50 Great Lakes Ship Salutes - Loud Horns in Action!

This video compiles salutes from 50 different lake freighters that I recorded during my visits to Duluth and Superior. I created this video as a celebration of hitting 10,000 subscribers here on KZbin and as a “salute” to everyone who has watched and supported my channel over the past seven years. Thank you!
There are two main types of salutes you'll hear in this video. The "captain's salute" is a greeting that consists of one long and two short blasts of the horn. The "master salute" is a similar greeting, but consists of three long and two short blasts. While the master salute was often thought of as a more formal salute used for special occasions, we see captain's use both types of salutes interchangeably these days. Many of the salutes presented here were answered by the Aerial Lift Bridge which spans the Duluth Shipping Canal. As I didn't want this video to contain 40 or more return salutes from the bridge, I decided to only feature a few of the bridge salutes as examples.
The actual number of ship salutes in this video is greater than 50, as some ships are shown saluting more than once. All salutes featured in this video were recorded Duluth, Minnesota or Superior, Wisconsin between 2020 and 2022. A compilation of salutes from 35 lake freighters recorded between 2015 and 2019 was previously uploaded on my channel in late 2019. It can be viewed here: • 35 Lakers Saluting! Gr...
If you are looking to find specific ships, time stamps are included below to help you skip to your favorites.
0:00 Paul R. Tregurtha
0:32 Philip R. Clarke
1:07 American Mariner
1:40 Algoma Discovery
1:59 Whitefish Bay
2:25 Edwin H. Gott
2:59 Mark W. Barker
3:22 Burns Harbor
3:47 Samuel de Champlain-Innovation
4:12 James R. Barker
4:59 Algoma Innovator
5:24 Presque Isle
5:47 Walter J. McCarthy Jr.
6:10 Lee A. Tregurtha
6:33 Atlantic Huron
7:12 Manitoulin
7:41 Indiana Harbor
8:02 Mesabi Miner
8:25 John D. Leitch
8:52 Cason J. Callaway
9:26 American Century
9:51 Frontenac
10:13 John J. Boland
10:34 Arthur M. Anderson
11:02 Algoma Transport
11:24 Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin
11:44 Defiance-Ashtabula
12:21 Stewart J. Cort
12:46 Cuyahoga
13:23 Wilfred Sykes
13:51 American Integrity
14:19 Hon. James L. Oberstar
14:41 Algoma Intrepid
15:21 Victory-Maumee
16:02 Edgar B. Speer
16:22 H. Lee White
16:47 Herbert C. Jackson
17:10 Michipicoten
17:35 Spruceglen
18:15 Great Republic
18:43 Clyde S. Van Enkevort-Erie Trader
19:07 John G. Munson
19:40 American Spirit
20:14 Kaye E. Barker
20:38 Alpena
21:11 CSL Tadoussac
21:35 Dorothy Ann-Pathfinder
21:57 Dirk S. Van Enkevort-Michigan Trader
22:21 Saginaw
22:56 Joseph L. Block
If your favorite lake freighter isn't included here, they either didn't visit the Duluth-Superior area in 2020-2022 or I missed seeing them if they did visit. Also, there were several ships that I did capture on video over the past three years that unfortunately did not salute. Hopefully I will capture salutes from them in the coming year.
Thank you for watching!
____________________
If you are interested in supporting this channel to keep new videos coming, I accept PayPal donations at the following link:
www.paypal.com...
Donations of any size are gratefully accepted, as they help offset my expenses. Thank you postcards are sent for any donations over $5, plus thank you gifts are sent for donations of $30 or more. Gifts increase in value with donation size and are of my choosing, usually themed on Great Lakes shipping and/or the Duluth-Superior region.
Your views, likes, comments, and subscriptions also help this channel and are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@1Long2Short]

Buy me a coffee! Donations, plus monthly and annual subscriptions. www.buymeacoffee.com/1long2short PayPal donations www.paypal.com/paypalme/1long2short As always, your views, likes, comments, and subscriptions are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@angelas4681]

If you told me two weeks ago that I'd be listening to 20 minutes of GL ships tooting their horns, I would've laughed in your face...but here I am...and it's glorious.

[@1Long2Short]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@marybonnici645]

Right?! Me too!!

[@user-fm5nf8fz4h]

Funny how that happened to me too. It becomes addicting waiting for the horn salutes, plus the beauty of these ships is eye pleasing.

