Saginaw River – Todd Shorkey
Calumet was inbound the Saginaw River, Wednesday afternoon, carrying a split load. She stopped at the Bay City Wirt Stone dock to lighter, then continued upriver to the Saginaw Wirt Stone dock to finish. Calumet was expected to be outbound early Thursday morning.

Toledo, Ohio - Jim Hoffman
Rt. Hon Paul J. Martin finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed early Wednesday morning. The saltwater tanker Basat arrived Wednesday morning at Andersons K Elevator to unload cargo. She was towed upriver by the tugs Nebraska and Mississippi. The tugs Erich Luedtke and Kurt Luedtke and related dredge equipment were dredging the ship channel in Maumee Bay north of Buoy 38 area. The next scheduled coal boats due into the CSX Docks will be Algolake and Lee A. Tregurtha on Thursday, Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin on Friday, Calumet and Maumee on Saturday followed by Robert S. Pierson on Monday. The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be Canadian Navigator on Thursday, CSL Niagara on Friday followed by Atlantic Huron on Saturday. The next scheduled stone boat due into the Midwest Stone Dock will be Algomarine on Thursday. American Fortitude and American Valor remain in layup at their respective dock sites with no activity aboard them.

Lorain, Ohio - Phil Leon
Manitowoc cleared the Charles Berry Bridge at noon Wednesday, heading back out into Lake Erie.

Port of Indiana Burns Harbor handles colossal cargo: A-388 ton electrical transformer

9/2 - Chesterton, Ind. - The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor is currently handling one of the biggest single cargoes in the port’s 40-year history.

According to a statement released today by the Ports of Indiana, a 388-ton electrical transformer has arrived on the ship Beluga Recognition, from Cordoba, Spain, and was transloaded at the port onto the largest railcar ever to enter the facility.

The transformer was loaded onto a 20-axle railcar for its trip to Ottawa, Ill., for installation at the Exelon Corp.’s LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station. The plant supplies electricity to Chicago and northern Illinois. The combined weight of the railcar and transformer is over 1.3 million pounds, or 650 tons. The transformer is currently being stored at the port until final delivery to the LaSalle County station in the near future.

The transformer was unloaded from the ship by the port’s terminal operator, Federal Marine Terminals, and a 16-man crew from the International Longshoremen’s Association. Specialized Rail Transport is handling the rail loading and transportation of the transformer to Illinois.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in project cargo shipments this year,” said Peter Laman, port director at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. “This port has all the components a shipper would want to see for handling large cargoes—a world-class terminal operator, one of the most productive longshoremen labor units on the Great Lakes, sufficient draft for large ships, transload capabilities between rail, ship, truck and barge, and plenty of indoor and outdoor storage. Just take a look around our port today—we’ve got over 15 acres of wind turbine components, and more are on the way.”

Through July, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor has handled nearly 70,000 tons of project cargo shipments and a 52-percent increase in overall port tonnage versus the same period in 2009.

Chesterton Tribune

End of an era: Ontario fishery shuts down

9/2 - Wheatley, Ont. - In a major blow to Wheatley's commercial fishing industry, the Great Lakes Fish Corporation plant has been sold and closed, putting 130 people out of work.

The sale of the assets of what was the province's largest fish processor was expected to close Tuesday.

The former Omstead Foods fish processing plant, along with its smelt quota, have been sold separately from fishing quotas for yellow perch, walleye and whitefish, making it unlikely the iconic plant that dates back to 1911 could be reopened.

"It's devastating to the community and its devastating to all that were involved in it," Chatham-Kent Coun. Brian King said Monday. "It's like losing a family member."

King said the plant closure will have a major psychological impact on the town of about 1,800 and is comparable to Chatham's loss of the Navistar plant. "Chatham was known for making big trucks. Wheatley was known for its fish."

Just a month ago, Wheatley was installing signs claiming it had the world's largest freshwater commercial fishing port. Now there will be fewer fishing tugs pulling into the harbour. King, who represents the Wheatley area on council, said without the fishing quotas, the processing plant is dead. Great Lakes Fish Corporation had controlled 55 per cent of the Lake Erie commercial fish harvest.

Processing plant workers including some with as many as 49 years seniority were told Saturday that their jobs are gone. Most had already been laid off.

Workers were also told they won't be getting severance/termination pay because the company is essentially bankrupt, said Roger Paquette, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 459.

Great Lakes Fish Corporation had stopped fishing June 18 and had filed for bankruptcy protection.

An Aug. 16 report by the trustee handling the case says a numbered Ontario company associated with Kingsville fish processor La Nassa Foods is buying the gill net licence quotas for yellow perch, walleye and whitefish along with some property and a closed Kingsville processing plant for $10.5 million. The report says the buyer has not committed to hiring any of the Great Lakes Fish employees.

The same report says the smelt quotas and the 239,300- square-foot fish processing plant in Wheatley are being acquired for $10.5 million by a different numbered Ontario company affiliated with VenGrowth, a private equity firm that invested in Great Lakes Fish Corporation in 2008 to help buy the Omstead fish plant.

Paquette said he was told VenGrowth is not going to process fish at the Wheatley plant but will freeze whole smelt and ship them overseas.

Paquette said fish filleters worked on piece rate and could make $200 a day.

He said they could have a better chance of finding work than general labourers, who had two levels of pay beginning at $19.14 an hour and $11.55 an hour.

"It's pretty slim pickings right now," said Paquette who called the plant closing "crushing."

Paquette said instead of receiving one week's pay for every year worked to a maximum of 26 weeks as severance pay -- a total which could reach more than $19,000 -- workers will receive about three weeks pay.

The company isn't officially bankrupt but all of its assets have been sold.

Carlos Braga, 49, had worked as a commercial fisherman for Great Lakes Fish Corporation for three years but was laid off about a month ago. The Kingsville fisherman got a job on another fishing tug but said he's barely surviving. Lower fishing quotas in this end of Lake Erie mean the boats go out less frequently and there are fewer workers on them as quota holders try to spread out their fishing over the summer.

"Fishing is going bad because the government keeps cutting the quotas," Braga said.

The commercial fishing industry on Lake Erie is appealing the catch limits fishermen say are the lowest ever off Essex County and Chatham-Kent. The Kingsville and Wheatley area had more than a dozen fish processing plants in the 1980s and is now down to a few.

