Army Corps reminds everyone to avoid piers in windy weather

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging caution around Great Lakes piers and breakwaters, especially during high winds and waves.

Josh Hachey is the Chief of Operations of the Support Section of the Army Corps and tells us this is the time of year when it gets more dangerous to wander out on to the piers.

“The Great Lakes are dangerous anytime if you’re not careful, but cold water, in particular, can cause shock and can cause drowning,” Hachey said. “So, the main thing is to stay away from those structures during any period of inclement weather.”

Hachey says a person can get cold shock in less than 60 seconds if they fall into Lake Michigan. He reminds everyone piers aren’t there for recreation.
“Keep in mind that the reason the structures are there is to protect the harbor, to make sure the ships come in and out of the harbor safely. So while it’s not uncommon for people to walk out on the structures and use them for recreation purposes, the primary reason for the structures is to protect the harbor and ensure that shipping and boat traffic can continue safely.
“Hachey also says objects under the water aren’t as visible on windy days, and someone who’s fallen into the lake can injure themselves by hitting them. He notes every year, west Michigan sees drownings because of people falling off piers.
Additionally, everyone’s reminded to stay off Lake Michigan ice once it forms. As the Coast Guard says, no ice is safe ice.
Hachey says for more information on water and pier safety, the Great Lakes Beach and Pier Safety Task Force website is a great resource at RespectThePower.org.

History Lesson: 13-year-old dives into maritime history

TOWN OF CHAMPION, New York (WWNY) – Ivan Schell is 13 years old but knows more about ships than the average adult.

He knows so much, he’s started an educational YouTube channel about maritime history along the Great Lakes, which has been well received by thousands of followers.
“Well, for two years or so I’ve been making videos,” he said. “I recently made the shift talking about Great Lakes maritime history because its local to us and rarely covered on YouTube and stuff.”
He does all the research, scripting, voicing, and editing for his videos. They can take weeks to perfect.
“I get a lot of nice responses in the comments section,” he said. “I love comments that say this is informational and you did a good job.”
He says YouTube has been a positive outlet for his passions.
“That way I can be myself and I don’t have to be like other people, and I can have like a potential career.”
He’s already caught the attention of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipwatchers group, which is giving him his own segment called Ivan’s Insights on their podcast.
His goals for the future are to continue learning more about maritime history, educate others through his content, and continue improving.
“Hopefully make each video better than the other, which is what I always try to do.”
You can check out Ivan’s work on his YouTube channel, “Top Impressive Line.”

Copyright 2023 WWNY. All rights reserved.

Kathy McKeil heads through the Seaway

SEAWAY – Kathy McKeil was downbound from Snell Lock Sunday morning. The tanker is the
former Algosea, purchased from Algoma by McKeil Marine. She is on her way to China to be
converted to a bulker. See the photo gallery for the comment Michael Folsom got from Vice
Chairman Blair McKeil about the ship being named after his wife Kathy.

Pat English, Michael Folsom

Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw makes
yearly Christmas tree delivery to Navy Pier

CHICAGO, IL — Hundreds of local families will experience some extra holiday joy this year, after
the Chicago Christmas tree ship made its yearly stop at Navy Pier Saturday. Listen to the WGN
story here: https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/coast-guard-cutter-mackinaw-makes-
yearly-christmas-tree-delivery-to-navy-pier/?fbclid=IwAR3kBEisqL9Ecand-
efl9ddhSREq5Vg96W0o7MGEb-7ZBAlWCCmRWZfO6Po

Christmas Tree Ship arrives
at National Museum of the Great Lakes

TOLEDO, OH – Santa Claus arrived on the Christmas Tree Ship as trees were unloaded from the
tug George Gradel at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in East Toledo, Dec. 2.
See the photo gallery for pictures from the Toledo Blade.

Interlake’s Mark W. Barker receives Admiral of The Ocean Sea Award

Interlake Steamship Co. President Mark W. Barker received the distinguished Admiral of The Ocean Sea Award Saturday evening in a special event in New York City.

Recognized as the most prestigious award in the maritime industry, the Admiral of The Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS) has been presented annually by United Seamen’s Service for the past 47  years.

The AOTOS Award is given in recognition of individuals and organizations who have shown outstanding support for American seafarers and the maritime industry of the United States.

