1858
1858:  On 9 March 1858, the propeller ferry GLOBE was being loaded with cattle at the Third Street dock at Detroit, Michigan. In the rush to get aboard, the cattle caused the vessel to capsize. All of the cattle swam ashore, although some swam across the river to the Canadian side.

1882
1882:   J.H. Mead  [Built-1874 US-75722 by Carlton at Sheboygan, Wisconsin] First enrollment issued at Milwaukee, WI, May 23, 1874. Rebuilt, Milwaukee, WI, March 9, 1882 (171 x 29 x 11; 409.03 gross – 388.58 net. Enrollment transferred to New York, NY, in 1916. Final enrollment surrendered at New York, NY, August 10, 1917, and endorsed \”sold alien.\” Vessel was sold to French buyers; ultimate disposition unknown

1891
1891:   W.L. WETMORE  [Built-1871 US-80196 by Quayle & Martin at Cleveland, Ohio] First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, May 19, 1871. Remeasured, Detroit, MI, April 19, 1879 (215.33 x 33.33 x 21; 1216.75 gross – 1032.76 net). Remeasured, Cleveland, OH, March 9, 1891 (213.58 x 33.33 x 12.5; 819.74 gross – 700.33 net). Stranded two miles below Tobermory, Ontario, Georgian Bay, November 29, 1901, with barges BRUNETTE and KING in tow, bound from Parry Sound, Ontario, for Buffalo, with lumber; no lives lost. Final enrollment surrendered at Buffalo, NY, January 20, 1902, and endorsed \”vessel lost.\”

1896
1896:   ROY  [Built-1884 US-110634 by David Lester at Marine City, Michigan] First enrollment issued at Toledo, OH, June 6, 1884. While towing steamer PANTHER from Detroit to Toledo, along with tug S.C. SCHENK, caught in ice and crushed off Stony Point, near Monroe, MI, Lake Erie, on December 16, 1895. Crew escaped to tug SCHENK. Final enrollment surrendered at Toledo, OH, March 9, 1896.

1903
1903:   EMERALD  [Built-1862 by Charles Hinman at Algonac, Michigan]  First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, on June 7, 1862. Remeasured at Detroit, MI, May 11, 1866 (146.42 x 14.33 x 8.66; 189 gross). Rebuilt at Ballentine’s yard, Wenona, MI, in 1875 (144 x 22.42 x 9; 215 gross – 154 net. Final enrollment surrendered at Marquette, MI, on March 9, 1903, and endorsed \”abandoned as unfit for further service.\”

1905
1905:  The JAMES C. WALLACE (Hull#334) of the Acme Steamship Co., (A.B. Wolvin, mgr.), was launched at Lorain, Ohio, by American Ship Building Co. Purchased by the Interlake Steamship Co. in 1913, she was scrapped at Genoa, Italy in 1963.

1907
1907:  WIARTON was launched March 9, 1907, as a) THOMAS LYNCH (Hull#73) at Chicago, Illinois, by Chicago Ship Building Co., for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. She was used as part of a breakwall at the Steel Co. of Canada Dock in Hamilton. The GROVEDALE of 1905, and HENRY R. PLATT JR of 1909, were also used

1907:   JOHN OWEN  [Built-1874 US-75608 by Detroit Dry Dock Co.at Detroit, Michigan. Renamed: COLUMBUS 1907 C-117039] First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, June 29, 1874. Last U.S. enrollment surrendered at Port Huron, MI, March 9, 1907, and endorsed \”sold alien. Burned at dock, Gargantua Harbour, Ontario, Lake Superior, on September 10, 1910.

1917
1917:   LARS FOSTENES  [Built-1916  Norway by Detroit Ship Building Co at Wyandotte, Michigan] Torpedoed and sunk while on maiden voyage off southwest coast of Ireland, March 9, 1917

1918
1918:   BUCKMAN  [Built-1901 US-3904 by Craig Shipbuilding Co at Toledo, Ohio. Renamed: ADMIRAL EVANS 1913 US-3904] As ADMIRAL EVANS: Wrecked at Hawk Inlet, Alaska, on March 9, 1918; refloated in June, 1918. Removed from documentation and rebuilt. Scrapped in 1937.

1918:  AMOCO ILLINOIS was launched March 9, 1918, as a) WILLIAM P. COWAN (Hull#724) at Lorain, Ohio, by American Ship Building Co.

1920
1920:  March 9, 1920 – The PERE MARQUETTE 3 sank off Ludington after being crushed by ice.

1933
1933:  On 09 March 1933, all nine steamers of the Goodrich Transit Company were seized by federal marshals under a bankruptcy petition. These steamers were CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, CAROLINA, ALABAMA, ILLINOIS, CITY OF BENTON HARBOR, CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS, CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, CITY OF HOLLAND, and the CITY OF SAUGATUCK.

1945
1945:  NOTRE DAME VICTORY (Hull#1229), was launched on March 9, 1945, at Portland, Oregon, by Oregon Shipbuilding Co., just 42 days after her keel was laid. She became the b.) CLIFFS VICTORY and sailed on the Great Lakes from 1951 until 1985.

1973
1973:   AVERY C. ADAMS  [Built-1958 UK-310631 by Canadian Vickers LTD at Montreal, Canada. Renamed: CYPRESS 1964-Liberia, UNION 1968-Liberia, FREIA 1969-Liberia, SCOTIACLIFFE HALL 1972 C-310621, SCOTIACLIFFE 1975-Liberia, NAVIFOR NORSE 1976-Liberia, NAVIFOR NORSE 1982-Panama and NAVIFOR II 1987-Norway]   Chartered in 1974 by Hall Shipping Corp., Ltd., to Bunge Canada, Ltd., to haul grain. Transferred to Nassau and Canadian registry closed December 9, 1974.As SCOTIACLIFFE HALL: When outbound from Galveston Bay (TX), in evening of March 9, 1973, collided with inbound British propeller DRUCILLA U. Both vessels severely damaged; SCOTIACLIFFE HALL dry docked at Todd Shipyards Corp., Galveston, TX, for repairs. Broken up by Norwegian owners, 1991.