Chatham-Kent Coun. Bryon Fluker, who also represents the town of Wheatley, said there were about 500 to 600 jobs in Wheatley between fish and vegetable processing during boom times. That dropped with the economy and now with 130 jobs lost, there's likely between 100 and 200 of those jobs left in the area, he said.

Fluker said he hopes someone can come in and do something with the plant. He said there is still a market for the fish and he hopes the industry can be revived.

The Windsor Star

Tall ships visit Waukegan Harbor

9/2 - Waukegan, Ill. - Tall ships that were part of the recently ended Great Lakes United Tall Ship Challenge in Chicago slipped in and out of Waukegan Harbor on their way to Kenosha, Wis.

A number of people made the trek down to the harbor to see the boats Monday night and Tuesday morning, when they left port. The most majestic was The Bounty, a three-masted ship with a dozen sails that is a replica of the famous Bounty from the film "Mutiny on the Bounty."

This ship was built in 1960 for MGM studios' "Mutiny on the Bounty" with Marlon Brando and was constructed from the original ship's drawings, still on file in the British admiralty. The ship is now owned by The HMS Bounty Organization LLC, which is dedicated to keeping the ship sailing and using her as a vehicle for teaching the nearly lost arts of square-rigged sailing and seamanship.

The organization provides a variety of programs on board, including sail training programs for the general public, group leadership and teamwork training, the Sail Away Summer Camp program, and dockside educational programs for elementary and secondary school children.

The Tall Ship Challenge saw ships in Chicago, Deluth, Minn., Green Bay, Wis., Toronto, Ont., Cleveland, Ohio, and Bay City, Mich. On their way to their home ports, they are making stops along the way.

The challenge was a partnership by the American Sail Training Association and Great Lakes United, a conservation group that brings the message of freshwater conservation education and youth sailing training to the Great Lakes area.

Lake County News-Sun

Updates - September 2

News Photo Gallery
Public Gallery updated
New Discussion Boards updated

On 02 September 1902, the White Star Line’s TASHMOO (steel side-wheel excursion steamer, 308 foot, 1,344 gross tons, built in 1900, at Wyandotte, Michigan) hosted President Theodore Roosevelt when he came to Detroit, Michigan, to speak to Spanish American War veterans. The vessel took the president and his party on a sight seeing tour up and down the river while flying the president's blue and gold flag from the main mast.

The BROOKNES (Hull #1177) was launched on September 2, 1970, at Glasgow, Scotland by Lithgows Ltd. for "Langra" Schiffahrsges G.m.b.H. & Co., Hamburg, Germany. Brought to the Lakes in 1976, converted to a self-unloader and renamed b.) ALGOSEA. She sailed most recently as c.) SAUNIERE.

ROBERT KOCH's first trip was on September 2, 1977, up the Welland Canal bound for Buffalo with cement.

The W. F. WHITE was one of the earliest ships built as a self-unloader on the Great Lakes. On her maiden voyage September 2, 1915, the WHITE loaded coal at Erie, Pennsylvania, and sailed for Menominee, Michigan. She was the largest self-unloading bulk carrier on the Lakes at that time with a cargo capacity of 10,500 tons.

The RALPH H. WATSON departed light September 2, 1938, from Detroit, Michigan, upbound to load iron ore at Duluth, Minnesota. She was built as part of a fleet modernization plan for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio, of four new "GOVERNOR MILLER' class bulk carriers, the other two were the JOHN HULST and the WILLIAM A. IRVIN. The WATSON was only the fourth steam turbine powered vessel on the Lakes

HUBERT GAUCHER ran aground in the lower St. Lawrence on September 2, 1988. It took three tugs to free her, repairs took place at Quebec City.

ZIEMIA TARNOWSKA lost her engine while docking at Pier 24, in Cleveland, ramming the dock and caused about $100,000 in damage on September 2, 1988. The Polish vessel had minimal damage to her bulbous bow.

On 2 September 1851, BUNKER HILL (wooden sidewheeler, 154 foot, 457 tons, built in 1835, at Black River, Ohio) burned to a total loss at Tonawanda, New York.

The COLONEL ELLSWORTH (wooden schooner, 138 foot, 319 gross tons, built in 1861, at Euclid, Ohio as a bark) was beached on Whitefish Point in Lake Superior the entire winter of 1895-96. She was repaired and put back into service late in the summer of 1896. Then, on 2 September 1896, the newly rebuilt vessel collided with the schooner EMILY B. MAXWELL about 6 miles from White Shoals on Lake Michigan and sank at about 4:00 a.m. Her crew escaped in the yawl and was picked up by the MAXWELL.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Tanker Hulin grounds in Seaway

9/1 - 7:30 a.m. Update - Wednesday morning the Hulin was stopped at the lower approach wall below Snell Lock for inspection. She reported to Eisenhower lock shortly after running out of the channel that she was hard aground. However, she managed to work herself free.

Original report - Tuesday evening about 19:55 the tanker Hulin turned hard to port and ran hard aground on Horseback Shoal on the south side of the shipping channel near light D55, 1.3 nautical miles NE of Hamilton Island at the West end of Lake St Francis. Apparently some sort of emergency occurred in the engine room. She is completely out of the channel and stopped in 5 to 6 metres depth of water. This ship was built in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2008. She is owned by Hulin Shipping Ltd. and managed by Atlas Tanker Isletmeciligi of Istanbul.

Ron Beaupre

Encounter with fender tire delays American Republic

9/1 - Late Monday night, American Republic came downbound into the Trenton Channel to unload coal at the DTE Trenton power plant. After unloading and on its way out early Tuesday morning, the vessel picked up one of the large fender tires off the pier or off the bottom and got the tire lodged in one of its propellers. American Republic made its way back up to the old McLouth steel plant dock, where divers attached a line on the tire and an excavator pulled it lose.

Bob Burns

Marquette, Mich. - Rod Burdick
Michipicoten departed the Upper Harbor Tuesday morning after loading ore during the night. Lee A. Tregurtha was due later in the day for ore.