MacArthur Lock closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI. – The Soo Locks’ MacArthur Lock will close for the Navigation Season at 7 a.m. Dec. 17, 2023, through April 24, 2024, to perform dam safety inspections and routine maintenance.

The Poe Lock will remain open until Jan. 15, 2024, or until commercial traffic ceases, whichever occurs first. The Soo Locks operating season is fixed by federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440).

“The 800-foot-long MacArthur Lock, built in 1943, is 80 years old; the maintenance period is critical to keeping the lock in operation during the shipping season,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit said

Lakes limestone trade up 22.8 percent in November

CLEVELAND, OH — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.1 million tons in November, an increase of 22.8 percent compared to a year ago. Limestone cargos were 7.3 percent above the month’s 5-year average.

Loadings from U.S. quarries increased 23.6 percent from 2022 to 2.6 million tons. Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 536,912 tons, an increase of 19.2 percent. Year-to-date the limestone trade stands at nearly 26.6 million tons, a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries decreased by 2.2 percent to nearly 21.5 million tons, while shipments from Ontario quarries total 5.2 million tons, a decrease of 7.5 percent from 2022.

See the details in the image gallery.

Lake Carriers’ Association

Beaver Island gets $10M to add
new ‘green’ passenger ferry

BEAVER ISLAND, MI – Michigan’s effort to enhance its ferry service to and from Beaver Island is getting another financial boost. On Thursday, Nov. 30, the Federal Transit Administration announced a $10 million grant to help the Beaver Island Transportation Authority add a new ship and improve its dock at the northern Lake Michigan island.

This is the second such grant the Beaver Island project has received this year from the federal Ferry Service For Rural Communities Program. In January, the project was awarded a grant worth $6.6 million.

Officials said the goal of the grant program, funded through President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is to expand ferry service in rural communities by helping to fund electric boats that reduce carbon pollution, as well as provide upgrades to shore infrastructure.

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority is seeking a potential “green propulsion system” to power the new vessel. It received funding from the state earlier this year to study what type of non-diesel system it could utilize.

Getting a new ferry was estimated to cost $17.5 million when the project was announced in August 2022. Once the study is complete, the transportation authority said it would come up with a new estimate for the cost of the vessel, as well as yearly upkeep and the configuration of a new dock.

Beaver Island, which is about 32 miles west of Charlevoix, is the largest island in Lake Michigan. It’s home to about 600 year-round residents, plus it’s a popular summer destination with multiple lighthouses, two nature preserves, and a state forest campground.

The Beaver Island Boat Company is the only operator of passenger ferries to the island. It operates two ferries: The Beaver Islander, built in 1962; and the Emerald Isle, built in 1997. Emerald Isle is owned by the Beaver Island Transportation Authority and is operated through a public-private partnership.

Read more and view imahes here: https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/12/beaver-island-gets-10m-to-add-new-green-passenger-ferry.html

‘Christmas Tree Ship’ makes stop
to return recovered anchor

GRAND RAPIDS, MI ­­– The “Christmas Tree Ship” has taken a quick detour on its way to Chicago to return an item that was accidentally salvaged during a previous operation.

The U.S. Coast Guard says the Cutter Mackinaw stopped near Racine, Wisconsin, on Wednesday to return the anchor to the Kate Kelly.

“The Mackinaw and crew paused to return an anchor that had been recovered unintentionally when performing ‘Aids to Navigation Operations’ and pay respects for those who lost their lives on that day in 1895 aboard this anchor’s vessel,” the Facebook post read.

The anchor belonged to the Kate Kelly, a two-mast schooner that was built in 1867 in New York. The transport vessel spent nearly 30 years on the Great Lakes, delivering everything from grain and coal to iron ore.

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Kate Kelly left Alpena with a load of hemlock railroad ties bound for Chicago. After a stop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the ship was caught in a nasty storm and capsized off of the shore of Racine.

Investigators don’t know exactly what caused the ship to sink, but the Kate Kelly suffered heavy damage. The cabin, yawl boat and anchor were all torn away from the ship. All six people aboard the Kate Kelly were lost.

It won’t be the Mackinaw’s only stop to pay homage to lost sailors. The Mackinaw will also perform a wreath laying for the crew of the Rouse Simmons, one of the original “Christmas Tree Ships” that used to bring trees from northern Michigan to Chicago. The Mackinaw is scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Friday.

