Michipicoten - The Final Arrival or a New Beginning?

There's a lot to unpack with this one!
Here is the Michipicoten arriving in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior late on the evening of June 20, 2024. She was coming in for inspection and (hopefully) repairs at Fraser Shipyards in Superior following an incident on June 8, 2024 that caused her to nearly sink in Lake Superior after having loaded taconite in Two Harbors. Several hours after leaving Two Harbors, a loud noise was heard and the Michipicoten began taking on water, listing to starboard up to 15 degrees. She was able to activate her pumps and safely divert to Thunder Bay, reducing her list to 5 degrees. The 1000-footer Edwin H. Gott came to her aid as she struggled to make it to Thunder Bay, helping to remove non-essential crew members. After making it to Thunder Bay, divers found a 13-foot "crack" in her hull on the forward starboard side. A temporary patch was applied to the crack and her taconite cargo was successfully off-loaded into her fleet mate, the Manitoulin. In order to more closely inspect her hull and make more permanent repairs, it was necessary to bring the Michipicoten to the nearest active dry dock at Fraser Shipyards in Superior. The Michipicoten made the journey under her own power, with tugboat escort to ensure that assistance was nearby if needed. The tug Glenada escorted her to the Canadian border, with the American tug Helen H escorting her the rest of the way.
This video starts as the Michipicoten nears the Duluth shipping canal. A security call alerts other vessels of their approach. The saltwater ship Aujaq had just departed through the canal and was outbound at the time. (This will be featured in a separate video on a later date.) After making the traditional call to the Aerial Lift Bridge, another call is made to the Coast Guard. This was likely an arranged call to keep the Coast Guard apprised of their progress. A nice crowd was on hand to welcome the Michipicoten back to the Twin Ports. As the crowd cheered her on, the Michipicoten gave a nice captain's salute... with the Aerial Lift Bridge giving a return salute. Even the tug Helen H treated us to a salute. (I think this may have been the first salute I've heard from the Helen H.)
I then followed the Michipicoten over to Rice's Point to watch her pass under the John A. Blatnik bridge and make the turn to port, into Howard's Bay, which leads into Fraser Shipyards. I wanted to capture as much of this arrival as I could, as we don't know the next time we'll see the Michipicoten in action (if at all). The plan was to put her in dry dock and give her a thorough inspection. Repairs will be carried out if there are economically feasible and she should eventually return to service. However, there is also a chance they may find enough damage or wear that they decide to retire the Michipicoten. If so, this video may have documented her final moments moving under her own power.
Over the past couple of weeks, we've heard from a lot of "armchair experts" about what happened and what should be done with the Michipicoten. I've refrained from commenting until now because the reality is that we won't know her fate until she is inspected. In my opinion, it's irresponsible to proclaim that she should be scrapped without knowing all the facts. Out of respect for her crew, I hope we can all wait to find out her condition once the inspection is complete. Here's hoping they return to service and operate safely for many more years to come!
The 698-foot Michipicoten was launched in 1952, originally named the Elton Hoyt 2nd. She sailed for Interlake Steamship Company until she was laid up in 2001 due to lack of demand. She was then purchased by Lower Lakes Towing in 2003 and renamed the Michipicoten before starting work with her new owners. All of the Lower Lakes Towing ship are named after rivers. (Her fleet-mates include the Mississagi, Cuyahoga, and Saginaw... though the Mississagi was retired at the conclusion of the 2020 season and was scrapped.) In 2010, her steam turbine was replaced with a 6-cylinder 8,200 horsepower diesel engine. Her current cargo capacity is 22,000 tons.
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[@BlueWaterRailfan]

It was nice to hear the crowd applauding the crew for their safe return!

[@bluerazor7049]

Absolutely! She's a survivor, she survived what could have been a huge disaster.

[@1Long2Short]

Yes, that was a nice welcome for them. 🙂

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

#SaveTheMichipicoten

[@karenyork2172]

Captain sounded like he was finally exhaling on their safe arrival. I know we all were as well. Welcome back! You aretruly blessed!