Green Bay, Wis. - Scott Best
Tuesday was a very busy day for the Port of Green Bay, Early Tuesday morning, Philip R. Clarke arrived with a load of coal for the C Reiss Dock. Just behind the Clarke was Olive L Moore with Lewis J. Kuber, which unloaded stone at Great Lakes Calcium, a rare visitor for a dock that normally is only serviced by GLF boats. Clarke and Kuber joined the Prentiss Brown-St. Marys Conquest, which were already in port unloading at St Mary's Cement. Tuesday evening, the Kuber was the first to depart, followed by Prentiss Brown and Clarke. Both Prentiss Brown and Philip R Clarke backed down the Fox River to the Fox River Dock slip to turn around. However by the time the Clarke could turn around, Maumee was inbound with a load of salt for the Fox River Dock, so the Clarke turned around and backed up south of the I-43 bridge to until the Maumee could pull into the slip at FRD. Also expected early Wednesday is the G.L. Ostrander and Integrity at LaFarge.

Grand Haven, Mich. - Dick Fox
Pere Marquette 41 and Undaunted came in about 9 a.m. Tuesday morning with a load for Verplank's dock in Ferrysburg. Cuyahoga came through the pierheads about 1 p.m., blowing two salutes, much to the delight of tourists and locals alike, on its way to Meekhof's D & M Dock next to the power plant on Harbor Island in Grand Haven. Both were still unloading about 4:30 p.m.

Updates - September 1

News Photo Gallery
Public Gallery updated
New Discussion Boards updated

September 1, 1880, the Cleveland Vessel Owners Association, later Lake Carriers’ Association, was created, with Alva Bradley as its first president.

September 1, 1892, the upbound WESTERN RESERVE, flagship of the Kinsman fleet, sank approximately 60 miles above Whitefish Point. There were 31 casualties among the crew and passengers. The lone survivor was Wheelsman Harry W. Stewart.

On 01 September 1891, EDWARD H. JENKS (wooden propeller freighter, 119 foot over all, 180 gross tons, built in 1882, at Port Dover, Ontario as the passenger/package freight steamer E.M. FOSTER) was carrying limestone up the Detroit River during a foggy night when she collided with GEORGE W. MORLEY (wooden propeller freighter, 193 foot, 1,045 gross tons, built in 1888, at W. Bay City, Michigan) in a misunderstanding of passing signals. Three were killed in the collision and the JENKS quickly sank at Ballard's Reef on the Detroit River. Her cargo kept her in place until she was recovered the following month and rebuilt.

Tragedy struck four days after the launch of the AGAWA CANYON, September 1, 1970, when the ship was rocked by an engine room explosion, killing one of the crew and injuring seven more. The AGAWA CANYON entered service in November, 1970, equipped with four 10 cylinder, two stroke cycle, single acting opposed piston diesel engines, built in 1970, by Fairbanks, Morse (Canada), Kingston, Ontario. Total bhp 6,680. Rated service speed: 12 knots (13.8 mph).

The TEMPLE BAR (Hull#101G) was launched September 1, 1970, at Govan, Scotland by the Govan Division of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd. for Lambert Bros. (Shipping) Ltd., London, England. Renamed b.) LAKE NIPIGON in 1977, c.) LAKETON in 1984, d.) LAKE NIPIGON in 1986, and e.) ALGONORTH in 1987.

Upon her arrival at Quebec City on September 1, 1962, the LAKE WINNIPEG was the first vessel of the Nipigon Transport Ltd. (Carryore Ltd., mgr.) fleet.

The self-unloader B.H. TAYLOR (Hull#787) was launched September 1, 1923, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co., the third self-unloader built for the Bradley Transportation Co., Rogers City, Michigan. Renamed b.) ROGERS CITY in 1957. Scrapped at Recife, Brazil in 1988.

From September 1, 1947, to September 15, 1959, the U.S.C.G.C. MESQUITE was stationed at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

On 1 September 1854, ABIAH (2-mast wooden schooner or brig, 134 foot, 353 tons, built in 1848, at Irving, New York) was sailing light from Chicago, Illinois, to Oconto, Wisconsin, when she capsized and sank in a squall about 10 miles off Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The schooner L. LUDDINGTON rescued her crew and 2 passengers.

The 135-foot wooden schooner JOSEPH E. SPARROW was launched at Bangor, Michigan, on 1 September 1873.

On 1 September 1900, the Canadian steamer ADVANCE (wooden propeller package freighter, 168 foot, 1,178 gross tons, built in 1884, at St. Catharines, Ontario) was placed in service. In August 1899, when she was named SIR S. L. TILLEY, she had caught fire off shore, about 7 miles from Fairport, Ohio, and was destroyed. However, the hull was later recovered and used as the basis of the steamer ADVANCE. She lasted in this role until 1903, when she burned again.

September 1, 1919 - A switchman was killed in the yard at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, while the ANN ARBOR No. 6 was being loaded. This caused a delay of four hours in her sailing time.

September 1, 1931 - W. L. Mercereau retired as superintendent of steamships, a position he had held since 1899.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, David Swayze, Russ Plumb, Father Dowling Collection, James Neumiller, Jody L. Aho, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Buffalo, N.Y. - Brian W.
English River was towed up to LaFarge stern first by the tug Washington at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Rochester, N.Y. - Tom Brewer
Stephen B. Roman departed Rochester Saturday morning, after unloading bulk cement at Essroc's Terminal.

Calumet River - Pat Pez
At 3:30 p.m., Steve A. McKinney was waiting on the wall of the T.J. O'Brien lock and dam on the Little Calumet River for William C. to exit the Lock. William C. was headed south while McKinney headed out to the lake.

Seaway cargo up 17 percent in 2010

8/29 - Ogdensburg, N.Y. — Cargo shipments on the St. Lawrence Seaway are up 17 percent over last year, a promising sign for the U.S. economy, which is trying to shake free of the deepest recession in a generation.

Officials are hoping some of that will reach North country shores.

"What happens on the Seaway is fairly reflective of what's happening in the larger economy," said Nancy T. Alcade, a spokeswoman for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.

The upward trend was sparked by an increased demand for iron ore and steel slabs, and a rejuvenation in wind turbine business.

The recent wind turbine projects have not stopped in Ogdensburg and the North country, landing instead in Duluth, Minn., and locations farther west.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade A. Davis said that the authority is in discussion on wind turbine and other cargo projects. He did not elaborate, citing OBPA policy to withhold discussions on ongoing business negotiations.

"There are multiple projects that we're following up on that have resulted from our discussions" on Wednesday, Mr. Davis said.