WOOD

View photos, video at this link: https://www.upmatters.com/news/christmas-tree-ship-makes-stop-to-return-recovered-anchor/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR2fJYKIxNkozCbWCzXt4lIWOJir_rpczLf4hlyfSMdQwHOwE7VUGgu9ddY

Cason J. Callaway towed to Escanaba

North Shore Marine’s tugs Nickelena, Erika Kobasic and Krystal towed the Cason J. Callaway to Escanaba from Sturgeon Bay Friday for continued lay up. She is tied at the North Shore Marine dock where the L.E. Block sat for many years, See images in the photo gallery.

Cason J. Callaway headed to Escanaba

Waterfront reports indicate tugs from North Shore Marine will be towing the Cason J. Callaway Friday to Escanaba from Sturgeon Bay for continued lay up.

Kathy McKeil on the way to China for conversion

McKeil Marine recent acquisition Algosea, renamed Kathy McKeil, left Sarnia Thursday for the Imperial Oil fuel dock and has now left for Montréal (ETA – Dec. 4 at 1800). Following a stop in Montréal, she will sail on the long voyage to China for her conversion to a bulk carrier, with a short stop in Las Palmas, Spain, en route.

Secretary Buttigieg visits Monroe to tout
infrastructure law funded project

MONROE, MI — Ports like Monroe’s represent “a lot of untapped resources and logistical potential” throughout the Great Lakes and Midwest, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said following a tour Wednesday afternoon of the docks along the River Raisin.

“I’m inspired by the commitment and energy right here at the Port of Monroe,” Secretary Buttigieg said during a post-tour news conference on the wharf where the Tug America, at 126 years the oldest commercially working tugboat in the world, was docked.

Mr. Buttigieg’s visit comes about a year after the U.S. Maritime Administration awarded a $11.1 million grant for improvements to the Monroe port that include wharf expansion and repairs to existing docks. The port also is using $5 million in state funds to build a marine container terminal scheduled to open during the second half of 2024.

At about 12 acres, the site won’t be anywhere near the size of coastal container ports. But Paul LaMarre III, the port’s director, said it will diversify Monroe’s capabilities and potentially attract higher-value cargoes.

The logistical potential in the Great Lakes and Midwest could be put to greater use, and that potential “is no less important to this country” than coastal ports and shipping, said Mr. Buttigieg, who, before joining the Biden Administration, was mayor of South Bend, Ind., and now calls Traverse City, Mich., home.

Mr. Buttigieg said he scheduled the local visit to call attention to how the bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed and signed several years ago is now producing results. “This is shining a light on good work,” he said. “Now we’re seeing the literally concrete example of how it’s put to use.”

The federal funding provides for replacing the surface of an existing wharf and building a second along the River Raisin assigned to handling wind energy equipment; improvements to the turning basin area, including dock repairs, fender and bollard installation, and replacing about 390 feet of failed sheet pile dock face; remodeling a small-boat slip for use by harbor-assist vessels; and installing shore power infrastructure at the riverfront wharves.

Monroe “is an example of how you put a port back on the map,” said Mr. LaMarre, who the city hired in 2012 to revive a port that at the time had little more than fuel for Detroit Edison’s massive coal-fired power plant to claim on its ledgers.

The port director played two videos about the port before taking the transportation secretary on a brief tour of its grounds, with stops near the harbor crane, front-end loader, and reacher-stacker and then at the wharf by the tugboat, to which Mr. LaMarre cheekily referred as his “girlfriend.”

Along with the port’s efforts to develop markets for synthetic gypsum and bottom ash from the power plant, he said, neighboring Gerdau Steel has recently shipped some of its bar stock via lake freighters to a grinding-ball mill in Duluth, Minn.

Monroe Mayor Robert Clark said Mr. LaMarre’s success at identifying outbound cargo for ships that bring coal into Monroe has been especially valuable, while the port’s diversification is critical given that Detroit Edison plans to close the plant by 2031.

“We had a port, but it wasn’t operational,” the mayor said of the local harbor’s status when he first took office 14 years ago.

Mr. LaMarre said the Whitmer administration’s recent shepherding of a $5 million maritime program in Michigan was vital to the Monroe port’s ability to obtain federal grant money, to which the state funding serves as the required “local match.”

State funds of $3.2 million, partially matching the $11 million from the federal Port Infrastructure and Development Program, were needed, otherwise, it would have represented three years’ worth of the Monroe port’s entire annual budget, he said.