[@greggrauscher34]

Thanks for posting, another great video. Glad she made it safely to the dry dock and nice to see an enthusiastic crowd to greet her.

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you Gregg! I appreciate your support! 🙂

[@greggrauscher34]

No problem at all, I enjoy your videos.

[@messiahsbythesackful6267]

Thank you. Hope to hear her again soon! (It's the first time I've heard the Helen H salute, too.)

[@bettygilmore611]

Glad she arrived safe . Her captain sounded. Tired. You captured this beautifully.

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! Yes, I noticed some fatigue in the captain’s voice too. It had to be a long day.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I'm so happy and moved to see such a crowd turning out to see her back in, even at the late hour. That really shows how much the people there care about the ships, the crews, and the industry at large (hell, most of them probably know somebody who works on one of the ships). Like waiting for a family member to return after hearing they almost died. Also, on a fun note, I don't know if you noticed at the time (I only know because somebody else noticed), but while Manitoulin was en route to help offload, her listed destination on Marine Traffic was "WERE COMIN MICHI".

[@1Long2Short]

Yes, I noticed that! I even took a screenshot of it. 😄

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

@@1Long2Short Same here. An ore boater in a same Discord as me posted a screenshot, so I promptly got on MT myself to see if it still displayed. She had tied up at Thunder Bay by then, but her destination hadn't changed yet.

[@gregmctevia5087]

Beautiful piece. Now just wait and hope.

[@joankralik6794]

Hoping for the new beginning! Total respect & admiration for the Michipicoten & her crew (as well as the Helen H). They've been through a lot & I'm sure this trip (and uncertainty) is very hard on them. We've got some wonderful mariners sailing the lakes from both sides of the border & we see it when they come to the aid of others.

[@creeper8647]

May she sail again.

[@therago1456]

I bet the Mitchipicoten returns to service by September as her contract to supply the Algoma plant is really lucrative for Rand. Same case with the Cuyahoga and her contract.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

Metal fatigue is bad news hopefully she can be repaired and back into service the coast guard will probably start checking ships of her age for the same problems luckily for the crew it was caught before something really bad happened

[@1Long2Short]

Let’s hope she’s back in September! I’m worried we haven’t heard anything about the Cuyahoga lately.

[@1Long2Short]

The Coast Guard already requires inspections of vessels every five years. We don’t yet know if metal fatigue was the cause. Let’s see what the dry dock inspection reveals.

[@Skidderoperator]

Probably lose their insurance if it fails inspection.

[@alanmorrison3598]

@@1Long2Short more likely, the metal properties of entire hull do not come close to what the original design requirements require even with adequate safety margins.

[@blackmoom]

Keeping fingers crossed it's worth it for all concerned to get her repaired and sailing again 🤞! Saw her in person at Port Huron, Michigan last summer.

[@galewinds7696]

I drift fished for walleye on the st Clair River around Port Huron and Marysville, seen her going downbound and upbound. Brings back memories. ('70s /'80s).

[@michaelbell2418]

The one thing in her favor is her relatively new engngines that make further investment possible

[@crazyamers26]

Such a beauty!!! Hope they can save her

[@1Long2Short]

Me too! 🙂

[@waynesell3681]

Hoping she sails again. After the determination of extent damage and repair costs.

[@tmayer0009]

I hope it the later, new beginning. Thanks @1 long 2 short!

[@1Long2Short]

I hope so too! 🙂

[@chuckg6039]

Hi there. First, thanks so much for all your efforts following the ship all the way into the Fraser cut. I loved watching the pilot house spot piercing the night sky! The captain of the Manitoulin (Captain TJ) has a neat channel. Yesterday he responded to a comment I made by saying "Rand is bent on repair". Only time will tell what the final outcome will be for this gem of a classic laker. Thanks again for documenting as much of this journey as possible into Fraser.