1979
1979:   EAGLESCLIFFE HALL  [Built-1974 C-188893 by Grangemouth Dockyard Co LTD at Grangemouth, Scotland. Renamed EAGLESCLIFFE 1974 UK-188893] As EAGLESCLIFFE: Ran aground in the Aransas Pass, February 19, 1979. Refloated and arrived in New Orleans, LA, on March 9, 1979. Sank in Galveston Bay, TX, on February 9, 1983, after the hull had fractured the previous day while inbound.

1985
1985:  The Norwegian freighter TRONSTAD first came to the Great Lakes as a pre-Seaway visitor in 1957. It returned on another 12 occasions after the new waterway opened in 1959. The vessel was sailing a d) CRUZ DEL SUR when it was confiscated by U.S. authorities for drug smuggling and brought to Miami on this date in 1985. The 30-year old ship was towed out into the Atlantic and scuttled off Miami on December 19, 1986.

2007
2007:  The Greek freighter WISMAR was built in 1979  IMO-7906899 and came through the Seaway in 1980. It lost power below Lock 2 of the Welland Canal while upbound on August 30, 1980, and had to drop anchor. It was sailing as h) GRACIA from Thailand to Dakar, Senegal, with a cargo of rice, when the engine failed in heavy weather in the Indian Ocean on February 27, 2007. The crew took to the lifeboats and was rescued. The former Great Lakes visitor was last seen on March 7, adrift, with a 20-degree list to port, and likely soon sank.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

McKeil’s new Ontario Venture en route to Canada

   Currently en route to Balboa, Panama, and then to eastern Canada, is McKeil Marine’s new self-unloading vessel Ontario Venture, a conversion of the tanker Patrona I carried out in China. The Patrona I has made at least one transit of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

[Rene Beauchamp]

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Saturday March 7.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 3/8/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
Bernina DUE-3/8/2026-5:22 AM
Strategic Harmony-DUE-3/14/2026-2:02 AM
Federal Biscay-DUE-3/17/2026-11:50 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/17/2026-8:31 AM
Federal Barents-DUE-3/21/2026-1:52 AM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/21/2026-6:34 AM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
Algoma Niagara arrived for a layup.

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-3/7/2026-1:00 PM
Algocanada-DUE-3/7/*2026-6:00 PM

PORT DOVER                                                  [CAPDV]-Bill Kloss]
Algocanada and Algoterra arrived at the anchorage.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
BBC Tokyo-DUE-4/3/2026-8:00 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker is running the shuttles.

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-3/20/2026-8:00 AM

GRAND RIVER-FAIRPORT HARBOR, OHIO   [[USFPT]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Stolt Innovation-DUE-3/20/2026-8:38 PM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Karen Andrie-DUE-3/8/2026-5:16 AM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
3/7/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-8:56 AM
3/7/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-12:19 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
3/7/2026  Algoma Innovator-DEPARTS-7:10 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois

AMHERSTBURG, CANADA                       [CAAMH]
3/7/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-1:40 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-9:19 AM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-9:46 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-9:50 AM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-10:49 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-10:53 AM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-11:20 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-11:26 AM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-1:16 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-1:32 PM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-2:50 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-3:26 PM
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-3:43 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/7/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-3:59 PM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee-Due-3/8/2026-7:31 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-3/8/2026-9:40 PM
Frontenac-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

1865
1865:   ELIZA LOGAN  [Built-1855 US-7312 by Bejamin B. Jones at Buffalo, New York] First enrollment issued at Buffalo, NY, October 16, 1855. Remeasured, Buffalo, NY, March 8, 1865 (128 x 28 x 10.5; 264.82 gross). Rebuilt at Bailey Brothers’ shipyard, Toledo, OH; tonnage change, Toledo, OH, July 7, 1871 (260.84 gross. Foundered sixteen miles off Erie, PA, Lake Erie, on October 19, 1871; two lives lost.

1873
1873:   BALTIC  [Built-1847 US-310044 by Bidwell & Barta at Buffalo, New York. First enrollment issued at Buffalo, NY, on January 25, 1847. Converted to barge at Detroit, MI, August 15, 1865 (224 x 30.16 x 12.16; 618.05 gross. Foundered off Long Point, Lake Erie, on October 1, 1872, along with barge ADRIATIC, in tow of tug WILLIAM A. MOORE. Final enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, on March 8, 1873.

1876
1876:   MARQUETTE  [BUILT-1869 US-90142 by James M. Jones at Detroit, Michigan] First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, October 21, 1869. Final enrollment surrendered at Cleveland, OH, March 8, 1876, and endorsed \”abandoned.\”

1876:   PEERLESS [Built-1872 US-20470 by Ira Lafrinnier at Cleveland, Ohio. Renamed: MUSKEGON 1907 US-20470] First enrollment issued at Chicago, IL, July 3, 1872.Name changed to MUSKEGON, Grand Haven, MI, September 6, 1907. Tonnage change, Chicago, IL, January 21, 1875 (1202.56 gross). Tonnage change, Chicago, IL, March 8, 1876 (1199.50 gross – 913.70 net). Tonnage change, Grand Haven, MI, August 14, 1908 (941 gross – 655 net. Burned to a total loss, Michigan City, IN, October 6, 1910.

