A shift in wind direction overnight gave the PRESQUE ISLE's captain and crew some concern before the vessel departed early this afternoon. The wind had shifted and was blowing from the east, causing ice to jam up at the end of the channel.
As such, the PRESQUE ISLE departed the Mountfort Terminal at 1215 hours this afternoon, but unlike any of the vessel's previous visits to the port, did not choose to back through the channel and turn in Lake Erie. Instead, the captain chose, in front of around 100 onlookers, to turn in Presque Isle Bay and proceed bow-first through the channel and out into Lake Erie. The GRIFFON, meanwhile, stood by while working with USCG NEAH BAY to break tracks through the ice for ships sailing between Conneaut, Ohio, and Nanticoke, Ontario.
PRESQUE ISLE blew a master's salute to the crowds gathered on the piers to see the vessel off. They are next bound for either Duluth or Two Harbors, Minnesota to load taconite pellets for Conneaut.
I will post video of both the CALLAWAY and PRESQUE ISLE departures either tonight or tomorrow.
PRESQUE ISLE prepares to leave the Mountfort Terminal this morning.
Moving away from the Mountfort Terminal.
Another view.
PRESQUE ISLE proceeds into Presque Isle Bay.
Turning around.
Heading into the channel.
PRESQUE ISLE in her namesake bay, lined up for the channel.
Entering the channel.
Outbound.
Close up of the tug.
Stern view.
PRESQUE ISLE passing the lighthouse.
Another view. This photo and those below by Jim Thoreson.
Heading into the ice field.
Though the vessel slowed, the PRESQUE ISLE made good time through this ice field.
Ice was visible as far as the eye could see.
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