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you Chuck! Yes, it sounds like repair is the plan. The only unknown is how much will be required to do it (and do it right). Hopefully the inspection yields positive results.

[@user-yb6zt2ey3j]

It's a nice ship

[@aisle9]

Good looking ship, and one I've always had a soft spot for. Here's hoping she makes it back to service.

[@donnhate9081]

Jonathan Ellsworth is the one who asked If we would see her again I sure hope we do...thanks 1L2S nice cover..:)

[@1Long2Short]

Yup, he was standing about 30 feet to my left! 🙂

[@janecarlson2978]

Beautiful lady

[@sse_weston4138]

Doing research into ocean going bulk carrier casualties, this news scared the hell out of me. Obviously inspection will bring out the finer details, but it has all the hallmarks of a brittle fracture. The fact that it happened while she was underway in *calm* waters is what concerns me the most, I'd half expect it from gale force, but not calm. No doubt in my mind she'd have foundered if she was caught in a storm.

[@1Long2Short]

Hard to know the cause with any certainty. She could have stressed that area in the past (hitting something, grounding, etc) and it finally let go.

[@sse_weston4138]

@@1Long2Short Very well could be (what I'm hoping is the case). Another cause, which wouldn't necessarily be owing to her condition, would be the strength differentials between old and new steel causing similar localized stresses. That's something that 'should' be addressed during her special surveys, but mistakes can happen. This is just speculation of course, my main concern was her making it to Duluth in one piece. Some of the cases I've studied had the ship take the salvage crew with them when suddenly sinking from the damage sustained.

[@nancykrempa5636]

I agree with you, my friend, we need to wait and see what the inspection shows and what the company decides to do. In the meantime, those of good faith and intentions will continue to hope that this was not the last time we'll hear her salute or see her proudly sail past. Keepin' the faith!! And giving the naysayers the stink-eye. ;)

[@1Long2Short]

Well said, Nancy! 🙂

[@Wagonman5900]

Like so many, I have soft spot for the lake ships built when they had to look good while they worked. And the Michipicoten holds special significance because I got to see her leave port in person this year. I want to see her sail again as much as the next guy. And at the same time, I know she is tired. 72 years is a long time and a lot of cargo. If her working career is over, I hope she gets retired with her dignity intact.

[@jeffdayman8183]

Hope things go well for Michipicoten in the drydock. If they get into trouble just let me know, I'll bring up a few wire coat hangers and the old 225 tombstone Lincoln welder and close up that crack! 8^) (mind you most things I fix with that rig don't have to float)

[@1Long2Short]

If they need you, I’ll tell em where to find you. 😄

[@jeffdayman8183]

@@1Long2Short 😄

[@texanleons]

Great video!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks!

[@danielmorris3687]

As you say, time will tell. We all want to see her repaired and safely sailing again, along with Cuyahoga, on whom I can't find any new info. Michie shouldn't have had to make this journey as the drydock in TBay was operating last season, but due to some political BS to try and buy votes in Quebec, Heddle Marine was shut out of Federal shipbuilding contracts and it's currently sitting idle with its tradesmen laid off. Great video 1L2S. ✌️✌️

[@cris_261]

Here's hoping the damage to Michipicoten's hull is repairable, and her owner can justify the expense. Likewise, I hope this isn't the last voyage. It wouldn't be the same without the speed queen/hardest working ship on the lakes. (And this is coming from someone who has yet to see any of the lake boats in person.)

[@1Long2Short]

I had to chuckle that while she made the trip to Duluth at reduced speed, she still sprinted across the harbor so fast that I barely caught up with her. That’s the Michipicoten I know. 😁

[@cris_261]

@1Long2Short I know they were taking it easy, but it looked like they were making that first turn "fast," after clearing the lift bridge. Even though she's down, Michipicoten still has it.

[@oceansoul3694]

She's still so proud, coming into the canal with such power and grace. I love her.

