and today,” the mayor said.
   Repackaged as the “Sault to the South Trade Corridor,” the proposed initiative was described by Shoemaker as a straightforward but transformative vision: “a nation-building north-south trade corridor anchored by a new multimodal marine facility right here at Sault Ste. Marie.”
   The Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority has integrated ports and more than 1,400 acres of marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara, with more than 180 tenant companies and 40,000 associated jobs.
   The city is hoping to acquire property currently owned by Algoma Steel for the new port.
   Michael Garcia, Algoma Steel’s chief executive officer, didn’t attend today’s announcement, but said this in a city-issued news release: “Having Algoma Steel’s site under consideration as a port location positions us as a central player in regional economic diversification, beyond steelmaking.
   “It underscores our role as an anchor in nation-building infrastructure and highlights Sault Ste. Marie’s importance as a gateway for Canadian industry,” Garcia said.
   “This corridor will connect northern Ontario’s resources to southern Ontario’s industries and with global markets thereafter through the St. Lawrence Seaway,” Shoemaker said.
   “It will move critical products more efficiently, create jobs and strengthen Canada’s supply chain, which we all know has been battered in the aftermath of the pandemic and tariffs.
   “With HOPA’s help, we are planning a multimodal hub that integrates marine, rail and highway connections, offering over 100 acres of industrial space and the potential for clustering in manufacturing, logistics and energy.
   “This project is about turning our chief geographic position at the heart of the Great Lakes into a national asset using assets that already exist: deep-water access, brownfield lands, direct rail and highway links, as well as most importantly, a skilled labour pool.
   “The opportunities are vast. The project will support sectors such as steel, forestry and agriculture, along with mining and mineral development, while creating jobs in construction, operations, warehousing, logistics and manufacturing. It will attract new industries, reduce costs for businesses and enhance our role as a northern gateway to the global markets.”
   Shoemaker said there are environmental advantages to the Sault’s port proposal.
   “It is also an environmental opportunity, fewer trucks on the highway through marine shipping — 75 to 100 trucks per vessel — and the potential to power operations with local clean energy and a focus on responsible growth with Indigenous community engagement at every stage,” the mayor said.
   “Importantly, this initiative dovetails nicely with the federal government’s renewed approach to nation-building projects. Ottawa is prioritizing major projects of national interest that strengthen supply chains, unlock economic potential and deliver long-term benefits for Canadians,” Shoemaker said.
   A deep-water port was a major priority for the late John Rowswell when he was mayor almost a quarter-century ago.
   Rowswell’s dream was never realized, but Jack Purvis from Purvis Marine Ltd. started down that road by founding Sault Multimodal Terminal Inc. at 530 Cathcart St.
   That business still exists, and Purvis’s daughter Sheila was at today’s waterfront announcement.
   “It services both railways and truck offloads as well, and it was part of the vision to develop Sault Ste. Marie into a transportation hub. We have the highways, we have the rail service, and we’re on the water,” she told SooToday.
   “We’re looking forward to some development on the water,” Purvis said.
   Why did Sault Ste. Marie need to partner with a southern Ontario port authority to further its own dream?
   “There has never been someone with the skills and expertise brought on to get this past the finish line,” Shoemaker said.
   “And that’s what HOPA offers to us. It offers us the technical knowledge, the knowledge on the capital needs of a port and the knowledge on the operations of a port.
   “So what we can get from them is right-sizing of a perspective design, who would be the players at an existing port, because if this becomes part of the HOPA network, they’ve got ports in Port Colborne, they’ve got ports in Hamilton, Oshawa and Windsor,” Shoemaker said.
   The mayor said results from a major feasibility study of the Port of Algoma idea announced last year should be available in November. 
   The following is the full text of a joint statement issued today by the City of Sault Ste. Marie and HOPA Ports:
   The City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) are announcing a partnership to develop a transformative infrastructure initiative: the development of a multimodal port and trade corridor that will connect Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario and export destinations beyond.
   Anchored by a newly developed port in Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault to the South Trade Corridor is a strategic national initiative that will strengthen Canada’s internal trade and export networks, unlock new economic opportunities and build industrial capacity in key sectors, including mining, forestry, steel, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.
   “Sault Ste. Marie’s geographic location at the heart of the Great Lakes positions it as a powerful logistics gateway for North America,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “A new port in the Sault will transform an underused advantage into a national asset. This initiative is more than infrastructure; it’s a strategic investment in Canada’s supply chain resilience and industrial capacity. It will serve as a long-term economic engine for Ontario and Canada.”
   Strategically located on the Great Lakes as a gateway to northern Ontario’s resource zones, the corridor will serve as a logistics and processing gateway, integrating marine, rail, and highway infrastructure to support full-season, multimodal connectivity. The initiative is aligned with the federal Canada Strong plan, the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, and Ontario’s Critical Mineral Strategy.
   “Sault Ste. Marie is a natural fit as a multimodal hub within the Great Lakes corridor,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports, operator of port and marine facilities on the Great Lakes. “Its geographic position connects seamlessly to industrial bases like Windsor, Port Colborne, Hamilton, and Montreal, forming powerful intra-provincial links between Northern Ontario’s resource base and Canada’s largest industrial and consumer markets.”
   As part of this initiative, the partners are exploring the Algoma Steel site as a potential host location for the port facilities. The Algoma Steel site offers significant industrial land, deepwater access, and existing infrastructure that can support co-located economic activities. Positioning the port on Algoma’s footprint would create a unique multimodal hub, linking steelmaking, logistics, energy, and advanced manufacturing, and reinforcing the Sault’s role as a strategic engine of industrial growth in northern Ontario.
   “Having Algoma Steel’s site under consideration as a port location positions us as a central player in regional economic diversification, beyond steelmaking,” said Michael Garcia, CEO of Algoma Steel. “It underscores our role as an anchor in nation-building infrastructure and highlights Sault Ste. Marie’s importance as a gateway for Canadian industry.”
   Benefits of the Sault to the South Corridor include:
   Multimodal Hub: 100-plus acres of industrial space with deepwater access and redevelopment potential.
   Transportation Connections: Integrated rail, highway, and marine links with extended-season service.
   Industrial Clustering: Immediate access to key sectors and co-location opportunities for logistics and energy.
   Skilled Labour Pool: Strong base of tradespeople; graduates from Sault College and Algoma University
Speed to Market: Infrastructure investment required but base exists; market connections are active and ready to scale.
Economic Benefits
   The project will attract investment and create jobs in construction, marine operations, industrial manufacturing and processing, warehousing and logistics, while fostering academic-industry collaboration through Sault College and Algoma University.
Next Steps
Next steps include stakeholder engagement at provincial, federal, and Indigenous levels; infrastructure analysis; and market outreach in key sectors. The city and HOPA will continue collaborating to advance the business plan and marine/rail infrastructure strategy.

