Gales of November keep PETITE FORTE in Erie

PETITE FORTE and barge ST. MARY'S CEMENT remain tied up at the Mountfort Terminal waiting weather. The unit arrived there at 1745 hours Wednesday and will likely remain until the wind calms. The PETITE FORTE takes shelter for the slightest of winds, however, and it's possible the tug and barge may be in port for several days, judging by the forecast.

The tug and barge aren't the only ones seeking refuge from the weather. Currently, there are six vessels anchored across Lake Erie behind Long Point. The ALGOPORT, ALGOSEA, VOYAGEUR PIONEER, MARIA DESGAGNES, CSL NIAGARA and tug WILLIAM J. MOORE are all in the anchorage at Long Point Bay.

The PETITE FORTE and ST. MARY'S CEMENT have been frequent visitors to Erie to wait weather in the past. On November 8, 2005, while downbound from Cleveland to Bowmanville, Ontario in ballast, the unit anchored outside of the channel here seeking shelter from the stormy waters of the lake. On her return trip to Cleveland, on November 13, the vessel arrived at the Mountfort Terminal and spent more than 24 hours there.

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PETITE FORTE and ST. MARY'S CEMENT at the Mountfort Terminal Thursday morning.