[@nathanielcruz6675]

I mostly love James R. Barker’s horn. It sounds mighty and legendary. The captain knows it's a legendary ship, so he blasts the horn long.

[@CedarCliffsMicronation]

The reason the James r barker’s captain is blowing the horn so long is because it was a master salute horn instead of a Great Lakes salute. My dad was in the coast Guard that’s why I know that

[@shishir6973]

Yup , me too.

[@SuperWorldRailFanProductions]

A few words: "Nothing beats James R. Barker"

[@xHadesStamps]

Especially when the captain gives a master salute!

[@harrisonbush7547]

The ryerson does in my opinion

[@elliottprice6084]

James R Barker. Now that's a ship with a loud horn. These ships are so varied in shape and size. I loved it 👍

[@diddydidnot]

The Alpena is 80 years old and still stunning. I wish I held my age that well.

[@brandlynnyoung3123]

I have a medically frail, autistic son and he is OBSESSED with these videos. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@1Long2Short]

I’m happy to hear he enjoys the videos so much. That gives me motivation to keep making them! 🙂

[@lagodifuoco313]

That's awesome!!!

[@sputnikalgrim]

Back in the 80s my grandparents had a summer cottage near Sister Bay in Egg Harbor in Door County Wisconsin, I was just a little kid, I don’t remember shipping names but we’d watch them as they came and went. You could see them on the horizon, it sparked a love of these ships and their horns. The James R Barker is amazing… I was born in ‘76

[@Local-Of-The-Mitten-State]

0:19 I loved how she scared the shit out of those seagulls 😂😂😂

[@laurastechschulte2573]

Made me jump too! 😂

[@jannertfol]

Loved this. Took me back to my childhood, when I lived where I heard lake freighters' horns quite a lot. Hard to pick a favourite. I miss the Great Lakes.

[@lagodifuoco313]

There are some really great sounding blasts from several other boats, but the Big Barker "bark" is on its own level of awesomeness.

[@gus473]

Some great footage of most of the old favorites, and a whole lot of honkin' goin' on! Thank you! 😎✌🏼

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! 🙂

[@gus473]

@@1Long2Short Shared with daughter who showed it to the grandkids, who asked about almost every boat! She was glad you included titles so could she give them answers! 😎✌🏼

[@everythinglakefreighters47]

Love hearing the horns of the Great Lakes. Nice video!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you!

[@pamclausen2740]

What a great video to watch and listen to, thank you. the James Barker is still top of my list!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you!

[@april906outdoors3]

Mine too!

[@BNSFSantaFe603]

Mine too!

[@karenwhite5484]

Yup, LOVE that Barker BARK !! 🚢

[@lagodifuoco313]

Same.

[@AmandaJuneLL]

Love them all, thank you for putting this together! I really like the Wilfred Sykes, and the Cuyahoga❤️ I will call it a life goal to ever hear the Barker Bark in person.

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! It’s definitely worth making the trip to hear them in person!

[@lagodifuoco313]

We just saw her go out of Duluth Harbor two weeks ago. And the Big Tregurtha come in. What an amazing experience.

[@cris_261]

Thank you for taking the time to document the passage of the mighty lake boats. Downright interesting the shapes and sizes of all of them. Not to mention how each boat, or tug and barge combo, have their own unique personality. Big congrats on hitting the 10k mark, and here's to the next 10k!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! Hopefully there will be another 10k, but frankly I didn’t expect the first 10k. 😆

[@deetempleton80]

Seeing all the work you did to line up 50 wonderful clips, the boats, horn an close ups feels like u gave us a Christmas gift. Thanks to you we give a toot, an a hoot an a holler.

[@user-nc3sl8fw8w]

Que lindo escuchar a estos trabajadores gigantes con toda su imponencia agradecimiento eterno gracias barcos por ayudar al desarrollo de nuestro mundo De ARGENTINA saludos

[@nssrrailfan6443]

Amazing work! The Century has been and always be my favorite. It's retired Captain, who was a good friend of mine, sadly passed away. Great video as always!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! RIP Captain.

[@davidsquires154]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎊 TO YOUR 10 K SUBSCRIBERS! ALL THESE SHIPS ARE GOOD LOOKING ,AND THE HORNS ARE LOUD 🔊 AND CLEAR SALUTES! AND THEY WANT TO BE HEARD!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you David!

[@dawngustafson4753]

Thank you! Awesome to see the boats and the sound of their horn

[@carlamortenson5604]

Thank you for this. I truly enjoyed.

