Edwin H. Gott leads the way as the Soo Locks open for the season
Sault Ste. Marie, MI – At exactly 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the massive Poe Lock gates opened, allowing the 1,004-foot-long Edwin H. Gott to enter the chamber, thus becoming the first commercial passage of the 2023-24 season.
Ship fans were out in force, filling the two-deck observation platform and spilling out along the ground level fencing. Although there was no official tally, those attending agreed that the was the best-attended opener since the event started.
Captains Tim Alfston and Keene Weekley sounded a throaty three long and two short on the horns as the vessel moved into the chamber, delighting the onlookers, who responded with cheers and clapping.
The Gott, operated by the Great Lakes Fleet, Duluth, MN, is bound for Two Harbors, MN, to load ore. Behind her were American Integrity, John J. Boland, Joseph L. Block, Harvest Spirit, Stewart J. Cort, CSL St-Laurent,CSL Laurentien, and Great Republic, with more heading for the Soo, promising a busy weekend for boatwatchers.
Last year, the Gott’s fleetmate Edgar B. Speer was first vessel. The Soo Locks have been closed since mid-January for annual winter maintenance.
Lee A. Trugurtha, which loaded ore at Marquette, followed by American Mariner, will be the first downbounds.
Watch a video from earlier in the day as a local delegation visited the vessel to present the crew with plaques, first boat caps and Know Your Ships books. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51ICzhC5FQ
