Great Lakes Ship Salutes

Audio clips of ship salutes from Great Lakes vessels, with photos of each vessel giving the salute. Recordings made from 2004 to present.
Vessels include (in alphabetical order): Algolake, Algoma Transport, Algontario (scrapped in 2011), Algowood, Alpena (steam), American Century, American Fortitude, American Integrity, American Mariner, American Victory (steam), Arthur M. Anderson, Beluga Constitution (salty), Birchglen, Canadian Enterprise, Canadian Miner (shipwrecked in 2011), Canadian Olympic, Canadian Progress, Capt. Henry Jackman, Cason J. Callaway, Edward L. Ryerson (steam), Edwin H. Gott, Federal Maas (salty), Great Lakes Trader/Joyce L. VanEnkevort, H. Lee White, Herbert C. Jackson (steam), Charles M. Beeghly (steam)/Hon. James L. Oberstar, Indiana Harbor, James R. Barker, John B. Aird, John G. Munson (steam), John J. Boland, Joseph L. Block, Kaministiqua, Mandarin (salty), Mesabi Miner, Michipicoten, Orla (salty), Paul R. Tregurtha, Philip R. Clarke, Presque Isle, Roger Blough, St. Clair, Sundew, Tim S. Dool, Tufty (salty), and Voorneborg (salty).

[@TastyChevelle]

Holy cow! That Edward Ryerson chord is awesome!

[@bernardk26]

I worked on the Ryerson during summers in college of 1970 and 1971. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Especially the time we were on one side of the Superior pier and the Edmund Fitzgerald was on the the other. We both finished loading at about the same time and sailed together across Lake Superior and down Lake Michigan.

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

Did you hear Fitzgerald’s horns? What did she sound like? (If you can’t describe it just tell us which ship here sounds closest to it.)

[@TheUnflushedToilet]

@@TheEmeraldMenOfficial The Ryerson had the same type of horns the Fitzgerald had, I believe the Reserve and Wilfred Sykes also had similar horns.

[@Bad_CAT_itude3408]

The Alpena’s horn is the most lovely sounding of all the vessels in this video. Growing up in Zilwaukee, MI, I would see these lovely working ladies regularly. They are one of my absolute favorite parts of growing up by the Great Lakes. I was fortunate enough to see the E M Ford get underway on her final voyage (under tow to be scrapped unfortunately). Many very fond memories.

[@MichaelJohnson-dt8tv]

Yeah! This is Way cool! When I was a kid (a…. while ago now), there were still a lot of those ships still afloat and working, and most of them were still powered by double or triple expansion reciprocating steam engines. There was a steady procession of them, 24/7 and you could hear their deep toned, resonant steam whistles around the clock, especially at night when it was generally quieter. And the sky over the water was often full of smoke from their boiler fires. If you were near the water when they passed and signaled an approaching ship, you could feel it in your chest! Today, most of them are diesel powered, and they have air horns instead of steam whistles. Their pitch is not as low and they’re not as resonant but I still groove on their sound. I have always loved the Great Lakes and the ships that navigate them. I have had my own boats out on them and I learned Great Respect for them! If you’re going out there, Better you bring your -A- game!

[@LordSmuggington]

Ever since I head about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, I have had an interest in the ore freighters of the Great Lakes. I hope to see one myself one day. Oh, not to mention something about ship horns and foghorns are just so interesting... I love hearing them on spring mornings down by the St. Lawrence.

[@Incognito-fy3dl]

I wonder what the Edmund Fitzgerald horn sounds like

[@Bobby-hr7cp]

I think it sound like the Edward l ryerson

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

Margilitos they are not sisters, so it is likely they sound different. I think she’d sound more like the Herbert C. Jackson when she was on steam. Edit: they sound identical. Same horn configuration

[@rayryngaert3769]

Same as Edward L Ryerson

[@spedseacanuck]

Yeah, I live near Midland, one day the CSL Baie Comeau was in port. We went to see the ship and I was instantly fascinated by these ships. If I don’t get into the army I’m going to work for CSL

[@buffalosabresgoalhorn]

1:16 For those about to rock fire BOOM!!! we salute you (Columbus blue jackets goal horn)

[@deetempleton80]

I so wish I could compose a Symphony of the "Ships'Horns'on Holiday they r so amazing playing together n your tape.

