CASON J. CALLAWAY Arrives; BOOTHE SR. Moved Again

CASON J. CALLAWAY arrived this morning from Detroit at 0745 and proceeded inbound, docking at the West Slip with assistance from the tug MANITOU.

CALLAWAY reported encountering little ice east of Pelee Passage until the vessel got outside of Erie. The 1953-built steamer is the first ship to use the West Slip since the PINEGLEN docked there overnight in July 2008.

By 0838 the CALLAWAY was secured at the dock and the tug MANITOU moved the KEN BOOTHE SR. back around the corner of the dock. The BOOTHE SR. is now docked directly behind the CALLAWAY.

MANITOU then proceeded outbound and broke ice near the PRESQUE ISLE to allow for installation of the cofferdam underneath the starboard side of the ship, possibly as soon as tomorrow. MANITOU departed at 0950 bound for Ashtabula, where it will assist the tug INVINCIBLE and barge McKEE SONS as that unit loads a coal cargo for Trenton, Michigan.

I am having problems getting the video from yesterday and today to upload and will post it once I am able.

---

CASON J CALLAWAY inbound.


Another view of the 767-foot long steamer.


Close up.


Breaking the ice that is well-broken already, having been opened by the SPEER and PRESQUE ISLE.


Into Presque Isle Bay.


Stern view.


Passing the PRESQUE ISLE.


Turning for the West Slip.


Manitou heads out to break ice around the CALLAWAY's starboard side.


Coming around the CALLAWAY.


CALLAWAY and MANITOU approach the dock.


Approaching the dock.


All secured.


MANITOU and KEN BOOTHE SR. begin to move around the corner.


Moving.


Around the corner.


Into position.


MANITOU holding the BOOTHE to the dock so the yard's crew can secure the tug.


MANITOU breaking ice around the PRESQUE ISLE.


Turning for another pass.


Heading out of the harbor.


MANITOU outbound.


Stern view.

SUPERIOR Returns WITTE 1406; St. JOHN Develops Engine Problems

Sunrise on a beautiful Thursday found the tug SUPERIOR towing the barge WITTE 1406 through the channel and back into Presque Isle Bay. SUPERIOR took the barge alongside once in Presque Isle Bay and docked the 1406 back at the West Slip, ahead of barge WITTE 1407.

SUPERIOR then moved over to Dobbin's Landing before departing for Cleveland at 0850.

The SUPERIOR's departure was delayed a few minutes due to the J.S. St. JOHN's return to port at dead slow speed. St. JOHN was reportedly experiencing engine problems and returned to the Old Ore Dock for work.

---

SUPERIOR alongside WITTE 1406 in Presque Isle Bay this morning.


Coming around and heading for the slip.


Approaching the slip.


Into the West Slip as the SUPERIOR slows the barge down.


Close up of the Great Lakes Towing tug SUPERIOR.


A crew member of the SUPERIOR swings a line from the WITTE 1406.


Stern view of the tow.


SUPERIOR at Dobbin's Landing prior to departing.


Another view.


St. JOHN inbound.


Stern view as the vessel limps into the harbor.


SUPERIOR outbound.


Close up.


Side view.


Stern view.

Video: RICHARD REISS Towed in Erie, April 5, 2002

On April 5, 2002, the RICHARD REISS, which was not slated to sail that season, was towed by the tugs IOWA and RHODE ISLAND from the Mountfort Terminal to the West Slip. This video is part one of two parts showing that tow. Part two will come tomorrow.

---

BOLAND, CHEYENNE in Port

JOHN J. BOLAND, laden with stone from Calcite, arrived in port this morning at 1030 hours and docked at the Old Ore Dock in a stiff west wind that affected the vessel's docking. The BOLAND's captain favored the west side of the channel leading into the Old Ore Dock as the BOLAND docked to unload.

Tug CHEYENNE departed Port Colborne at 0830 this morning and arrived in Erie at 1430 today, proceeding quickly through the channel and docking in the West Slip behind the new Donjon Marine barges and the fishing vessel VICTORY.

---

JOHN J. BOLAND inbound this morning.


Close up.


Stern view.


Another view of the BOLAND.


Turning for the Old Ore Dock.


BOLAND moors at the Old Ore Dock.


CHEYENNE inbound.


The tug was pushing plenty of water as she quickly headed inbound.


Another view.


Stern view.


CHEYENNE enters the channel.


In the West Slip.


CHEYENNE backs as the tug approaches the dock.