SooToday

Detroit Historical Society hosts several events for 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

By: Max White

   (WXYZ) — The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
   According to the society, the activities all take place at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, with a talk by author Thomas Nelson, who wrote the book “WRECKED: the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy.”
   On Saturday, Nov. 8, curators and docents will host drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit on the lower level of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Also, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute will be there for information and merchandise.
   Also on Saturday, the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast, and a new pop-up exhibit will debut.
   Sunday morning, the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Brunch, which will feature a chef-prepared meal directly from the Edmund Fitzgerald’s on-ship menu, along with a video presentation from Ship-to-Shore Chef Catherine Schmuck.
   During the brunch, a new film will premiere about the Edmund Fitzgerald with experts from around the Great Lakes. Tickets for the brunch are available now.
   Finally, on Monday, the society will host its 26th annual Lost Mariner’s Remembrance, which is a tribute to the sailors who were lost on the Great Lakes. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins with a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald’s bow setting. Officials say the event sells out every year, and tickets are available now.
Click to see Full story and videos:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroit-historical-society-hosts-several-events-for-50th-anniversary-of-edmund-fitzgerald-sinking?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawMsZ1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi7V_IMl1KDLaV2aLwAgHT9l68-iG1GT4NPz0DBD_7FrGRv3vNimb9LJi74Q_aem_jJq4jLDiDZj4tCbMK3qspw

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Marine Historical Society of Detroit
Now Accepting New Members, Renewals

DETROIT, MI – You don’t have to live in the Motor City to join the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. Its focus includes all the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the ships and sailors keeping the economies of two countries moving.
    The 81-year-old non-profit group is now accepting new memberships and membership renewals. 
    “The MHSD has plenty to offer anyone interested in and concerned with the history of the Great Lakes and its vibrant maritime heritage,” says long-time group President Roger LeLievre. “We have members across the U.S. and Canada and even overseas.”
    Membership includes the monthly publication The Detroit Marine Historian, which offers a variety of articles exploring Great Lakes shipping past and present. It also includes an annual, full-color calendar featuring superb, often rare, photos of Great Lakes ships of the past.
    Last year the group published the 300-page, hardcover book Ahoy & Farewell III, documenting the vessels built and those that left the lakes during the past 30 years. The book recently won an award for excellence from the Historical Society of Michigan.
    In keeping with society’s goal of preserving historical images, the MHSD’s image portal, featuring photos and details of many historic vessels, is now online at www.marinehistorydetroit.historyit.com

    The Society has named an annual Historian of the Year since 1969. The award is voted on by past winners and honors those who have contributed significantly to the research, presentation or publication of Great Lakes ships and the shipping history.
    Membership is $40 (U.S. and Canada). Join online at www.mhsd.org. To join or renew by mail, please print out the form in the gallery below.
MHSD

2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips

Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg

 

 

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