1880
1880:   UNION  [Built-1863 US-25095 at Sacketts Harbor, New York. Renamed: FLOATING BETHEL 1880 US-25095] First enrollment issued at Sacketts Harbor, NY, September 29, 1863. Remeasured, Sandusky, OH, May 5, 1865 (64.58 x 16.66 x 6; 37.77 gross). Final enrollment reportedly transferred from Sandusky, OH, to Cleveland, OH, March 8, 1880, but a change of owners was not recorded there. Vessel was sold to Reverend John David Jones for conversion to a floating mission in Cleveland, OH. Ultimate disposition unknown.

1882
1882:  On 8 March 1882, the tug WINSLOW left Manistee to tow the NORTHERN QUEEN to Marine City for repairs. NORTHERN QUEEN had collided with LAKE ERIE the previous autumn and then sank while trying to enter Manistique harbor. Robert Holland purchased the wreck of NORTHERN QUEEN after that incident.

1892
1892:  March 8, 1910 – A fire from unknown causes destroyed the ANN ARBOR NO. 1 of 1892. The hull was sold to Love Construction Co., of Muskegon, Michigan.

1913
1913:   M & M  [Built-1890 US-92242 at Menekaunee, Wisconsin. Renamed: APOLLO 1903 US-92242] First enrollment issued at Marquette, MI, October 16, 1890.Name changed at Grand Haven, MI, August 23, 1903. Enrollment surrendered at Grand Haven, MI, January 10, 1902, endorsed \”Abandoned.\” New enrollment issued at Grand Haven, MI, June 23, 1902, endorsed \”rebuilt.\” Tonnage change, Grand Haven, MI, August 23, 1903 (83 gross – 56 net. Final enrollment surrendered at Grand Haven, MI, March 8, 1913, endorsed \”abandoned.\”

1930
1930:  EUGENE P. THOMAS (Hull#184) was launched March 8, 1930, at Toledo, Ohio by Toledo Shipbuilding Co., for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co..

1937
1937:   DELIA  {Built-1907 Germany by Wood, Skinner & Co. LTD at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Great Britain. Renamed DELIA 1921 UK-145292] Foundered by Trepassey Bay, Newfoundland, March 8, 1937.

1937:   CAROLINA  [Built-1877 US-125595 by John Roach & Sons at Wilmington, Delaware. Renamed: CAROLINA 1894 C-101261, MURRAY BAY 1913 C-101261 and CAPE DIAMOND 1921 C-101261]  Tonnage change, 1888 (977 gross – 831 net). Canadian measures, 1894 (251 x 34 x 7.75; 969 gross – 610 registered). Replated in 1904. As CAPE DIAMOND register closed at Montreal, Quebec, on March 8, 1937, but vessel was scrapped prior to that date. Dropped from Lloyd’s Register in 1933

1950
CHIPPEWA PARK  [Built-1943 C-174791 by George T. Davie Shipbuilding & Repair LTD at Lauzun, Canada. Renamed: ARGOBEC 1946 C-174791, and RAHIOTIS 1959-Greece] Built as \”North Sands\” type dry cargo vessel: delivered on August 2, 1943. Transferred from Canadian to British registry on March 8, 1950. Tonage change, 1946 (7138 gross – 4297 net). Tonnage change, 1965 (7174 gross – 4297 net). Sold to Peoples’ Republic of China for scrapping. Departed Singapore on July 1, 1967 and arrived at Shanghai prior to July 15, 1967.

1963
1963:   SC-1032  [Built-1943  US-Navy by Peterson Boat Works at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Renamed: Air Raven (WAVR-456) 1945 US-USCG and SHEILA 1952 US-256167] Rig – Submarine Chaser Commissioned on February 18, 1943. Transferred to U.S.C.G. on November 29, 1945.                 Documented as fishing craft in 1952 (107.33 x 18.16 x 9.25; 121 gross – 26 net. Stranded off Glendon Beach, OR, March 8, 1963. Final document surrendered in April, 1964

1968
1968:   WHITESHELL PARK  [Built-1944 C-175376 by United Shipyards LTD at Montreal, Canada. Renamed: FIR HILL 1950 UK-175276 and UNIVERSAL TRADER 1964 UK-175376] Launched as FORT BEAUHARNOIS. Built as \”North Sands\” type dry cargo vessel; delivered on April 21, 1944. Sold to Japanese shipbreakers; arrived at Hirao, Japan, on March 8, 1968, for scrapping

1973
1973:   FORT SANDUSKY (HMCS)  Built-1945 C-Navy by United Ship Yards LTD at Montreal, Canada. Renamed: FORT SANDUSKY (HMS) 1949 C-Navy and FORT SANDUSKY (HMCS) 1972-C-Navy]  Delivered on August 1, 1945, as Stores Issuing Ship (Ammunition). Returned by British Admiralty to Canada, 1972. Sold to Varela Davalillo and arrived at Castellon prior to February 19, 1973, for scrapping, having departed Rosyth in tow on January 24, 1973. Demolition began on March 8, 1973.

1973:   OTCO NEW YORK  [Built-1947 US-253117 by Platzer Boat Works at Houston, Texas. Renamed: CALTEX RIAU 1957-Panama, ESTRELITTA 1959-Panama, and DORIDE 1963-Italy] Tonnage change, 1957 (1968 gross – 1373 net). Tonnage change, 1963 (2124 gross – 1132 net. Declared a constructive total loss after stranding, March 8, 1973, about a mile east of Savudrija Point, on voyage Trieste for Ravenna. Sold to Brodospas on \”as is\” basis for raising and scrapping at Split, Yugoslavia.