[@1Long2Short]

Yes, you wouldn’t know anything was up if it wasn’t for the tug escort and the large crowd. She looks as good as always. I’m used to being the only one who would welcome the Michipicoten late at night, so it’s kind of odd to see so many people there. 😉

[@audreyjohnson4599]

I saw a video with the saltie leaving before Michipicoten arrived. She was booking it to get out ahead of the laker.

[@1Long2Short]

Yes, “booking it” is exactly what she was doing! 🙂

[@robertezell1916]

I sure hope she doesn’t see the scraper’s torch anytime soon. I mean at this point I would think all those 500 to 700 ft freighters built in the 50’s and still going are legends and legends need to be preserved and used. Just think of all those boats have seen. I’m betting on the company to fix her and fix her right and while they have her dry docked I bet they go ahead and do any upgrades she needs to keep her in revenue service for years to come! Don’t count the old broad out yet! 😊

[@1Long2Short]

I think Lower Lakes is optimistic they can fix her. Let’s hope so! 🙂

[@AaronArroyo-sn4uy]

I love the forward pilothouse boats. Any news on the Cuyahoga?

[@1Long2Short]

Haven’t heard a peep about her. I’m fearing she may be done. 😔

[@almirria6753]

Sadly I fear this is going to be her next to last voyage. Her owners may not want to spend the extra funds for a total restoration of her hull

[@tuxedotservo]

On his channel, historian Wes Oleszewski said this isn't the first time this ship has had her hull crack, though it was under her old name and in bad weather. I guess the big question is this: how safe will a crew feel on her in wave action if she is repaired and returned to service? Will they do a complete ultrasound of the hull to look for other areas that might have metal fatigue? You know any post-repair Coast Guard inspection is going to be rigorous to say the least... Also had a lot of faith in that patchwork they did on the crack - I was sure they were going to make her go without crew, brought down via tug.

[@cris_261]

I'm thinking they'll go over Michipicotin with a fine tooth comb while she's in dry dock. Here's hoping she can be repaired and returned to service.

[@1Long2Short]

The patch wasn’t designed to be watertight from what I’m hearing. It opened into her bilge tanks… which is bad news when you’re fully loaded, but okay when you’re just running in ballast. They waited for a calm day to make the trip and probably only had essential crew on board.

[@tuxedotservo]

@@1Long2Short ah good info to know.

[@johnmanthey2683]

My dad would role over in his grave to see and hear what happened to her.

[@Jfk3434]

Roll😂

[@galewinds7696]

I believe this old lady is making her final docking.

[@1Long2Short]

We shall know in the coming weeks. Her owners are optimistic about getting her repaired.

[@alanmorrison3598]

Emotions must be separated from the investigation..When push comes to shove, if the ship was "repaired" and returned to service and the went down with loss of life and cargo, would that honor the ship or it's owners, designers, operators? I think not. You can say "time will tell" but that means literally nothing in this case.

[@1Long2Short]

So you don’t believe in doing the inspection and making a decision based on the results?

[@1Long2Short]

I was responding to alanmorrison3598 but it may have appeared like I was responding to you. I agree that a full inspection is the wise course to ensure that there are no other failures waiting to occur.

[@littlesteve855]

Assuming she goes into dry dock, is there any way you can get to her to see whats up?

[@1Long2Short]

She’s already in dry dock, but there’s no way for the public to see any damage… as the fracture is where her hull curves under.

[@treeandaturd]

whose filling in for her?

[@1Long2Short]

The Saginaw is currently doing her runs from the Twin Ports to Algoma Sault.

[@alanmorrison3598]

I love the old lakers as much as anybody but this is and must be her final arrival..😢

[@1Long2Short]

Why is that? Are you in contact with those doing the inspection?

[@alanmorrison3598]

@@1Long2Short are you?

[@1Long2Short]

No, but then I’m not saying what “must” be done. I’m waiting to hear what the inspection finds.