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks for watching!

[@OrbitFallenAngel]

Thank you so much for creating this video!! You always do such an amazing and awesome job!! ❤ I love hearing their horns blasting..... You are so very lucky!!!

[@1Long2Short]

I’m lucky to have so many nice viewers! 🙂

[@DoorCountyDronebyMarkEvenson]

Great Video!! Still love the Barkers Barkl!!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! Love watching your videos.

[@BrianKliewer]

They are a joy to hear, no question about it!🔊 And congratulations on 10K subscribers!🤝

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! Never figured I would reach this milestone… especially in the early days when I was lucky to get 10 views. 😄

[@michaelmooney7396]

Fantastic. Can’t wait to go up to Duluth on my next visit to Bruno. Hopefully catch one in person.

[@user-fm5nf8fz4h]

Holy toledo. James R. Barker sure does win top prize I'd say.

[@gabriellarocks2001]

The ship horns were awesome the Edwin H.Gott ship horn and the James R barker ship horn made me laugh but you did an a amazing job making this video. I love watching ships😊

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks Gabriella! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rebellucydetour]

I'm downloading one of these for my phone ring........the James R. Barker. 🙂

[@leehanna4929]

A very interesting video. Congratulations on 10K!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you!

[@diddydidnot]

Love the deep tone of the Spruceglen

[@ginnyanderson4892]

What an amazing video. Thank you so very much for putting this together. ❤

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks for watching!

[@oceansoul3694]

A well-deserved Congratulations TO YOU! That's quite an accomplishment and we are all the better for your gift of these huge ships and their mighty salutes. Still the James R Barker is my favorite of all time, kind of like grizzly bears and rough ridin' bikers mixed together. This is an amazing collection of the greatest salutes...like the Three Tenors, each out-doing the other. Thank You!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks as always for being overly generous with your compliments. 🙂 Hard to argue with anyone who likes the Barker’s horns!

[@davidsquires154]

@@1Long2Short I just love the James R.Barker's Horn 📯 because the SALUTES are LOUD and CLEAR!

[@dmc9492]

Enough horn blowing to knock me off my feet! (Just the way I like it😘) Merry Christmas & thank you that was AWESOME!!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too. 🎄

[@user-bi3hs2vn9i]

I have a cottage on lake superior but seeing a ship going by happens in a blue moon cuz it's super rare to see one but when do see one it's something that i never forget

[@davidallen6333]

Awesome video compilation congrats on 10k subscribers , love your videos !

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you David!

[@drforjc]

Love that deep resonance of the Munson

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

The Arthur M. Anderson, the signal they use when coming into Duluth is the same as the one they were using when they were searching for the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@maxgaming2095]

Congrats on 10,000 barker is my favorite

[@adriannegrillo8394]

Thank you! Would love to see these in person. I m not for from the Cleveland docks or Ashtabula. I ve seen a few years ago when on the East Bank in the flats having dinner. What a breathtaking sight!

[@adriannegrillo8394]

My message should have read I'm from East of Cleveland docks. Not far from Ashtabula. I would love to see these in person.

[@macgyversmacbook1861]

I don’t know about y’all but I absolutely LOVE Arthur M. and Presque’s paint schemes, there’s something eye catching about red and black

[@tigergold999]

I remember growing up about an hour south of Sault Ste. Marie and watching these freighters go up and down the channel. I miss the sounds of the horns, the seagulls, and the waves. Used to know a guy who could look at every boat without the aid of binoculars and tell you the name of the boat. Unfortunately, I can't handle the cold so well in my old age, I'd love to retire up there.

[@user-wc1ft6jv8r]

What do y'all do for fun watching ships go by I love it

[@april906outdoors3]

I remember seeing the full length video of the Walter J with all that ice cover - what a sight! Fantastic compilation - thank you and happy holidays!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@chrisdamato6409]

Love me the Barker Bark.

[@hunterdaenzer]

What camera do you use? im looking at getting one. My phone camera isnt cutting it anymore! 🤣

[@gus473]

Consider a Pixel 7 phone if you can get a holiday price break! Pretty amazing camera and editing capabilities! 😎✌🏼

[@1Long2Short]

Most of these were shot with a Nikon D7500 using the 35-140mm lens.

[@hunterdaenzer]

Might actully get that.