[@Talon82]

It's amazing every single ship has it's own sound even if it was made by the same manufacturer like alot of the interlake steamship co. ships.

[@CarYenta-1]

Did undergrad at university of minnesota duluth and got to hear the horns every day. Never woke me up, but was always comforting to hear =)

[@maysnow461]

love all the echos. I admire the boatnerds who can recognize a ship by it' horn. also all those trainnerds who know the engine by it's whistle. wonderful film!!!!!

[@SuperWorldRailFanProductions]

The Paul R Tregurtha horn is my favorite.

[@nonovyerbusiness9517]

I just can't get enough still photography on You Tube!

[@mattharper588]

David Hoover one long and two shorts is a salute I worked on many of these beautiful ships at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay wI.it was a really cool job especially when they were laid up in the winter because usually the crew was gone and I was able to explore them

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

The steam horns are immediately better. I think all ships should have a small steam generator on board, for powering a Tyfon, and maybe a sauna.

[@feegarland7033]

Thank you for this great compilation of majestic sounds. I love freighters.

[@josephrivett6158]

I wish I could install one of those horns on my pick up- PERFECT for Toronto traffic....!!!!!!

[@jamiesmith1881]

Use the Edward l dyer sons horn sneak it off while its docked

[@LNERMallard]

Good luck, they weigh about 400lbs a piece. Ha ha.

[@teddytowncrier6973]

Head for the wrecking yard & get a Truck horn. .... (Option No2.)

[@ThomasTheSergal]

Joseph Rivett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-Teqmvbbabd8U Lmao someone bought the American Fortitude horns.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

THANKS for the MUSIC! GREAT compilation!

[@colintesla]

This is fucking amazing! One of my favorite youtube videos right now! Plugged it into the PA system & it's even better! Trying to decide my favorites

[@karenjones4015]

I too plugged in to a tremendously loud speaker and enjoyed!!!

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

RIP to the ships lost to time, scrap or fire in this video...

[@2snowgirl520]

Great shots of the Ryerson! My cats hate this video, but I don't! I don't know what it is with me and ship and train horns , but I love them! It's sad that airplanes don't have horns. With I had a big horn like these on my Camry!

[@MichaelJohnson-dt8tv]

2snowgirls520- LOL Well, the think that’s a bit of alright 😊! There are air horn kits that you can buy, they’ll make your Camry sound like a diesel locomotive! You’ll have people jumping outa their skin! A mechanic shouldn’t have much trouble installing it. Look it up, and I hope you find one!

[@redbrobster]

Those steam horns sound good.

[@AstroGoalHorns]

1:15 Columbus Blue Jackets goal!

[@davidchristensen6908]

Nice job getting these horns. Nice audio. Love em all.

[@stansmith4054]

Sounds like the band's tuba section tuning before a concert. Cool video!

[@Jaymindrew1990]

I agree that "Miss Ryerson" has the best horn, and she's aesthetically the reigning supreme beauty queen of the Great Lakes freighters (although they're all beauties in my book). Her pilot house looks like it has a beauty queen's tiara, and she almost looks too gorgeous to be hauling taconite ore.

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

BA F1 you got your wish in a twisted way. She no longer hauls taconite but lays in wait, rotting at a dock, hoping she will sail someday again.

[@adriannegrillo8394]

How I would to have all those horns made into an alarm clock!

[@firefightersta80]

The Ryerson to me has the best horn I've every heard. The john munson's horn sounds eerie and the beeghly has an awesome sound too

[@michaelmyers1999]

It's kind of sad that the beeghly is no more. Old steamers like that one are disappearing faster than a Ferrari can reach 60.

[@firefightersta80]

Michael Myers which steamers are still in use? some of these look like they are in great shape!