So far this year, estimates on salt shipments are on track, with 168 tons brought in already. Impressive mounds of salt sit at the port, waiting for the winter weather, covered in giant black tarpaulins.

Agricultural tonnage is also up at the port, Mr. Davis said, spurred by an increase in rail shipments.

"And we're optimistic that the increase in rail shipments will attract additional business on the marine side," Mr. Davis said.

Watertown Daily Times

Dossin Great Lakes Museum event on Belle Isle brings ships crews ashore

8/29 - Detroit, Mich. - More clear skies are due Sunday as Belle Isle’s Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit plans a second day of its free Ship Spectacular weekend that lets visitors meet crews that sail the Great Lakes.

Saturday’s crowd seemed captivated by the father-daughter team that docked the J.W. Westcott, a 45-foot boat that delivers mail to freighters from around the world as they sail the Detroit River.

“People are thrilled to get close to our boat,” Capt. Sam Buchanan said. “You can’t do that at our dock,” at the foot of 24th Street, about one-quarter mile downstream of the Ambassador Bridge, Buchanan, 43, of Brownstown Township said.

Enthusiastic visitors at Saturday’s mooring next to the museum, Buchanan said, “were like groupies — Oh, we love your boat!” The vessel’s duty is unique in the country, he added: “There’s boats that deliver pilots, but we’re the only one anywhere that’s contracted by the U.S. Postal Service and making deliveries on the fly” to moving ships.

Buchanan, 43, is a long-time museum volunteer who built the model of the Bob-Lo boat St. Claire and one of the sunken Edmund Fitzgerald ore freighter that are on display in the museum, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, museum programs manager Rebecca McDonald said.

The captain’s only crew today was his daughter Jessica Buchanan, 18, a Wayne State University student spending her summer doing what her dad’s first job was on the mail boat — entry-level deckhand.

Detroit Free Press

New members inducted to Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum

8/29 - Rogers City, Mich. – Last weekend the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum in Rogers City celebrated its 20th Annual Lake Lore Celebration and gathering luncheon.

The goal of the museum is to honor those men who have made a living working on the Great Lakes and to always remember those men who have lost their lives in shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

Board member Roger Hulett mde a brief introduction of each candidate followed by one toll of the bell, and museum director Dave Erickson presented each candidate or family member with the certificate for that inductee. Nine of the 22 inductees received their own awards while sons, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, nephews and friends received awards for those who have passed away.

Merle M. Morway, a watchman with the Straits Transit Company accepted not only his own award but also the award of his father, Joseph M. Morway, watchman with the Michigan State Ferry Company. Edward J. Brege, captain with the Great Lakes Fleet, was inducted while his late father-in-law, Marvin H. Karsten, was also inducted as a part of the class of 2010.

Presque Isle County Advance

Updates - August 29

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Public Gallery updated
New Discussion Boards updated

August 29, 1996 - The NICOLET, which had been sold for scrap, left Toledo under tow of the McKeil tug OTIS WACK, arriving in Port Maitland, Ontario during the early hours of the 30th. Last operated in 1990, the NICOLET was built in 1905 by Great Lakes Engineering Work at Ecorse, Michigan as the a.) WILLIAM G. MATHER (25), b) J. H. SHEADLE (55), c) H. L. GOBEILLE. The vessel spent the first 60 years of her life in service for the Cleveland-Cliffs Steamship Company. After 1965, her ownership was transferred to the Gartland Steamship Company and eventually American Steamship Company.

On this day in 1974, unsuccessful negotiations on a major shipbuilding contract resulting in Litton Industries terminating operations at its Erie yard. The Litton yard had built the first 1,000-foot boat on the lakes, the STEWART J. CORT, and the 1,000-foot tug-barge PRESQUE ISLE.

It is not often that a schooner tows a tug, but on 29 August 1882, the tug J. A. CRAWFORD was towing the big schooner JAMES COUCH to Chicago when the wind picked up and the schooner passed the tug. Captain Gorman of the CRAWFORD cut the engine and allowed the COUCH to tow him until the got close to the harbor. Then the schooner shortened sail and the tug finished the job of towing her into port.

On August 29, 1942, the A. H. FERBERT entered service for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co..

On her maiden voyage August 29, 1979, the INDIANA HARBOR sailed for Two Harbors, Minnesota to load iron ore pellets for Indiana Harbor, Indiana. In August 1982, INDIANA HARBOR became the first U.S. flag laker to receive satellite communication.

On August 29, 1972 the lightship HURON was placed in an earth embankment at Port Huron's Pine Grove Park along the St. Clair River and was opened to visitors on July 13, 1974.

Canada Steamship Lines' ATLANTIC SUPERIOR returned from Europe on August 29, 1985, with a cargo of gypsum for Picton, Ontario.

On 29 August 1871, GEORGE M. ABEL (2-mast wooden schooner) broke up on a reef near Port Burwell, Ontario.

On 29 August 1858, CANADA (3-mast wooden bark, 199 foot, 758 tons) was carrying a half-million board feet of lumber to Chicago in bad weather when she settled just north of downtown Chicago. The next day during a salvage attempt, she blew southward, struck a bar off the old waterworks, broke her back, then broke up. She had been built in Canada in 1846, as a sidewheeler and was seized by the U.S. in 1849, and rebuilt as a bark in 1852.

August 29, 1998 - The BADGER was designated a spur route on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Al Miller, James Neumiller, Jody Aho, Russ Plumb, Lake Huron Lore Society, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Sault Ste. Marie - Wendell Wilke
Thursday, Algoma Guardian was upbound at the Soo on her second trip of the year for Thunder Bay. The former Zenith Tugboat tugs Anna Marie Altman and Sioux left the slip at the Carbide Dock and moved to the Purvis Marine dock (Government Dock) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The Anna Marie Altman, under power, took the Sioux over rafted alongside. They have been acquired by Purvis Marine. Until about a month ago they had been tied within the MCM Marine Yard in the Michigan Soo.

Hamilton, Ont. - Eric Holmes
Thursday, Algowod departed at 10 a.m. for the canal. Canadian Olympic departed at 10:15 a.m. with coke from Pier 26 for Sept. Ile, Que. Tim S. Dool departed at 2:30 p.m. from Dofasco for Thunder Bay in ballast. The cruise ship Grande Mariner departed at 6 p.m. for Kingston.