1981
1981:  MEZADA of the Zim Israel Line first came to the Great Lakes in 1966 after it had been lengthened to 676 feet. The vessel had been built in 1960 and foundered after breaking in two about 100 miles east of Bermuda on March 8, 1981. The 19,247 gross ton bulk carrier was traveling from Haifa to Baltimore with a cargo of potash and 24 lives were lost while only 11 sailors were rescued.

2018
2018:  Louis “Skip” Meier, 67, a long-time member of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s advisory council and former president of the group, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 after a battle with cancer. He was voted the group’s Historian of the Year (along with co-author Wayne Garrett) in 2009 for his work writing and editing the group’s definitive book “The Great Lakes Engineering Works: The Shipyard And Its Vessels.” He also wrote numerous in-depth fleet histories for the group’s newsletter The Detroit Marine Historian, was instrumental in selecting photos for the group’s annual calendar and was part of the team of authors who compiled the books “Ahoy & Farewell” and “Ahoy & Farewell II.”

2022
2022:   The National Transportation Safety Board’s public docket has released some information on the Roger Blough fire. It’s not a report, but some drawings and interviews as part of the investigation into the fire that occurred last year at Sturgeon Bay.

2022
2022:   Sturgeon Bay, WI – A $27 million dollar yacht built in 2013 at Palmer Johnson is making news. The “Lady M” is owned by Alexey Mordasov, Russia’s richest man, who was sanctioned by the European Union this past week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was seized last week by Italian police in the port of Imperia, in northern Italy.

2025
2025:   The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) has welcomed another new vessel to its Laker-class fleet of ships, Polsteam Rudno (IMO 9984821), built in 2025, registered in Portugal. She is the sixth of 12 vessels being built at the Shanhaiguan Shipyard in Qinhungdao (Hebei Province) in China as part of the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) Group. The new vessels are all 37,000 DWT and 199.99 meters in length and 23.700 meters in width. or 656 feet in  length and 78 feet in width.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, “Ahoy & Farewell II” and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Algoma Central Corp. Reports Financial Results For Fiscal 2025

      St. Catharines, ON – Algoma Central Corp. has reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Algoma reported revenues of $761,056, compared to revenues of $703,444 in 2024. Net earnings for 2025 were $143,025 compared to $91,638 in 2024. The company reported 2025 EBITDA of $230,987 compared to $200,494 in 2024. All amounts reported are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share data and where the context dictates otherwise.
   “This year we took delivery of eight vessels and reached a significant milestone in the third quarter with the addition of our 100th vessel to our global fleet,” said Gregg Ruhl, president and CEO of Algoma.
   “We currently have 12 vessels under construction, six of which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Internationally, we continue to expand our presence in the global short sea shipping sector through strategic partnerships in new markets. These partnerships are helping establish Algoma as the Marine Carrier of Choice on the global stage and extend the reach of our Bear, born in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, around the world.
   “Domestically, we remain focused on strengthening our fleets operating across the bi-national Great Lakes and Canadian and U.S. east coasts. As we approach the opening of the 2026 navigation season, we do so from a forward-looking position of resilience and growth, with a continued focus on working together as an industry to enhance the competitiveness and long-term resiliency of the customers and communities we serve,” concluded Mr. Ruhl. 

 View the full report here: https://www.algonet.com/news-item/algoma-central-corporation-reports-financial-results-for-fiscal-2025/

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Friday March 6.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 3/7/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
3/6/2026  Federal Alster-DEPARTS-1:01 AM-Quebec, Canada
3/6/2026  Bulk Destiny-ARRIVES-11:38 AM
DUE:
Albanyborg-DUE-3/6/2026-10:09 PM
Bernina-DUE-3/8/2026-7:59 AM
Strategic Harmony-DUE-3/14/2026-4:03 AM
Federal Biscay-DUE-3/17/2026-9:17 AM
Federal Barents-DUE-3/20/2026-7:38 AM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/21/2026-2:43 AM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-3/7/2026-10:58 AM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-3/7/2026-3:37 AM
Algocanada-DUE-3/7/2026-10:20 AM

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
BBC Tokyo-DUE-4/3/2026-8:00 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker continues  on the shuttles.
DUE:
USCG Neah Bay-DUE-3/7/2026-1:09 AM

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-3/20/2026-8:00 AM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Karen Andrie-DUE-3/8/2026-5:16 AM

AMHERSTBURG, CANADA                       [CAAMH]
3/6/2026  CCGS Judy Lamarsh-DEPARTS-7:30 AM-For-Amherstburg, Canada
3/6/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-10:11 AM
3/6/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-10:39 AM-For-[ICE OPS]

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
3/6/2026  Algoterra-DEPARTS-10:31 AM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
3/6/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-10:42 For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  Algocanada-DEPARTS-11:00 AM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
DUE;
Algoberta-DUE-3/6/2026-2:00 AM

PORT HURON, MICHIGAN                       [USPHN]
3/6/2026  USCG Neah Bay-DEPARTS-10:32 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-8:31 AM
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-9:42 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-9:47 AM
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-10:17 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-10:24 AM
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-10:58 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-11:15 AM
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-1:09 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-1:27 PM
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-1:43 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-2:30 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/6/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-2:38 PM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee DUE-3/6/2026-7:42 PM

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
3/5/2026  Jimmy L-DEPARTS-11:26 PM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
3/6/2025  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-1:16 AM
3/6/2026  Bradshaw McKee-ARRIVES-2:18 AM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
3/5/2026  Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-9:19 PM-For-Goderich, Canada

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

1874
1874:  On 7 March 1874, the wooden tug JOHN OWEN (Hull#28) was launched at Wyandotte, Michigan, by the Detroit Dry Dock Company for J. E. Owen of Detroit, Michigan. [Renamed: COLUMBUS-1907 C-117039]

1889
1889:   THOMAS W. PALMER  [Built-1880 US-145229 by Detroit Dry Dock Co at SAMOA 1889 US-145229] First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, September 15, 1880.Name changed at Buffalo, NY, March 7, 1889. Caught fire at the Osceola mills, Torch Lake, MI, while loading copper sand for Toledo, OH, on September 20, 1909; burned to a total loss. Final enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, October 3, 1909.

