BLOUGH TOW DEPARTS

Shortly after midnight this morning, the tugs MANITOU and PATRICIA HOEY, working with dock crews from Erie Sand & Gravel, cast off the ROGER BLOUGH's winter lines and slipped the vessel quietly from its winter berth at the Old Ore Dock, backed the BLOUGH into Erie harbor and turned the ship to head it out the channel. The trio cleared Erie piers at around 0100 this morning bound for Conneaut.

Daybreak found the trio about five miles off Conneaut harbor, and the professional crews of the MANITOU and PATRICIA HOEY skillfully battled the wind
and brought the BLOUGH into the P&C Coal Dock, where it was moored by 0900 this morning, at which time the tugs departed for their homeports of St. Clair and Detroit, respectively.

The BLOUGH is expected to remain in layup through the 2009 season and may not sail in 2010 depending on market conditions.

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0650 hours finds the tow underway east of Conneaut harbor.


Close up of the MANITOU.


The BLOUGH riding on about 500' of wire.


The tow.


PATRICIA HOEY bringing up the stern.


Stern view.


BLOUGH with the MANITOU.


PATRICIA HOEY manouevering around the stern.


ROGER BLOUGH.


MANITOU.


The tow approaching Conneaut harbor. Note the dog sitting in front of the pilothouse.


Turning the BLOUGH north of Conneaut harbor.


The BLOUGH continues to head west as the MANITOU and HOEY turn.


HOEY powering up to turn the BLOUGH's stern.


Another view.


Turned.


Passing the lighthouse inbound Conneaut harbor.


Shortening the tow line.


The BLOUGH.


PATRICIA HOEY has turned around to act as a brake to stop the BLOUGH as necessary.


Another view.


In the harbor.


Lining up for the P&C Dock.


MANITOU.


ROGER BLOUGH.


Unique bow profile of the ROGER BLOUGH.


Entering the P&C Dock slip.


Stern view.


MANITOU pulling forward...


...and the HOEY pulling backwards to act as a brake.


PATRICIA HOEY.


With the BLOUGH.


Securing alongside.

Check back tomorrow or Saturday when I will have video of the tow, and of the HOLLYHOCK in Erie yesterday.