Mr. Buttigieg, during his time in Monroe, also visited the West Elm Avenue crossing of CSX Transportation railroad tracks, near Telegraph Road, where a $23.9 million federal grant awarded in June will pay for design and construction of an underpass. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2026 or early 2027.

Toledo Blade, David Patch

Christmas Tree Ship crosses Lake Michigan, bringing holiday spirit, tradition to Chicago

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Once again, Chicago’s Christmas Ship is ready to bring some holiday spirit
from northern Michigan to the Windy City. Over the weekend, volunteers loaded up the U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw with more than 1,000 Christmas trees to be given to families in
need in Chicago. It’s a tradition more than a century in the making.

It started as an homage to a family who made the trip for decades, buying trees in northern
Michigan to be sold in Chicago. For decades, they returned to port with thousands of trees and
were quickly known as the “Christmas Tree Ships.”

Two brothers, August and Herman Schuenemann, lost their lives for their business. August died
when his ship was caught in a storm in 1898, and Herman’s boat, the Rouse Simmons, went
down in 1912.

The Coast Guard took up the mantle established by the Schuenemanns in 1999. Every year,
1,200 trees are bundled gathered in northern Michigan and loaded onto the Mackinaw for an
annual trip to Chicago. The crew also stops during the middle of their trip to hold a wreath ceremony to remember the Schuenemanns and the crew members who were lost on those two ships.

The Mackinaw is set to arrive in Chicago on Friday. Tree offloading will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

WOOD

U.S. Steel gains on report five parties
are expected to make bids

U.S. Steel (NYSE:X) rose 1.8% amid a report that five parties are expected to make offers for the
steelmaker. Final bids are due Friday, CNBC's David Faber said, citing people familiar. Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF) and ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT) are expected to make bids for the entire
company.

CNBC’s Faber reiterated his previous reporting that Techint, an Argentinian company with a U.S.
subsidiary called Ternium, may also make a bid, though likely with a partner.The U..S Steel (X) sale process is expected to continue through next week, according to Faber. It may take a couple more weeks to get a deal signed and that the parties likely want to get it
done prior to the holidays, Faber speculated.

Obituary: Stanley C. Hildebrandt

Stanley “Steamer” Clifford Hildebrandt, age 72, of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia on Thursday, November 23, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born May 30, 1951, in Superior to Clifford and Eunice (Thomas) Hildebrandt. He was raised in Lake Nebagamon and graduated from Northwestern High School, class of 1970.

Stanley was united in marriage to Diane Gustafson on October 10, 1980, and they recently celebrated forty-three years of marriage before his passing.

In 1989 Stan and Diane relocated to South Range and began their adventure in the motel business. They made South Range their home for many years before moving back to Lake Nebagamon earlier this year.

Stan was known for his strong work ethic. He sailed the Great Lakes for US Steel from 1970 until his retirement in 2001 while also supporting his family and maintaining a thriving business, Sleepy Hollow Motel (1989-2019).

Stan is remembered for his generous heart. He was always willing to lend a hand in home improvement and woodworking projects. He enjoyed watching old westerns, listening to old country music, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. He loved to be outdoors hunting and four wheeling, traveling, and enjoyed a good dish of ice cream. Above all, Stan loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; two daughters, Katie Hildebrandt (fiancée Matt Lano), and Karla Hildebrandt; granddaughter, Kaylah (daughter of Karla); sisters, Joyce Meyers and Sandy Hildebrandt, and brother Tracy Hildebrandt.

In addition to his parents, Stan was preceded in death by his grandson, Evan Hildebrandt; brothers, Leslie Hildebrandt, and Karl Hildebrandt; sister, Ardith Peterson, and his in-laws, Russell & Elsie Gustafson.

A Graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, December 2nd at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery. Immediately following we will gather at Patti’s Dockside, 11580 Waterfront Drive, Lake Nebagamon, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given in Stan’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org) or Essentia Health-St Mary’s Hospice, c/o Miller-Dwan Foundation, 502 East 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Twin Ports Health Services for all their support.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.

Stanley “Steamer” Clifford Hildebrandt, age 72, of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia on Thursday, November 23, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born May 30, 1951, in Superior to Clifford and Eunice (Thomas) Hildebrandt. He was raised in Lake Nebagamon and graduated from Northwestern High School, class of 1970.