1892
1892:  ANN ARBOR NO 1 (wooden propeller carferry, 260 foot, 1,128 gross tons, built in 1892, at Toledo, Ohio) got caught in the ice four miles off Manitowoc, Wisconsin in February 1910. She remained trapped and then on 7 March 1910, she caught fire and burned. Although she was declared a total loss, her hull was reportedly sold to Love Construction Co., Muskegon, Michigan, and reduced to an unregistered sand scow.

1896
1896:  On 7 March 1896, L.C. WALDO (steel propeller freighter, 387 foot, 4,244 gross tons) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan by F. W. Wheeler (Hull #112). She had a long career. She was rebuilt twice, once in the winter of 1904-05 and again in 1914, after she was stranded in the Storm of 1913. She was sold Canadian in 1915, and renamed b.) RIVERTON. In 1944, she was renamed c.) MOHAWK DEER. She lasted until November 1967, when she foundered in the Gulf of Genoa while being towed to the scrap yard at La Spezia, Italy.

1905
1905:   WILLIAM H. GRATWICK  [Built-1882 US-80879 by O’Grady & Maher at Buffalo, New York]  First enrollment issued at Buffalo, NY, April 12, 1882. inal enrollment surrendered at Buffalo, NY, March 7, 1905, and endorsed \”abandoned.\”

1905:   GEORGE R. PAIGE [Built-1882 US-55725 by William R Radcliffe at Cleveland, Ohio] First enrollment issued at Cleveland, OH, June 15, 1882. Final enrollment surrendered at Cleveland, OH, on March 7, 1905, and endorsed \”abandoned.\” Hull reportedly scuttled in Lake Erie.

1910
1910:   ANN ARBOR NO.1  [Built-1892 US-106974 by Craig Shipbuilding Co at Toledo, Ohio]  Totally destroyed by fire at Manitowoc, WI, on March 7, 1910. Hull reportedly sold to Love Construction Co., Muskegon, MI, and reduced to unregistered sand scow

1912
1912:   JAMES ADAMS  [Built-1882 US-76294 by George H Notter at Buffalo, New York. Renamed: James ADAMS 1903 C-116373] First enrollment issued at Buffalo, NY, May 2, 1882. Vessel dismantled; register surrendered at Port Arthur, Ontario, on March 7, 1912.

1916
1916:   EXCELSIOR  [Built-1892 US-136325 by O’Grady & Mahr at Buffalo, New York]            First enrollment issued at Buffalo, NY, October 6, 1892. “The dismantled hull of the tug EXCELSIOR is now being used in the Toledo harbor as a storehouse. It was brought here from Lorain late last fall.”–Toledo Blade, March 7, 1916. Abandoned and dismantled, 1915-16.

1929
1929:  TEXACO BRAVE was launched March 7, 1929, as a) JOHN IRWIN (Hull#145) at Haverton-Hill-on-Tees, United Kingdom by Furness Shipbuilding Co.

1945
1945:   ST. LAWRENCE  [Built-1842 US-22584 by John Oades at Clayton, New York] First enrollment issued at French Creek, NY, March 7, 1845. Remeasured, Milwaukee, WI, April 8, 1865 (92.66 x 19.66 x 8; 110.76 gross. Caught fire about twenty miles off Milwaukee, WI, Lake Michigan, April 30, 1878, burned and sank; two lives lost. Final enrollment surrendered at Milwaukee, WI, June 29, 1878, and endorsed \”vessel lost.\”

1969
1969:  The British freighter MONTCALM, a Seaway trader when new in 1960, made 29 trips to the Great Lakes to the end of 1967. A truck in #1 hold got loose on this date in an Atlantic storm 420 miles southeast of Halifax in 1969 causing a heavy list and a 12 foot gash in the hull. A U.S.C.G. helicopter dropped extra pumps and the ship reached Halifax and safety. The vessel later became a livestock carrier and arrived at Chittagong, Bangladesh, for scrapping as c) SIBA EDOLO on August 8, 1988.

1973
1973:  BISCAYA was a Danish flag freighter that first came inland in 1965. It was sailing as c) MARGARITA, and under Greek registry, when it sank following a collision with the ANZOATEGUI, a Venezuelan reefer ship, while in bound about 39 miles off Maracaibo, Venezuela on March 7, 1983. It was carrying barytes, a mineral used in oil-drilling fluids,
from El Salvador.

1977
1977:   SAMUEL MATHER  [Built-1906 US-203407 by Detroit Ship Building Co at Wyandotte, Michigan. Renamed: PATHFINDER 1925 US-203407, PATHFINDER 1964 C-306336, GODERICH 1964 C-306336, SOO RIVER TRADER 1980 C-306336, PINEGLEN 1982 C-306336, and NEGLEN 1984 C-306336] As SAMUEL MATHER: Grounded on Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior, in blizzard, October 19, 1923; suffered $60,000 loss.As GODERICH: In Port Weller dry dock for inspection and emergency repairs to rudder stock, March 7-25, 1977. Canadian measurements, 1964 (529.66 x 60.16 x 26; 7907 gross – 5608 net). Converted to oil at Toronto, Ont., winter, 1972-1973. Sold for scrapping to Port Maitland. (Reported June 16, 1984).