[@michaelmyers1999]

derrick pry I don't exactly know how many are left. I do know that the Alpena is a steamer, and is currently the oldest ship on the lakes I think. She's been going strong since her completion in the 40s. Most of the steamers are still around, as most have been converted to diesel power. Recently, however, another steamer has had the unfortunate fate of being unable to convert to diesel. The St. Mary's Challenger, (Formally the William P Snyder, Medusa Challenger, and Southdown challenger) met it's unfortunate death last year at 107 years old. She was the oldest on the lakes, an honor which has been passed to the aforementioned Alpena. Her pilot house has been removed and will be kept for preservation and being donated to a museum. A notch is being cut into her stern for the tugboat to push the Challenger (Now under the name St. Mary's Conquest I Think). It's sad that such historic relics must end this way.

[@brendanrobinson5885]

Michael Myers The Herbert C Jackson is a Steamship, and so is the John G Munson.

[@KevinSkow]

derrick pry Current steamships still in service are the Herbert C. Jackson, Alpena, Philip R. Clarke, Cason J. Callaway, Arthur M. Anderson, John G. Munson, Wilfred Sykes, and Montrealais. There are over half a dozen steamers in layup (Ryerson, Valor, Victory, Fortitude, C.T.C. 1, Iglehart, and Crapo) but will likely never sail again, at least as steamers. The only active steamers that still have steam whistles are the Munson, Sykes, Jackson, and Alpena.

[@jackcarlson8007]

I love the horn of the American Fortitude. I love the little squeak at the start

[@wendygoerl9162]

I swear she's got a bassoonist hidden in her stack.

[@jamiesmith1881]

First time I was in Duluth I saw for 3 days I saw roger lough misabi miner Paul r tregurth and the oberstar and the cort

[@iijordaneerz]

1:15 american fortitude (AKA ernest t weir , courtney burton..) P.S it has the columbus blue jackets goal horn on her.

[@picustchuck]

My father sailed on the Burton.

[@nickleveck8775]

Wow! That moan of the old Munson! Creepy!!! I fish off of Calcite and you haven't lived until you hear the moan of a beast coming out of port through the fog. While your boat's engine suddenly dies. Luckily I figured out the problem rapidly, but visibility was maybe 60 feet.

[@naybreed]

Holy shit.

[@donmassey5588]

God Bless To All ❤️

[@mnsirens]

The Tregurtha's Horn is pretty good

[@patkirchner1443]

Miss the two tone horn sound of the James R. Barker in your video. Maybe you can update it sometime to the horn sound we all wait for!

[@whenuraquar]

I wish more ships used an S203C horn like the American Fortitude did!

[@briggsjos]

Arthur was pretty good too. I like the deep rich tone.

[@KevinSkow]

I haven't had the opportunity to record the Cort's or Speer's horns yet.

[@superships8914]

I imagine you did by now because it’s been 7 years lol

[@Jaymindrew1990]

I like the Captain Jackman's horn.

[@RobertKDoyle]

11FE17...Excellent....took some time and well worth it!!!

[@thescotishtwins9106]

for a brief second i thought the indiana harbor was the st. clair 🤣

[@TOTALCAMARO]

Nice video 😊

[@Sharmuta6311]

It’s John G. for me!! Love that horn on the John G. Munson!!!

[@privateer177666]

"Blow it out your ass," an infamous quote by an AB, 2 decks down tryin' to get some rest........

[@LNERMallard]

Ah, the Ryerson. Such a great ship with a great set of whistles. Too bad she's laid up and not likely to sail again for a while.

[@kaiju_developer2586]

She probably will they're just putting a unloader on her it's going to ruin her streamlined shape

[@eltoro6688]

THE RYERSON!!!!!! 3-Note Chord!!!!

[@bojensen9855]

The ships are signalling - not saluting. The "one long two shorts" is the morse code for the letter "D" meaning KEEP CLEAR - I'VE DIFFICULTIES IN MANEUVERING. One of the ships even signalled "two longs two shorts" for the letter "Z" meaning I NEED A TUG. There are 3 categories for the tone freguency: 1. Ships longer than 200 m 70 - 200 Hz 2. Ships > 75 m but < 200 m 130 - 350 Hz 3. Ships < 75 m 250 - 700 Hz This is according to international regulation. Whether they apply to the Lakes, I don't know. Cheers!