Port expansion will help Windsor climb out of economic slowdown

8/27 - Windsor, Ont. – It might not sound huge, but the $20.2 million Port of Windsor expansion announced Tuesday is another major step toward the region becoming a transportation hub.

It means Windsor and Essex County will climb one more important rung up out of the economic depression it's been suffering through.

Newly minted federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl made the announcement. He touched down in Windsor this week to bestow $10.1 million worth of Infrastructure Stimulus Funding on the publicly owned port so it can rebuild one of its terminals for Sterling Marine Fuels. Windsor is the only port in Ontario to get any ISF funding.

Everybody has driven past Sterling at some point. It's the tank farm consisting of a dozen huge black fuel bunkers ranged along the southern end of Russell Street, between the scrapyard and the cement plant on the city docks. Some of the tanks have been tarted up recently with cheerful murals of Great Lakes shipping scenes.

Sterling has been a part of Windsor's marine history for more than 50 years, mostly as a source of heating oil and a fuelling stop for Great Lakes freighters. It was owned by Ultramar Ltd. until 1993, when McAsphalt Industries of Toronto bought it.

Between the tank farm and the river are 20 acres of unused port lands which have been vacant for more than 30 years, says David Cree, president and CEO of the Port of Windsor.

Under the plan announced Tuesday, that formerly weed-choked property will be converted into an aggregate storage yard and the entire Sterling operation upgraded with a $10.1 million matching private investment.

Sterling, McAsphalt and their partners will put up the other half of the cash. They include the Miller Group of construction and paving companies out of Toronto, Huron Construction of Sarnia, and others.

"It's a little complicated -- we have a lot of partners," says John Carrick Jr., the 41-year-old president of McAsphalt who is the second-generation head of the company.

The $20.2 million will pay to replace the crumbling seawall along the water's edge, extending it 500 feet to 1,500 feet and doubling the number of lake freighters that can dock there from one to two.

A new dock will be built. Fuel handling lines will be relocated so aggregate can be dropped off by freighter. A new office block and warehouse will be built. Staff will increase from 25 to 35.

So why do taxpayers have to pony up $10 mill for this work?

Windsor and Essex have to import most of their aggregate, and freighter is the cheapest way. But one of our two largest shipping and storage yards will disappear when the new DRIC bridge to Detroit is built.

As planned, the proposed bridge will displace Southwestern Sales Corporation, which will be expropriated when the Detroit River International Crossing is eventually approved.

That leaves contractors with a serious bottleneck for construction materials as they build the Windsor-Essex Parkway, which is going to require shiploads of material. Together with the bridge, both projects are worth more than $5 billion.

And the best site left for a new aggregate yard happens to be the 20 acres owned by the Port of Windsor and leased by Sterling, putting both outfits in the catbird seat.

Carrick says his company hasn't locked up any contracts yet to supply the parkway and DRIC bridge builders. But with billions in play and so much work to go around, he is more than confident they will win some.

"We're bidding. We're going to be a supplier. With all the construction equipment coming in there is going to be a big need for fuel, lube and aggregate."

With an existing liquid storage capacity of 23 million gallons, Sterling and McAsphalt are ideally sited to supply diesel, oil and liquid asphalt for the projects. But they were expanding anyway on the Great Lakes.

If you've been watching, Carrick says, the company has been upgrading its Windsor terminal steadily for the past 10 years.

The companies employ 300 people Canada-wide, and have 18 other terminals including sites in Oshawa, Valleyfield, Que., Thunder Bay and Halifax. But Windsor now stands apart, Carrick says.

"It's a strategic location for us," because it permits them to chase American business.

Carrick wasn't saying, but between the construction of the new terminal, which must be finished by March 31, and all the other irons they have in the fire, there are going to be far more than just 10 new jobs in this deal.

The Windsor Star

Dossin Museum program feature “Know Your Ships” publisher

8/27 - Detroit, Mich. - The Detroit Historical Society continues its popular Scholar Series with Roger LeLievre, editor and publisher of “Know Your Ships,” on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. He will speak about the evolution of the annual field guide, as well as his process in putting the book together each year.

“Know Your Ships” has covered the waterfront for more than 50 years. The book includes complete data on hundreds of U.S., Canadian and international-flag cargo vessels, tugs, excursion boats and barges currently in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway service. It also chronicles changes in the shipping scene from year to year and features images from its extensive archives.

LeLievre is the president of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. He is also vice president of Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping On-Line Inc., more commonly known as BoatNerd.com. LeLievre currently writes for Ann Arbor.com and is a writer for Great Lakes/Seaway Review magazine and Greenwoods Guide to Great Lakes Shipping.

For more information visit www.detroithistorical.org

Updates - August 27

News Photo Gallery
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The new Poe Lock at the Soo was first flooded on 27 August 1968. On August 27, 1886, The Detroit Evening News reported that a fireman on the tug J. H. HACKLEY of 1874, was sent to watch for a leak in the boiler, which was being filled with cold water at a dock in Chicago. He fell asleep and the boiler overflowed, very nearly sinking the vessel before another tug could pump her dry.

The AGAWA CANYON (Hull#195) was launched in 1971, at Collingwood, Ontario, by Collingwood Shipyards Ltd. for Algoma Central Railway Ltd.

The C.C.G.S. SAMUEL RISLEY arrived at Toronto, Ontario, on August 27, 1985, on her way to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where she replaced the retired C.C.G.C. ALEXANDER HENRY.

JOHN O. McKELLAR (Hull#12) was launched August 27, 1952, at St. Catharines, Ontario, by Port Weller Drydocks Ltd. for the Colonial Steamship Co. Ltd. (Scott Misener, mgr.), Port Colborne, Ontario. Renamed b.) ELMGLEN in 1984.

The WILLIAM CLAY FORD, then renamed b.) US266029, departed her lay-up berth at the Rouge slip on August 20, 1986, in tow of Gaelic tugs and was taken to Detroit Marine Terminals on the Rouge River, where her pilothouse was removed to be displayed at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Detroit's Belle Isle. The hull was moved to Nicholson's River Rouge dock on August 27th.

The WILLIAM B. DICKSON (Hull#75) was launched August 27, 1910, at Ecorse, Michigan, by Great Lakes Engineering Works for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland, Ohio. Renamed b.) MERLE M. McCURDY in 1969. She was scrapped at Port Colborne, Ontario, in 1989.