1978
1978:   MARGARET  L [Built-1972 by Peterson Builders Inc. at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin] Sank in position 08.10N x 94.45W after fire had broken out on board and she had been abandoned by her crew on March 7, 1978. Final enrollment surrendered in March, 1978, giving position of loss as 08.04N x 94.31W, in Pacific Ocean.

1982
1982:  OCEAN LEADER came to the Great Lakes in 1980 and ran aground upbound near Sault Ste. Marie on November 11 when the radar malfunctioned. Later, in 1982 as c) FINIKI, the then 7-year old ship hit an underwater obstruction 10 miles west of the Moruka Light, while en route to Paramaribo, Suriname. The vessel reached Georgetown, Guyana, and was declared a total loss. It was reported as scuttled in the Atlantic off Jacksonville, Fla., on or after December 9, 1982.

1986
1986:  ALGOSOO suffered a serious fire at her winter mooring on the west wall above Lock 8, at Port Colborne, Ontario on March 7, 1986, when a conveyor belt ignited, possibly caused by welding operations in the vicinity. The blaze spread to the stern gutting the aft accommodations. The ship was repaired at Welland and returned to service on October 6. She was scrapped by International Marine Salvage in early 2017

2024
2024:   MISSISSIAGI:  A fire broke out Wednesday on a retired freighter docked on the St. Marys River. Nearby residents reported a loud noise in the area shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by visible flames coming from the MISSISSIAGI. Smoke and fire could be seen from the Michigan side of the river. The cause of the fire is unknown. MISSISSAGI was the longest-operating Canadian flagged laker on the Great Lakes when it went out of service in late 2020. Stripped for parts and equipment while docked in  Sarnia, the MISSISSAGI was towed to the Purvis Marine scrapyard in October 2021.

2025
2025:   The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) Szczecin, Poland, has sold another of its former lakes visitors. Iryda (IMO 9180384), built in 1999 and which last visited in the 2024 shipping season, now sails as the AK Carl of Sierre Leone registration.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, “Historical Collections of the Great Lakes,” “Ahoy & Farewell II” and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Unexpected CO2 discharge on tug Undaunted
claims life of Traverse City leader’s husband

LUDINGTON, MI – The husband of a Traverse City leader was killed Monday morning after a CO2 fire suppression system unexpectedly discharged aboard a tugboat docked in Ludington.
   The incident occurred at approximately 11:27 a.m. on March 2, 2026, while the vessel was undergoing maintenance.
   The tugboat Undaunted, owned by Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc., was docked for the winter at the time of the accident. Emergency responders from the Ludington Police Department, Ludington Fire Department and LIFE EMS arrived to find that staff members from Interlake Logistics had already begun performing life-saving measures on Mark Allen.
   Maintenance was being performed on the vessel’s CO2 fire suppression system when the equipment discharged. Following initial first aid on the scene, Allen was transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital where he passed away.
   Officials in Traverse City addressed the tragedy involving Mark Allen, the husband of Deputy City Manager Deb Allen. City Manager Benjamin Marentette spoke regarding the impact on city staff.
   “On behalf of the City of Traverse City, I will confirm that Deputy City Manager Deb Allen has experienced a family tragedy,” Marentette said. “Mine — and the entire team’s hearts — are broken for Deb. We will not be confirming any details or providing information regarding the tragedy out of respect for her privacy.”
   The Ludington Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances of the discharge. Investigators are working in coordination with Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. to determine what caused the suppression system to activate unexpectedly. Ludington Police Chief Christopher Jones and Captain Michael Haveman oversaw the initial department response to the scene.
   The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jake Miller at 231-843-2435 or via email at miller209@ci.ludington.mi.us.

[9-10 News]

Winter Layup: The 60-day winter rush at Port Milwaukee
to get cargo ships ready to sail the Great Lakes

MILWAUKEE — Over the past two months, you may have seen some rather large boats docked at Port Milwaukee. If you are extra observant, you’ll recognize that this happens every year around this time. There is a very important reason, and it helps keep a multi-billion-dollar shipping industry afloat.
   Every winter for about two months, large cargo vessels are docked at Port Milwaukee receiving crucial maintenance. The work ranges from upgrading electrical wiring to installing new communication systems to repairing worn-out steel.
   “These vessels are pretty old. They’ve had some past lives in different areas of the world,” Amelia Harrison, a port engineer with Andrie, a maritime logistics company, said.
   These barges transport goods like cement, aggregate, food, and anything else that keeps people and businesses moving in the Great Lakes region.
   “I like the big engines. I like that we push ourselves around the Great Lakes. I love that we support the infrastructure of America,” Harrison said.
   During the winter layup, these boats aren’t moving cargo, which means they’re not making money. Work has to be done fast during this time to ensure economic success for the shipping companies, the ports, and all the businesses that receive the goods.
   A specialized labor force is needed to make sure all that works gets done – especially since they are cramming months of maintenance into just 60 days. To stay on schedule, there are groups of about five crew members that rotate 28 days on and 28 days off. Their daily shifts are 12 hours long, and they live on board. Additionally, there can be anywhere from 15-20 contractors on the boat at anytime. The contractors do not live aboard the vessel.
   “This gets in your blood. It’s, you know, just being on the boat, you have to run. It’s high paced,” Dan Rankin, the owner of Hi-Tec Fab, a fabrication company, said.
   One of the boats in Port Milwaukee is the Integrity, which is owned by Amrize. The company produces and ships cement throughout the United States.
   “The carrying capacity for this vessel is 12 to 14,000 tons, depending on water levels, and for the season, this vessel will probably haul 600,000 plus tons of cement,” John Tomshack, the marine model manager for the Great Lakes for Amrize, said.
   That’s a lot of product that needs to reach ports and eventually be used by companies all across the region. Amrize chooses Milwaukee because of its skilled labor force.
   “The city of Milwaukee is a great place for us to have access to skilled trades, steel workers, electricians, things like that,” Tomshack said.
   Each boat has a different departure date. The Integrity is scheduled to begin navigating the Great Lakes on March 15th.