Stanley was united in marriage to Diane Gustafson on October 10, 1980, and they recently celebrated forty-three years of marriage before his passing.

In 1989 Stan and Diane relocated to South Range and began their adventure in the motel business. They made South Range their home for many years before moving back to Lake Nebagamon earlier this year.

Stan was known for his strong work ethic. He sailed the Great Lakes for US Steel from 1970 until his retirement in 2001 while also supporting his family and maintaining a thriving business, Sleepy Hollow Motel (1989-2019).

Stan is remembered for his generous heart. He was always willing to lend a hand in home improvement and woodworking projects. He enjoyed watching old westerns, listening to old country music, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. He loved to be outdoors hunting and four wheeling, traveling, and enjoyed a good dish of ice cream. Above all, Stan loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; two daughters, Katie Hildebrandt (fiancée Matt Lano), and Karla Hildebrandt; granddaughter, Kaylah (daughter of Karla); sisters, Joyce Meyers and Sandy Hildebrandt, and brother Tracy Hildebrandt.

In addition to his parents, Stan was preceded in death by his grandson, Evan Hildebrandt; brothers, Leslie Hildebrandt, and Karl Hildebrandt; sister, Ardith Peterson, and his in-laws, Russell & Elsie Gustafson.

A Graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, December 2nd at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery. Immediately following we will gather at Patti’s Dockside, 11580 Waterfront Drive, Lake Nebagamon, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given in Stan’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org) or Essentia Health-St Mary’s Hospice, c/o Miller-Dwan Foundation, 502 East 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Twin Ports Health Services for all their support.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.

Three tugs free Barbro G.

UPDATE: The Barbro G was freed just after 2 p.m. Tuesday thanks to the combined efforts of the Great Lakes Towing Co. tugs Ontario, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.  She was moved back to the anchorage where she will be inspected for damage.

Work to move Barbro G. to resume Tuesday morning

DETROIT, MI-A freighter aground off downtown Detroit will be refloated Tuesday morning. Tugs
were on the Detroit River most of Monday trying to free the Barbro G, which ran aground in the
river near downtown Detroit shortly after 7:30 a.m.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes, the 623-foot freighter was in the Belle Isle
Anchorage when the crew noticed a malfunctioning thruster, which resulted in the ship getting
stuck. The ship, which was flying the Portuguese flag, was on a stopover in Detroit while
delivering a shipment of wheat from Thunder Bay to Italy.

Shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, the Coast Guard tweeted that a second tugboat had arrived to
try to free the vessel. The crew had been in contact with U.S. and Canadian authorities to plan a
safe refloating.

The Coast Guard tweeted again Monday evening that a refloating plan had been approved and
crews will try beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

WDIV

Name changes at the U.S. Coast Guard

CLEVELAND, OH – Coast Guard Sectors Buffalo and Sault Ste. Marie are scheduled to change names to Sectors Eastern Great Lakes and Northern Great Lakes, respectively, on Dec. 1, 2023.

Duluth port drew thousands of Great Lakes cruise passengers this year

DULUTH — More than 4,000 cruise passengers visited Duluth in 2023 resulting in $600,000 in economic impact for the city, according to officials at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, which has a customs facility on site.

“The lion’s share of these guests would not be visiting our community otherwise and now they know of this great place we call Duluth,” DECC director Dan Hartman said in a news release.

There were four ships that came through the Duluth Harbor, including the Ocean Navigator, Octantis, Polaris and Hanseatic Inspiration. Florida based American Queen Voyages, which owns Ocean Navigator, announced earlier this year that is ending its Great Lakes tours in favor of river cruises.

More than 25,000 passengers visited ports on the Great Lakes in the past year — a 20% increase from 2022, according to Cruise the Great Lakes, a regional marketing initiative.

Cruises resumed travel through this part of Lake Superior in May 2022. Before that, it had been nearly a decade since the last cruise ship docked in Duluth.

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

Barbro G aground at Detroit

6 p.m. UPDATE: Refloating operations have been suspended until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

At 7:37 a.m. Monday, the Barbro G, a 623 ft Portuguese freighter, reported they were aground just outside the Belle Isle Anchorage in the Detroit River. Coast Guard response boats have been dispatched to assess the situation. There are no reports of pollution, injuries or damage and there is no impact to commercial traffic The tug WISCONSIN currently assisting. The Barbro G is carrying 21,000 tons of wheat from Canada to Italy.