The U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Tender MESQUITE (WAGL-305) was commissioned on August 27, 1943, and served on the Pacific Ocean in the 7th Fleet in 1944 and 1945.

On August 27, 1940, the WILLIAM A. IRVIN set the Great Lakes record for the fastest unloading of an iron ore cargo using shore side equipment. The IRVIN unloaded 13,856 gross tons of iron ore in 2 hours, 55 minutes (including the time to arrive and depart the dock) in Conneaut, Ohio. This record still stands, and consequently the IRVIN is one of the few Great Lakes vessels to be retired while still holding a Great Lakes cargo record.

On August 27, 1929, the MYRON C. TAYLOR entered service. On August 27, 1924, CITY QUEEN (wooden propeller steam tug, 71 foot, 69 gross tons, built in 1900, at Midland, Ontario) burned to a total loss 14 miles east of the Manitou Dock in Georgian Bay.

The keel for the tug CRUSADER was laid on August 27, 1873, at the Leighton & Dunford yard in Port Huron, Michigan. The tug's dimensions were 100 foot keel, 132 foot overall, and 23 foot beam. She was built for George E. Brockway.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Al Miller, Jody Aho, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Lakes iron ore trade up 72 percent in July

8/26 - Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 6 million net tons in July, a nominal increase compared to June, but a significant improvement of 72 percent over a year ago. However, loadings were down about 6 percent compared to the month’s 5-year average.

July loadings at U.S. ports increased 70 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian ports essentially doubled.

Year-to-date the Lakes ore trade stands at 27.6 million tons, an increase of 115 percent compared to the same point last year. The end-of-July total is also within striking distance of the 5-year average for the January-July timeframe. Shipments from U.S. ports are up 124 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings at Canadian ports are 59 percent ahead of last years pace.

Glen G. Nekvasil

Ludington looks to stimulus funds to repower S.S. Badger

8/26 - West Michigan - The city of Ludington is seeking a $14 million federal transportation grant to repower the coal-fired S.S. Badger to preserve the historic cross-lake ferry service to Manitowoc.

If the city is successful in securing the federal stimulus money for the private Lake Michigan Carferry, the Badger would receive new diesel engines that would allow the ferry operator to end the practice of dumping coal ash in Lake Michigan.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the Lake Michigan Carferry until the end of the 2012 sailing season to halt the coal ash discharges into the lake.

If Ludington is able to solve the Badger’s environmental problems through a federal grant, it would put the viability of the Muskegon-to-Milwaukee Lake Express service in question, company officials said. Lake Express owners said a federal grant for the Badger would provide an unfair market advantage.

So goes the never-ending Lake Michigan ferry battle. The two companies have been fighting for supremacy of Lake Michigan cross-lake transportation for years.

Lake Michigan Carferry officials fought Lake Express development before the high-speed service began operations in 2004. Lake Express received a $17.5 million U.S. Maritime Administration federal loan guarantee for construction of the catamaran jet boat.

Most recently, Lake Express and Lake Michigan Carferry have been battling to carry customers and vehicles across Lake Michigan with competing discount fares. Now Lake Express is fighting the proposed federal grant for the Badger.

To hear both sides argue their cases, the stakes are high.

The Badger provides hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the area, Lake Michigan Carferry spokeswoman Lynda Matson said. This historic ship is an icon for the (Ludington) community and is loved by locals, visitors and millions of passengers who have had the pleasure of traveling on this majestic ship.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has $600 million to put into highway, bridge, public transportation, railroad and port infrastructure projects.

Ludington City Manager John Shay said the city is confident that federal dollars can be granted to the city and passed on to a private company. U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, said federal transportation officials have initially ruled that funding for the Badger engines is allowable for the TIGER II program.

“We feel pretty confident about it,” Shay told The Muskegon Chronicle of receiving the federal aid. “One of the criteria for use of the transportation funds, beyond providing a significant boost to the nation’s or a region’s economy, is improving the environment.”

The Badger has been dumping its coal ash in the water since it began operating on Lake Michigan more than 50 years ago. Environmental regulators allowed the practice for the historic passenger and vehicle ferry until recently, when federal officials announced that its permit expires at the end of the 2012 sailing season.

The Lake Michigan Carferry will have to build an expensive ash container system on board the Badger or change the propulsion system from the current coal-fired steam boilers. When it fought for regulatory approval after the 2008 sailing season, company attorneys said operations would have ceased if the coal ash dumping was immediately outlawed.

The company intends to be in business for the next 50 years, Shay said. They said they will work on other options to stay in business if the federal grant is not approved.

Lake Michigan Carferry would need to provide a $2 million match to Ludington’s $14 million grant, if it was awarded, Shay said.

Don't count those federal transportation dollars yet, officials in Muskegon and Milwaukee say. The communities, along with Lake Express, are fighting the Ludington grant application.

“The viability of Lake Express would be placed in doubt because of the unfair market advantages given to Lake Michigan Carferry by this subsidy,” Lake Express President Ken Szallai said. Szallai argues that Lake Michigan Carferry, without having to pay for the capital costs of engine replacement, could unfairly offer lower fares than Lake Express, which must pay off the debt on its ferry.

“If you give your competition $14 million, it is a huge advantage in a market like this,” Szallai said. “To give a private company this kind of support is an egregious example of overreach by the federal government.”

Lake Michigan Carferry officials have a different view.

“Governmental (Environmental Protection Agency) mandates have created a need for assistance for the Badger,” the Lake Michigan Carferry’s Matson said. “Lake Express was given government assistance to compete with an existing company. The TIGER II grant does not give the Badger an unfair competitive advantage. Actual operating costs may increase with the conversion of diesel power.”

Officials at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce suggested to federal transportation officials that the owners of the Badger use the same funding method as Lubar & Co. did to launch the Lake Express.

“We respectfully oppose the use of public grant money ... being used to directly subsidize a company ... due to the market-altering precedent it would set,” MMAC Government Affairs Director Steve Baas wrote federal transportation officials. “We support the Badger’s pursuit of Title 11 loan guarantees. This type of financing would maintain the markets competitive balance.”

Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington has written letters to Hoekstra and Michigan Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin opposing the federal grant for the Badger.

“We believe the granting of such funds creates unfair competition with other private companies,” Warmington wrote. “The city of Muskegon applauds the efforts of Lake Michigan Carferry to eliminate waste discharge in Lake Michigan, however we do not believe the program is intended for this type of project.”

