Dredging Work Begins

Early this afternoon, Lakeshore Towing began setting up to dredge the Chestnut Street marina. Tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY brought barge 401 the west side of the Chestnut Street ramp and secured it there while the captains of each boat devised a plan to squeeze the 401 through the narrow entrance to the east side of the marina.

Two attempts were made at around 1230 hours today to get the barge through, but failed by inches as the barge was found to be a little too wide. Strong wind gusts didn't help the tugs either, as the wind was causing the barge to drift.

The barge 401 was then moved back to west side of the Chestnut Street ramp and secured there.

Dredging is expected to continue all week. After completion of this dredging Lakeshore Towing will start to dredge the East Avenue boat launch.

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FLATTOP pushes the 401 in Erie harbor, approaching the west side of the boat launch.


Closer view.


A few moments later, FLATTOP lines the barge up for the narrow entrance to the east side of the boat ramp.


The wind screwed this attempt up.


DON HENRY pushes to keep the barge in line.


A tight squeeze into the marina.


Another view.


After another unsuccessful attempt, FLATTOP backs the barge away.


Tieing up along the west side, for the second time.