[WTMJ]
    View the full story and images here: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-tonight/winter-layup-the-60-day-winter-rush-at-port-milwaukee-to-get-massive-cargo-ships-ready-to-sail-the-great-lakes?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWe95leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEew-Jgz7mbojjlRR5UFTTtoQeRHKHW5PTMJxt1CbpHTUs-O4IBO0zKTC7hxNQ_aem_GnddSP1tLPTFqO3ilZ2xdg

 Tug Seaway Jennifer heads to lakes this spring

Seaway Marine Group LLC owners Jake and Jennifer Van Reenen have announced that the Clayton, NY-based marine business has purchased a tug, formerly known as Herbert P. Brake. The newest fleet member will bear Jennifer’s name and be known as Seaway Jennifer. The tug will become the largest commercial U.S.-based tug on the Seaway from Lake Ontario to Massena. A spring transit of the NYS barge canal from the East Coast (CT) is expected in order to reach its new home.
   Built in 1992, Empire Harbor Marine Inc. of Thomson, NY, as the Herbert P. Brake for Empire Harbor Marine Inc. of Albany, New York. In 2005, the company became the Port Albany Ventures Co. of Albany, New York, where the tug retained her name.
   In 2009, Port Albany Ventures was acquired by the DonJon Marine Co. Inc. of Hillside, NJ. Again the tug retained her name. In 2014, DonJon renamed the tug Rebecca Ann. In 2022, the tug was acquired by D. Brake Marine LLC. of Madison, CT, which renamed her Herbert P. Brake.
   Powered by two Cummins VT 1710 diesel engines, she is a twin screw, modified bow towboat, rated at 1,400 horsepower.
   [Michael Folsom – St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network and tugboatinformation.com]

Two Desgagnes ships in conflict zone

   Rosaire A. Desgagnes and Miena Desgagnes are in the Persian Gulf as the conflict intensifies. Miena is in the Al Jubail Anchorage (eastern province of Saudi Arabia), while Rosaire is in the Mugharraq Anchorage (Abu Dhabi).

[Michael James Folsom – St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network]

Chamber of Marine Commerce Awards 2026 Champion
of the Great Lakes Award to Cong. Nick Langworthy

March 5, 2026 — On Thursday, the 2026 Great Lakes Day Congressional Breakfast Reception is being celebrated in Washington D.C. at the Cannon House Office Building, creating the perfect opportunity for

    WASHINGTON D.C. – The Chamber of Marine Commerce has announced that Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) is the recipient of the 2026 Champion of the Great Lakes Award.
   This award honors United States elected officials who demonstrate a special commitment to enhancing economic growth and supply chain strength by supporting marine shipping on the Great Lakes. Representing the 23rd District of New York, Congressman Langworthy has played a key role in protecting and promoting the role that Great Lakes shipping plays in supporting economic prosperity, good jobs, and national industrial strength. He has galvanized considerable support for Great Lakes issues among his elected peers.
   The membership of the CMC represents every link in the marine supply chain, including ships, ports, terminals, and shippers of key commodities, and the Congressman’s work has supported each of these links to the benefit of American citizens and communities. This includes recognition that Great Lakes shipping is a critical conduit for everyday affordability.
   “On behalf of more than 100 member organizations that comprise the membership of the Chamber of Marine Commerce across North America, including a number within the state of New York, I want to thank Rep. Langworthy and his team for the accessibility, responsiveness, and support they have shown regarding Great Lakes marine shipping issues over the past year,” said Joshua Juel, President and CEO of the CMC.
   “He understands that our industry is the cornerstone of dependable supply chain that grows the North American economy and helps build appreciation of our contributions among others. For that we are deeply grateful.”

 [Chamber of Marine Commerce]

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Thursday March 5.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 3/6/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
3/5/2026  Federal Alster-DEPARTS-1:01 AM for Quebec, Canada
DUE:
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/8/2026-5:11 AM
Albanyborg-DUE-3/7/2026-3:43 AM
Bernina-DUE-3/8/2026-11:58 AM
Strategic Harmony-DUE-3/16/2026-7:18 AM
Federal Biscay-DUE-11:03 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/18/2026-5:38 AM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/31/202612:14 AM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-3/6/2026-6:48 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE;
Algocanada-DUE-3/6/2026-9:23 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker still on the shuttles.

ALGONAC, MICHIGAN                               [USALG]
3/5/2026  USCG Neah Bay-DEPARTS-10:15 AM-For-[ICE OPS]           

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
3/5/2026  Baltic-ARRIVES-11:28 AM

PORT HURON, MICHIGAN                       [USPHN]
3/5/2026  USCG Neah Bay-ARRIVES-12:46 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-11:24 AM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-12:09 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-12:15 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-1:06 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-1:14 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-2:02 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-2:11 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-2:34 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-2:58 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-3:13 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-3:32 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-3:46 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-4:43 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-5:00 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-5:46 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-6:01 PM
3/5/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS- 6:52 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
3/5/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-ARRIVES-7:29 AM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
3/5/2026  Bradshaw McKee-DEPARTS-1:18 PM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
3/5/2026  Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-2:43 PM
3/5/2026  Karen Andrie-ARRIVES-6:55 PM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
3/5/2026  Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-10:23 AM-For-Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1873
1873:  At noon on 6 March 1873, the steam railroad carferry SAGINAW was launched at the Port Huron Dry Dock Co. She did not get off the ways at first and had to be hauled off by the tug KATE MOFFAT. She was built for use between Port Huron and Sarnia.