Hoekstra again finds himself in the middle of the ferry battle between Muskegon and Ludington, both of which are in his 2nd Congressional District. The lame duck congressman said he has not taken a position on the Ludington stimulus grant for the Badger engines but reminds both communities that he took no position on the Lake Express loan guarantee.

“I have been tugged and pulled by these two communities on the carferry issue for years,” Hoekstra said.

Muskegon Chronicle

Windsor's Sterling Fuels granted $10M to expand

8/26 - Windsor, Ont. - The federal government announced it will contribute $10.1 million -- half the costs -- for an improvement project along Windsor's riverfront to improve the shipping operations at Sterling Fuels.

A new warehouse, extended dock, fueling capacity and office space will be constructed before next spring at the marine operation located at 3600 Russell St. in the city's far west end.

Once completed, the project will increase staff at the firm by 10 up to 35 employees. Federal transport minister Chuck Strahl came to Windsor to make the announcement about the funds, which will be paid for out of the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

"It's important this city has improved infrastructure to move goods more efficiently," he said.

The Windsor Port Authority has partnered with the federal government to pay the remainder of the improvement project's costs.

The Windsor Star

Stoneport/Calcite, Mich. - Daniel McNeil
Frontenac is due at Stoneport Thursday. Friday, the John G. Munson and Arthur M. Anderson are expected. Calumet departed Calcite on Wednesday. James J. Kuber is due Thursday. Due Friday is Sam Laud. Due Saturday is John J. Boland. Finally, James J. Kuber is due back on Monday.

Hamilton, Ont. - Eric Holmes
Wednesday, John B Aird departed Pier 26 at 7:30 a.m. with slag for Serpent Harbor. Michipicoten arrived at 2:30 p.m. with iron ore pellets from Superior for US Steel. CSL Laurentien departed US Steel at 4:30 p.m. in ballast for the canal. Federal Shimanto departed Pier 14 at 5:30 p.m. Tim S. Dool arrived at 7 p.m. with iron ore pellets from Port Cartier for Dofasco.

Mechanical failure leads to contact in the Welland Canal

8/26 - Algosoo and CSL Niagara were involved in an incident on Tuesday morning between Locks 7 & 8 along the Welland Canal, Captain John Greenway, VP of Operations at Seaway Marine Transport, has confirmed. Seaway Marine's Algosoo suffered "a mechanical malfunction causing the ship to move out of position in the canal," he said. Contact was made, however damage was minimal as Algosoo only suffered paint scuffs and CSL Niagara suffered minor damage. Greenway would not comment further on Niagara's damage, as the vessel is not under his firm’s management.

Both vessels cleared inspection following the incident and CSL Niagara continued on its way Tuesday. Algosoo was expected to have mechanical issues resolved Wednesday morning and continue on to Ashtabula, Ohio to load.

Michael Folsom

Navy postpones decision on Marinette Marine contract

8/26 - Marinette, Wis. – The U.S. Navy has postponed its decision on a contract that could be worth billions of dollars for Marinette Marine.

The Navy was expected to choose this month between ship designs from Marinette and Alabama shipbuilder Austal USA for up to 55 shallow-water combat ships. It's an all-or-nothing competition worth billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

On Monday, the Navy said that it needed further information on the proposals, and that a decision would come after that.

"The Navy is taking the time necessary to carefully review and analyze the competing proposals," Cmdr. Victor Chen said in a news release.

It's a big decision for the Navy as it gears up to buy 55 of the littoral combat ships, about one-sixth of the Navy fleet. Both designs meet the Navy's requirements, but the similarities end there.

The Austal design is far more unconventional, with a narrow central hull and two outrigger hulls that support a broad deck. The trimaran would be too wide to get through the St. Lawrence Seaway, and some say its width could be a problem in harbors and canals that can't handle such large vessels.

But the Austal ship - already in service as a prototype named USS Independence - has an enormous flight deck for landing helicopters. Its aluminum hull is lightweight and has less drag in the water than a conventional hull, increasing the ship's speed and fuel efficiency.

The Marinette design - in operation as a prototype named USS Freedom - has a single steel hull that's much narrower and more conventional than the tri-hull Austal ship. It has a smaller flight deck that is 19 feet above the water and is more likely to get wet with sea spray. But at 4,680 square feet, its hangar for parking aircraft is larger than the 3,500-square-foot hangar on the Austal ship.

The Navy now expects the two shipbuilders to submit revised final designs in September, and a decision will come within 90 days after that.

"We understand there is keen public interest in this competition," Chen said.

Analysts say the Navy may be seeking revised proposals to ensure that its decision will withstand any challenges.

"It doesn't sound as if they are looking for a lot of new information," said James Hasik, a defense industry consultant from Austin, Texas, familiar with the Navy program.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show this weekend

8/26 - Toledo, Ohio - In conjunction with the S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship and Ramsey Brothers Restorations, the fourth annual Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show will take place at the Toledo Maritime Center Saturday and Sunday.

This event is for boating enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy a day of re-living maritime history on the Great Lakes and Maumee River. There will be dozens of boats displayed on land and in the water ranging from the 1920s era through the modern day replicas bearing historic names such as Chris Craft, Dart, Gar Wood, and Lyman. This year's show is featuring the vintage unlimited hydroplanes Such Crust IV & Miss U.S. 1, as well as a visit from the Detroit based passenger vessel Diamond Belle and an expanded marine memorabilia mart.

Many classic and antique cars of all makes and models from throughout the years will be shown as well. Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland will be performing live Dixieland jazz from noon until 3 p.m. Saturday. Other live music performances will take place during the show as well. Food vendors will also be on site.

Admission is $3 per person - per day (children 10 and younger are free). Admission not only allows the Toledo community to view these great maritime artifacts, but also includes admission to the S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship. Free trolley service will be available between the Boyer Museum Ship and the Toledo Skyway Marina.

"The Toledo Antique & Classic Boat show has quickly become the Boyer's signature event. Regardless of a marine enthusiast's particular affinities, every individual who appreciates waterborne craft can find a common ground at this venue." said Paul C. LaMarre III, Executive Director of the Boyer.

