St Mary’s River Closed due to Marine Casualty

SAULT STE MARIE, MI – (9 am update) The St. Marys River has been closed due to a marine casualty.  AIS indicates that the American Mariner is stopped, out of the channel.  It may possibly be aground.  It was headed upbound prior to crossing over the downbound channel and stopping.

The Purvis tugs Anglian Lady and W I Scott Purvis are currently downbound north of Neebish Island, possibly responding to the incident. The Katmai Bay and other coast guard vessels are also onsite.

Check back later for more updates as they become available.

Flagship Niagara League Seeks New Landing Spot for Lettie G. Howard

ERIE, PA – The future of the Lettie G. Howard is up in unclear, as the Flagship Niagara League and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission work towards reaching a formal agreement. The two organizations recently approved a tentative deal, for the FNL to become the associate group for the PHMC.

However, according to the PHMC, there are still several issues that need to be solved, including the future of the Lettie G. Howard.

Flagship Niagara League Executive Director William Sabatini has been tasked with finding a new landing spot for the Lettie G.

“Lettie is the back drop of every sunset picture that’s taken on the bayfront, and we want to keep that,” said Sabatini. “Lettie has found a home in Erie and I think Presque Isle Bay, and Lake Erie and sailing the great Lakes is something that, we deserve Lettie.”

The FNL and PHMC are looking for a new organization to take over the operations of the Lettie G. Both organizations want a partner who will continue the ship’s sailing and educational programs.

“We deserve to have nice things and the Lettie is truly a beautiful ship that we get to enjoy on a regular basis,” said Sabatini. “It’s not just for the people who live here, it’s also for the people who are coming to our community.”

Sabatini also plans to bring back Tall Ships Erie in 2025. “We work very closely with Tall Ships America,”said Sabatini. “Tall Ships America is the organization that brings all the ships in, and I know that Tall Ships America is committed to having Tall Ships Erie back here in Erie in 2025.”

Meanwhile, Sabatini is optimistic that the Lettie G. will remain in Erie. “We want this community to still have the Lettie and Tall Ships Erie,” said Sabatini. “We’re going to find the place. We’re going to make sure that the support is here in this community to keep these programs ongoing.”

A contract between the PHMC and FNL expired last December, and the PHMC has been in charge of the Flagship Niagara ever since.

According to the PHMC, the Brig Niagara and its programming will be its central focus at the Erie Maritime Museum.

The U.S. Brig Niagara’s sailing program is not included in the other programs looking to be transitioned.

Erie Now

Opening For Chief Engineer-ILS

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

Seaway Says Bridges Are Safe

See press release in the photo gallery.