1892
1892:  On 6 March 1892, SAGINAW (wooden 4-car propeller carferry, 142 foot, 365 tons, built in 1873, at Port Huron, Michigan) burned at the dock in Windsor, Ontario where she had been laid up since 1884. The hull was later recovered and converted to an odd-looking tug, a well-known wrecker in the Detroit River area until broken up about 1940.

1901
1901:   SAKIE SHEPHERD  [Built-1883 US-115935 by John F Squires at Huron, Ohio. Renamed: METROPOLE 1901 US-115935] First enrollment issued at Sandusky, OH, June 30, 1883. Enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, March 23, 1899, and endorsed \”abandoned.\” Redocumented at Detroit, MI, October 9, 1900. Name changed at Detroit, MI, March 6, 1901.  Vessel listed as \”SAKIR SHEPHERD\” on some enrollments. As METROPOLE leak developed when stern pipe or bearings loosened, August 8, 1903, and vessel sank about ten miles off Port Austin, MI, Saginaw Bay; crew rowed ashore in small boat. Vessel was bound for Cleveland with staves at time of loss. Final document surrendered at Detroit, MI, August 12, 1903.

1909
1909:  EUGENE J. BUFFINGTON (Hull#366) was launched March 6, 1909, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co., for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. She lasted until 1980, when she was towed to San Esteban de Pravia, Spain, for scrapping.

1912
1912:   0133  [Built-1893 US-53280 by American Steel Barge, Co at Superior, Wisconsin. Renamed: SEARSPORT 1913 US-53280] Rebuilt by Great Lakes Engineering Works, Ecorse, MI, in 1911. (261 x 36 x 22; 1159 gross – 1115 net. Foundered one mile south of Fire Island, NY, on November 12, 1911, with all hands. Five lives lost. Final document surrendered at Newport News, VA, on March 6, 1912.

1916
1916:   CORA A  [Built-1889 US-126556 by Burger and Burger at Manitowoc, Wisconsin] First enrolled at Chicago IL, July 22, 1889. Foundered on March 6, 1916. No lives were lost

1917
1917:   MACKINAW  [Built-1890 US-92226 by F.W. Wheeler & Co. at West Bay City, Michigan. Renamed: SAWA MARU 1916-Japan] Cut in two sections by Union Dry Dock Co., Buffalo, NY, in 1890, after departing Bay City, MI, on October 4, 1890. Towed through canals and rejoined at Montreal, P.Q. torpedoed and sunk by German submarine off southwest coast of Ireland on March 6, 1917

1920
1920:   BYRON WHITAKER  [Built-1890 US-3477 by William Dulac at Mount Clemens, Michigan. Renamed: BYRON WHITAKER 1913 C-134145 and MARIAN W. 1917 C-134145]         First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, July 26, 1890. Measures change, Detroit, MI, April 7, 1903 (220 x 38 x 23.33; 1586 gross – 1388 net). Canadian measures, 1913 (220 x 38 x 21; 1539 gross – 959 registered. Burned to a total loss in Louise Basin, Quebec City, P.Q., on March 6, 1920.

1924
1924:   S.M. FISCHER  [Built-1896 US-116717 by Craig Shipbuilding Co.] Requisitioned by U.S. Army in September, 1917. Transferred to French Government on July 25, 1919. Final enrollment, issued at Port Huron, MI, was surrendered at New York, NY, on March 6, 1924. Sold to French Government while on service in France. Ultimate disposition unknown.

1982
1982:   LOUIS B. ST. LAURENT [BUILT-1969 C-328095 by Canadian Vickers LTD at Montreal, Canada] Built as Arctic-patrol ice breaker.As ST. LAURENT: An electrical malfunction in the control panel of the Canadian ice breaker injured seven men on March 6, 1982. The vessel was clearing a channel in the Cabot Strait, about twenty miles from Sydney, Nova Scotia. The fire heavily damaged the officers’ quarters and bridge.

1982
1982:  INDIANA was chartered to Swedish interests when it made four trips to the Great Lakes in 1962. It was sailing as d) ZOE II, under Liberian registry, when it was abandoned in the Adriatic Sea, south of Pula, Yugoslavia, (now Croatia) after a severe list had developed while on a voyage from Koper, Yugoslavia, (now Slovenia) to Ancona, Italy, on March 6, 1982. No further trace of the ship was ever found.

1984
1984:    NORMAN B. MACPHERSON  [Built-1925 C-148846 by Napler & Miller LTD at Old Kilpatrick, Scotland. Renamed: LOADMASTER 1959 C-148846 and ILE D’ORLEANS 1971 C-148846] Change of dimensions, 1947 (253 x 43.25 x 17.75). Converted to hopper dredge barge, 1959 (1756 gross – 1103 registered). Repowered with auxiliary outboards, 1967. Rebuilt at Whitby, Ont., by McNamara Construction Co., Ltd., summer, 1971. Delivered to shipbreakers and in course of demolition at Sorel, P.Q., in April, 1980. Registry closed March 6, 1984, \”demolished.\”

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, “Ahoy & Farewell II” and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.