ROGER BLOUGH DEPARTS LAYUP

In an unexpected twist to a story the Erie Shipping News has followed since the ROGER BLOUGH laid up in Erie on January 18, the BLOUGH sailed from Conneaut on Thursday at 1630 bound for Calcite, Michigan. The BLOUGH is expected to load stone there for Duluth.

The BLOUGH departed the P&C Coal Dock at 1630 and backed all the way out into Lake Erie before turning to head up the lake.

The BLOUGH's departure so late in the year is an unexpected good sign in a season that has seen many vessels stay in layup all season, or only sail partial seasons. The BLOUGH had spent the year laid up at the P&C Dock since being towed into Conneaut by the tugs MANITOU and PATRICIA HOEY on April 30.

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BLOUGH tests its unloading boom at 1450 hours on Thursday. The BLOUGH's cargo holds were being cleaned of iron ore that had not been properly cleaned before layup in Erie last winter. Beneath the stern of the BLOUGH, note all the leaves in the water. They've floated down from the tree-lined Conneaut Creek.


ROGER BLOUGH backing from the Coal Dock.


Bow view


Passing the Ore Dock where the BLOUGH has unloaded many cargoes over the years.


Outbound the P&C Dock Complex.


Backing through the harbor.


Turned and headed up Lake Erie.


Sterb view.