This show will serve as a kick-off for the creation of the National Great Lakes Maritime Museum at the Toledo Maritime Center that will incorporate exhibits from the Great Lakes Historical Society.  More details on the show

Note: BoatNerd is cosponsoring a cruise from Wyandotte, Mich. to Toledo and return, Cruise information

Updates - August 26

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In 1791, John Fitch was granted a United States patent for the steamboat.

On August 26,1872, wooden propeller steamer LAKE BREEZE of 1868, was steaming from Saginaw to Mackinaw City with freight and about 40 passengers when fire broke out in the kitchen while off Au Sable, Michigan. Captain M. S. Lathrop ordered the engines shut down and the steam pumps activated. The crew battled the blaze with fire hoses and put the flames out. When the LAKE BREEZE pulled into Mackinaw City that night, the partially burned vessel was still smoking.

The EDGAR B. SPEER's sea trials were successfully completed on August 26, 1980.

The BEECHGLEN was towed out of Owen Sound by the McKeil tug KAY COLE on August 26, 1994, in route to Port Maitland, Ontario, for scrapping.

The HENRY C. FRICK (Hull#615) was launched August 26, 1905, at West Bay City, Michigan, by West Bay City Ship Building Co., for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. Renamed b.) MICHIPICOTEN in 1964, she foundered off Anticosti Island on November 17, 1972, while being towed overseas for scrapping.

EMORY L. FORD entered service on August 26, 1916, to load iron ore at Marquette, Michigan. Renamed b.) RAYMOND H. REISS in 1965. She was scrapped at Ramey's Bend in 1980.

The GLENEAGLES (Hull#14) was launched August 26, 1925, at Midland, Ontario, by Midland Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. for the Great Lakes Transportation Co. Ltd. (James Playfair, mgr.). Converted to a self-unloader in 1963. Renamed b.) SILVERDALE in 1978. She was scrapped at Windsor, Ontario, in 1984.

The CHIEF WAWATAM (Hull#119) was launched on August 26, 1911, at Toledo, Ohio, by Toledo Ship Building Co. for the Mackinaw Transportation Co. She was built with three large propellers, two in the stern for propulsion and one in the bow for icebreaking. She was sold to Purvis Marine Ltd., of Sault Ste, Marie, Ontario, in 1988, and cut down to a barge.

The Port Weller Drydocks Ltd., built, passenger-cargo ship FEDERAL PALM (Hull#29) was christened August 26, 1961, for the West Indies Shipping Corp., Ltd. She was built on the Great Lakes, but never served their ports. Renamed b.) CENPAC ROUNDER in 1975, she was scrapped in 1979.

On August 26, 1934, while on a Sunday sightseeing cruise, MIDLAND CITY of 1871, a.) MAUD 153.2 foot, 521 gross tons, damaged her bottom on a shoal near Present Island in Georgian Bay. She settled with her stern under water and her bow high in the air.

On 26 August 1875, COMET (propeller passenger/package freight, 181 foot, 744 tons, built in 1857, at Cleveland, Ohio) was carrying ore and pig iron in Lake Superior on a foggy night. While trying to pass the Beatty Line steamer MANITOBA, 7 miles SE of Whitefish Point, signals were misunderstood and COMET veered into the path of MANITOBA. COMET was rammed amidships and sank in ten minutes. 11 of the 21 aboard lost their lives. This wasn't the first such accident for COMET. In October 1869, she suffered a similar mishap with the propeller HUNTER and that time both vessels sank.

The schooner MATTHEW McNAIR was launched at the Lee & Lamoree shipyard in Oswego, New York, on August 26,1857. Her dimensions were 103 foot keel, 24 foot 6 inch beam and 9 foot 6 inch depth.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Reference.com, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Badger crews make quick engine repairs

8/25 - Ludington, Mich. - The S.S. Badger's Tuesday morning departure from Ludington, Mich. was delayed by four hours due to a piston change. It was fixed without incident according to a Lake Michigan Carferry news release.

The Badger arrived in Manitowoc at about 5:45 p.m. and made a quick turnaround departing about an hour later. A spokeswoman stated passengers on board were alerted to the delay and "were made very comfortable and enjoyed special accommodations."

Lynda Matson said passengers departing Manitowoc on the scheduled 1:55pm departure also were notified and were asked to arrive for a later departure time.

Herald Times

Alpena - Ben & Chanda McClain
Tuesday afternoon, the tug G.L Ostrander and barge Integrity were in port loading cement. Fleetmate Samuel de Champlain and barge Innovation were expected to arrive around 10 p.m. Tuesday night. On Aug. 20 the Calumet brought coal to Lafarge.

Updates - August 25

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On 25 August 1892, H. D. COFFINBERRY (wooden propeller freighter, 191 foot, 649 gross tons, built in 1874, at East Saginaw, Michigan) was carrying iron ore from Escanaba to Ashtabula in a fierce NW gale when she grounded on the rocks near Port Hope on Lake Huron. The crew was rescued by the San Beach Lifesaving crew and the tug ANAPING. The COFFINBERRY was released five days later and put back in service.

On Aug. 25, 1923, the Duluth, Missabe & Northern Ore Dock in Duluth loaded 208,212 tons of ore into 23 ships.

On August 25, 1984, the ROGER M. KYES grounded off Mc Louth Steel and ended crosswise in the Detroit River's Trenton Channel. It required lightering into the RICHARD REISS a.) ADIRONDACK and the assistance of nine tugs to refloat her. Renamed b.) ADAM E. CORNELIUS in 1989.

The GEORGE M. STEINBRENNER, a.) ARTHUR H. HAWGOOD arrived at Port Colborne, Ontario on August 25, 1978, in tow of the tug WILFRED M. COHEN for scrapping.

On 25 August 1919, CABOTIA (formerly HIAWATHA, wooden propeller freighter, 235 foot, 1,299 gross tons, built 1880, at Gibraltar, Michigan) went ashore on Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario and split her hull, becoming a constructive loss.

August 25, 1981 - The first of the famous "Love Boat" cruises was made. The BADGER carried 520 passengers, the largest number of passengers for a carferry up to that time. It was sponsored by the Ludington Area Ambassadors.

On 25 August 1873, JOURNEYMAN (wooden schooner, 129 foot, 235 gross tons, built in 1873, at Wenona, Michigan) was put in service. Her first cargo was 225,770 feet of lumber. She was built for Whitehead & Webster of Bay City and lasted until 1896.

Data from: Joe Barr, David Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.