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

Nope. On the lake, one long two short is signalling to the drawbridge they are clear and the bridge can lower. Three long two short is the “master’s salute”: a friendly “hello”, to anyone nearby.

[@user-iq6of4ig7t]

3:33 Красавец и голос волшебный!

[@jacobeves6893]

I have seen a lot of these boats on the seaway in Canada

[@retiredchannel907]

I can only imagine that the "long, short short" blast is for arrivals. I know this since I ride the Washington State Ferries a lot, and that's what their arrival signal is.

[@wendygoerl9162]

More like a "hi, there." Used in lots of contexts.

[@Bad_CAT_itude3408]

Captains salute

[@AstroGoalHorns]

It's not featured in this video but does anyone know the horn model for the 2nd horn on the Callaway?

[@16rumpole]

James R. Barker ftw

[@mndiecast5973]

the bee has a Lesley 300 and 400

[@KevinSkow]

I honestly don't know what model whistle she had.

[@brandlynnyoung3123]

Henry Jackson is my favorite

[@brettfavreify]

I didn't know the American Integrity had a horn.

[@TNS17]

American Fortitude! Best horn! Sadly it got scrapped

[@sugaredrat3747]

most of the Canadian boats (algo/algoma and CSL) have cool horns. bummer they don't blow them much.

[@freightersonthegreatlakes995]

Not to be rude but I don't think that's the Anderson horn

[@papabits5721]

Most of the Upper lakes fleet has been scrapped

[@joecucch8261]

Foghorn Leghorn would be proud.

[@Bonkasneeze]

I say I say what's all that noise for

[@Incognito-fy3dl]

I’ve always wondered how it would be like if the Ed fitz didn’t sink

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

Well, look at her sister, Arthur B Homer. She was due to be lengthened and fitted with a self unloaded when her sister sank. Fitzgerald likely would have the same fate in the 1980’s, maybe get re-engined and would be leaving service sometime around 2010-2020, likely preserved as a museum ship.

[@caseysellner3163]

Ryerson sounds like pure evil. it great

[@papabits5721]

Most of these old girls are gone to scrap so sad

[@LieutenantTunguska]

Algolake's new name is "Gola". Currently in Turkey (scrapped).

[@davidhoover9039]

I feel let down. I was hoping you were going to tell what the signals mean, Like a long and two shorts, or thee longs and two shorts.

[@wendygoerl9162]

Both are salutes. The five- note blast is a "special occasion" version that originated in the Lakes in the early 20th C (maybe even earlier).

[@cgvt1]

Five short blasts is the danger signal in international and inland waters.It is no a salute.

[@tinylegends8305]

3:26

[@jaylenyoung2632]

John G Munson horn is my favorite also my uncle works on the Munson

[@jaimekeever9462]

I mean the ryerson

[@wigwagstudios2474]

alpena >8DDDDDDD

[@petersneddon1579]

8 minutes of horns with stills...no thanks.

[@nathantrain1372]

What whistle does the Charles M. Beeghly have?

[@garrynordiway4026]

Nathan Train she has a triple chime whistle or she has three all lesleys a 300 a 150 and a 350 I think

[@Mafiaman2463]

Leslie Typhon 300-400

[@mikegillaspy1721]

No fitz??

[@iijordaneerz]

Sadly no, there was no recording of her steam air horns.

[@mikegillaspy1721]

Any video of the interior ? B4 she sank. Ibe always wondered what cabins etc looked like

[@denn606]

James R. Barker for me, lower the better!

[@jaimekeever9462]

I hate the dyer son horn it sucked the best was the alpena because it had the Fitzgerald horn

[@mindymcmullen7443]

Out of all the ships I think the alpena is the best 🚢

[@jaimekeever9462]

I hate that horn the Ryerson it's the alpena is the best

[@tinylegends8305]

3:27