[@stampycatfan01lol]

Congrats on 10K subscribers! Always nice to see and hear these hugs lakers in action!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you!

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

Liked, favorited, sent to the dad, and enjoyed with immense aural appreciation! The Miner and Manitoulin are right near the top of the list for me. But the Gott, Cuyahoga, and Wilfred Sykes are also reeaaally good. Ohhh, but the Speer, Munson and Saginaw sound so nice as well. Can I just pick all of them? Big Barker is kind of at the top by default though (I think. The Speer sounded SO good). Surprised me a moment to see the Calloway in here; was it really that recently that she was laid up? EDIT: Didn't notice the part where it said this was 2020-2022. Thought it was all from 2022. Whoops.

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! Yes, it’s hard to pick a favorite. 🙂 Happy holidays! 🎄

[@williamphillips6247]

Wonderful. Thank you for posting/sharing!😃

[@1Long2Short]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patriciakersey5356]

Our nightly Detroit lullaby

[@johnr5252]

The one at 6:00 was frosty looking!

[@TravisDakota]

Salties horn next?

[@1Long2Short]

I’m thinking of doing a saltie compilation someday, but I’d like to get examples recorded first.

[@terryboyer1342]

@@1Long2Short Don't they pretty much all sound the same? That's one of the things I like about Lakers. Almost all their horns are unique whereas salties are pretty generic.

[@TravisDakota]

@@1Long2Short :)

[@1Long2Short]

Meant to say that I'd like to get MORE examples recorded first. :)

[@vishc645]

I notice that on some ships, a light lights up either on the bow, or from the above the captain's bridge whenever the horn blows (well a second before the horn since light travels faster than sound)

[@johnkirchman3811]

As a kid I would see and hear these 'freighters and ore boats come and go on Saginaw Bay and through Bay City. It was ambient background to hear these guys let the bridge tenders know they were coming thu. Going from one side of town to the other, sometimes you just had to wait for the draw bridge to come back down. Does one long, two short mean 'open the bridge'?

[@1Long2Short]

One long and two short is a captain's salute, a friendly greeting from the ship to the bridge or to another boat (or to people watching from the shore). A three long and two short blast is a master salute, a slightly more "formal" version of the captain's salute, serving the same purpose. The bridge is opened when the ship makes a radio call to the bridge operator, typically when they are 1.5 miles out (or roughly 10 minutes away).

[@johnkirchman3811]

I was just 8-9 and 10yrs old in '57, 58 and 59 when we spent summers at our cottage on the West side of the Saginaw Bay, at Linwood Beach, about 20 miles North of Bay City. Looking East to the horizon, I would see these ships as they were coming into or leaving the Saginaw River. I can only guess they were in a channel that was maybe 5 miles out from the beach. Maybe 5 to 8 coming in, and the same going out each day. Can you or someone , tell me what these, that we just called 'freighters', were carrying ? We moved to Calif. in '59 when I was 10. I can be very nostalgic thinking of Bay City and 'the beach'.

[@leemcdonald1342]

With so many Triton horns, you swear you're at a San Jose Sharks or San Diego Padres game.

[@DJKLUELESS]

2:11 San Jose Sharks (VERSION 1) 3:09 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 1) 4:00 Tampa Bay Lightning 5:35 San Jose Sharks (VERSION 2) 6:01 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 2) 6:22 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 3) 7:54 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 4) 9:03 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 5) 9:40 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 6) 10:40 Colorado Avalanche (VERSION 1) 13:29 possibly the Toronto Blue Jays MLB 14:05 San Jose Sharks (VERSION 3) 14:26 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 7) 15:11 Possibly The Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning (VERSION 2) 15:27 St. Louis Blues 16:11 San Jose Sharks (VERSION 4) 16:59 Colorado Avalanche (VERSION 2) 17:38 San Jose Sharks (VERSION 5) 18:27 Possibly San Diego Padres of the MLB 19:14 Anaheim Ducks 19:45 St Louis Blues (2014) 21:47 Vegas Golden Knights (VERSION 8) 23:07 San Diego Padres MLB (VERSION 2)

[@dakotah_anderson]

Good job man love these vids

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks!

[@jessicastarks9446]

I was wondering, what are the Warning Blasts used for and what does the Aerial Bridge Reply mean and what are the Short Blast and Long Blast on the horns mean?

[@1Long2Short]

The video description goes into detail about what the salutes are. Salutes are greetings between the ships and the lift bridge (or to bystanders). Five or more shorts blasts of the horn are a warning to other ships that might be in the path of the freighter.