U.S.Coast Guard

Listen to the Detroit River live scanner here: https://www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/38382

BBC Georgia reported freed

On Sunday night, the grounded BBC Georgia become dislodged during high tide and tugs were
preparing to move the ship to nearby anchorage. AIS Monday morning showed Groupe Ocean tugs still in attendance.

Michael James Folsom

Christmas tree ship continues with USCG Mackinaw

Cheboygan, MI – More than 100 people showed up Sunday afternoon to properly send off the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and its crew, which are delivering Christmas trees to northern Illinois.

The Christmas Tree Ship has been a tradition for many years with the United States Coast Guard, taking the trees from Northern Michigan to Chicago. The ship departed at 2 p.m., loaded with trees, with crew members and Santa Claus waving to the community members, local Coast Guard families and even several fluffy friends.

The Cheboygan and Emmet Counties Chapter of American Rosie the Riveter Association members Linda Rogers and Angie Morthland-Timan were also at the event, handing out hot chocolate and cookies to those wishing the Christmas crew their best.

City of Cheboygan

Tugs, barge arrive at BBC Georgia
grounded on the St. Lawrence River

BBC Georgia remains aground between Trois Rivières and Quebec, and suffering from water intake that has flooded the engine room and at least one of holds. Three Ocean tugs are on the scene, as well as a barge. The ship had pumps placed on board from the barge via CCG helicopter this evening. The barge will be used to hold water from the ship. It’s believed once the ship is considered secure for transit, it will be moved to Montreal. Vessel traffic is not prohibited at this time and the ship is clear outside the channel.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Late night on November 23, the cargo ship BBC Georgia, en route to Sault Ste. Marie, ON, with a stopover in Montreal, ran aground in the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Trois Rivière by Grondines. According to local sources, the condition of BBC Georgia is not good. The tug Ocean Aqua has arrived towing a barge with pumps that will be used to pump out water that has filled the ship’s hull. The engine room is flooded. The tugs Ocean Taiga and Ocean K. Rusby are also nearby. There are no reports of injuries.

Rene Beauchamp, Michael James Folsom , St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network

General cargo ship BBC GEORGIA, IMO 9357224, dwt 12797, built 2008, flag Antigua, manager DELFT SCHIFFAHRT GMBH & CO KG

Winter storm takes aim at Lake Superior

Gale warnings on Lake Superior have vessels hugging the south shore of the lake Sunday morning. Wave heightsare forecast to reach 10-13 feet in some areas.  Sault Ste. Marie is expected to get nearly a foot of snow between Sunday and Tuesday. AT 9 p.m. Sunday, four vessels – Joseph L Block, Saginaw, CSL Welland and CSL Laurentien – were on the hook in the lee of the Keweenaw Peninsula. See MAFOR forecast and AIS in photo gallery.

COVID-19 outbreak aboard Canadian warship forces cancellation of Great Lakes tour

An outbreak of COVID-19 aboard a Canadian warship has forced the Royal Canadian Navy to cancel the remainder of a tour of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

HMCS Harry DeWolf, an arctic offshore patrol ship, was in Montreal on Friday when the decision was made to close the vessel to visitors and shelve the tour. The ship’s command team issued a statement on social media saying upcoming visits to Trois-Rivières, Que., Québec City and Saguenay, Que., had to be cancelled.

The ship, which can carry between 60 and 85 crew members, was expected to return to its home port in Halifax. Earlier this month, the 103-metre ship visited Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston, Ont.

The Canadian Press

BBC Georgia damaged in St. Lawrence River grounding

Late night on November 23, the cargo ship BBC Georgia, en route to Sault Ste. Marie, ON, with a stopover in Montreal, ran aground off Grondines, St. Lawrence River. Reports indicate it took on water and the engine room was flooded. The tugboat Ocean Taiga is nearby.

Rene Beauchamp

Wind warnings halt some laker traffic

Several vessels went to anchor on the northern Great Lakes Friday due to weather. They included:
• East side of the Keweenaw Peninsula: Ashtabula-Defiance and Maumee/Victory

• Off Paradise, MI: American Century, CSL Welland, Phiip R; Clarke, Joyce L. VanEnkevort-Great Lakes Trader
• Off Bay Mills: Tim S. Dool
• At Nine Mile Point, St. Marys River: CSL Laurentien
• DeTour: Stewart J. Cort