[@ILikeGT_101]

Spuceglen sounds like birchglen’s salute

[@patriciakersey5356]

And don't forget the Trains on Janette one street over

[@plushforce]

any time I see the mark w barker it never salutes

[@1Long2Short]

Some captains just don’t salute very often… especially if there isn’t a bridge or another vessel to exchange salutes with.

[@zoedaly214]

you look like the Edmund Fitzgerald the iron ore ship

[@ruthmessare4024]

Awesome !

[@alaricdogface]

Your 10,000 subs party is too loud! I'm trying to sleep! 🔊 🔊 🔊 🔉 🔉 🛌🏻 (congratulations!)

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! 🤫

[@alaricdogface]

@@1Long2Short Sorry, the cold weather is making me cranky. Salute away! 🔇🔇🔇🔇🔇😂

[@Shipspotting_Vietnam]

Very nice ship and video!

[@patriciakersey5356]

You get used of these evening sounds

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

What is the purpose of the "one long, two short" blasts from the ship, then the bridge? I see them referred to as "salutes" but I suspect there is a greater purpose(?)

[@1Long2Short]

Just a friendly greeting between the ship and the bridge!

[@joedesautel6092]

The ship's are moving good but still some ice in the harbor channel getting to there destination docks

[@1Long2Short]

Yeah, the warmer weather hasn’t yet arrived in Duluth, with most nights (and several days) still below freezing. More snow is forecast Thursday and Friday this week. That ice will stick around until the weather warms or rainfalls in the St. Louis River watershed send warmer water into the harbor. Could be a while!

[@t.sewell1513]

Very nice!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks!

[@kendrahordiyenko5498]

I'm so embarrassed. I've been watching you for two years and just found out I hadn't subscribed 🙄. I'm sorry! Subscription added.

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! Views are always more important than subscriptions, so thanks for watching. 🙂

[@kendrahordiyenko5498]

@@1Long2Short Any time!

[@haystack_mikey25]

Absolutely amazing. Always loved ships and learning about their history. Can anyone tell me if the 1 long and 2 short to the aerial bridge has any meaning or is it literally just a salute?

[@1Long2Short]

Just a salute! 🙂

[@haystack_mikey25]

@@1Long2Shortawesome!!!! Thank you 😊

[@patriciakersey5356]

Ships horn not so bad, but the trains one street over, crashed into a hook up, you could hear the engines rumblings before they crashed into each other all at night every school aged child listened , relaxing to Windsor's evenings train and river ships lullaby

[@yah5690]

Awesome video!

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you very much! That was very generous of you. I will use it for my next trip to Duluth for recording. 🙂

[@yah5690]

@@1Long2Short No problem, any time

[@terrysmith1307]

I live in Aus why do most of the ships have such rounded bows something to do with ice?

[@1Long2Short]

They are maximizing their cargo capacity. A thinner, tapered bow would reduce capacity in the front holds. Any loss of efficiency cutting through the water is made up by carrying the extra cargo. They also don’t move very fast… about 12-14 knots for most hauls.

[@Zman_1123]

Anyone tell me what their favorite steam ship.

[@patriciakersey5356]

DETROIT RIVER AND JANET TRAIN RAIL YARD

[@2moosepie]

What about the Edger Spear

[@1Long2Short]

I’m not sure what you’re asking. The Speer is in the video. 😉

[@user-hm2gb6pm6b]

Wilfred skys

[@user-hm2gb6pm6b]

Edwin H Gott Edwin H Gott Edwin H Gott James Parker James parker James parker Offshore Whitefish bay Whitefish bay Whitefish bay Sounds great offshore Mike great Cicily Interlake steamer James R Baker Portside no window 1004 millibar Waterwheels Water clocks Sand clocks Atlantic huron 1000ft 1004ft Gas chromotograph Spectroscopy Microscope Telescopic Telescope Telescope Nuclear resonance spectophotometer Surveyor compass Surveying tables Magnetic compass Tripod Arthur M anderson Arthur M anderson Arthur M anderson Davenport Cicily cicily Cicily Edwin H Gott Propeller Propeller Propeller Lowan

[@MiguelLopes-gn9qj]

Edwin h gott

[@MiguelLopes-gn9qj]

❤❤❤😂😂😂😅😅🎉

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

dumb remark from a casual ship fan but they look so beat up lol