S.S. William Clay Ford - December 1984 - Capt. Donald Erickson & Crew

[@danbasta3677]

One of the other ore carrying ships that joined the Arther Anderson going out into the gales of Lake Superior to participate in rescue maneuvers when the Big Fitz went down. Thank You Captain Don Erickson for your decision to try and help when help was needed at that crucial moment and time.

[@TheReal_Faxzy]

It was this one sir

[@bardahlspl55]

i sailed on the clay... capt. erickson was a fine ship handler. would've liked to have seen more of the engineroom... al bottrell always treated me well and russ renqhuist is the other engineer with him in the brief shot..

[@williamstamper442]

I want to triple like your comment but that is not an option!

[@patrickdawson3960]

@@williamstamper442 I liked it for you, so that's two! I wish I could have met Captain Erickson.

[@Chrisamos412]

It’s always a sad day when they scrap a ship, especially one that’s still has life left in her and one that you spent time on. Both USNavy ships I lived on were scrapped, it’s hard to put into words when this happens.

[@truthseeker2321]

I think I know what you mean, even though I am an Army man- some units I served in were deactivated and completely done away with. One of these units had 55 straight years of active service from ww2 until 1995. Another had active service from the civil war until 1995. Maybe not the same as something like a ship, but I get what you mean.

[@williamstamper442]

Its Jan 2020 and i just found this vid and it makes me sad. I am not a boat guy or pic enthusiast, i worked aboard the j.w. westcott mailboat from 1988-1992. While working at the Westcott, on dry land, i had the honor of picking up Capt Don and bringing him to our office at 48222 ft of 24th street. I remember not knowing much but boss man, mr Jim Hogan asked me and i drove my 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88 and remember Capt. Don mentioning how much he appreciated my car and how impressed he was with the ride. I thanked him. Mind you, the only reason i had that job was because of Capt Don's son Eric. We met at henry ford community college in class. He suggested a job there at the Westcott, i was hired and the rest is history...kinda like this story lol. At first i didnt realize this was film from the Clay Ford's final passage. This is priceless footage from and for the flagship vessel of the fleet of rouge ore boats! I heard Capt Don was like other flagship captains, as he did "white glove" inspections in the engine room occasionally" ...lol. Yet riding in my olds 88 he was the most appreciative gentleman ever! I'll never forget that. Also i will never forget my time on the Westcott. Thank you Jim Hogan! Any time i enter that pilot house i think of Capt. Don!!! One more gem...Paul Jagenaw from the Westcott...tough guy to be around but well respected and i miss his banter, lol. Actually the entire crew at Westcott...i thank all of you for an awesome memory in life! I cant stop editing these comments....so many memories more i watch. Re-Edit maybe i AM a boat guy because i LOVE these videos

[@pt6244]

Bill, This brings back fond memories. My family owned and operated the Midland Steamship Lines until the flag was hauled down in 1964. The history of the bulkers has remained the great hobby of my life. Pete Tewksbury

[@danbasta3677]

And Greetings from Midland, Pennsylvania, Beaver County Western Pennsylvania.

[@taposirusmagna8504]

Life in the old days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me old school Merchant Mariners!!! So sad to see beautiful ship scrapped.

[@REMMc-jx7vc]

Brings back memories.....My father was a Captain for Canada Steamship Lines and a Federal Pilot (Cdn). On the lakes for 52 years. Just retired last December 2016. Great stories. Iron Boats and sturdy sailors :)

[@BrettHartleygetfitwithbrett]

as a child and still today I love these boats. My uncle worked on the EG Grace back in the 50's. And my trips back to Duluth to visit family always included seeing the big ships coming to Duluth. These ships will always hold a nostalgic place in my heart. And this video helped bring an intimate feel to work the boats. very cool!

[@jaimekeever9462]

Brett Hartley steamship are the best with the classic steam horn like the alpena and the edward l ryerdon

[@jaimekeever9462]

ryerson*

[@Biwabik223]

They need to make this a DVD that we can purchase! Miss the W.C. Ford

[@robinbarr36]

Love this!! My dad is in the video :-)

[@davidolson8356]

Which person was your father?

[@LakeStateRailfan]

@@davidolson8356 Jerry McCart, he's my great uncle. By the way, Aunt Robin, this is Dylan.

[@paulwshanabarger981]

It was the first boat I work on. Spent 20 years with the Ford fleet. My last was the Ernest Breech.

[@davidolson8356]

My father said to say hi.

[@corndogextreme8887]

I was a deckhand on Mississippi river for awhile I'm from Wisconsin what would it take for me to work out there on the lakes

[@hulado]

@@corndogextreme8887 contact the Seafarers International Union or for deep sea Military Sealift Command. good luck.

[@jimmartin7881]

And they were very well paid.

[@rcoupe5796]

Enjoyed the video while on night watch in the powerhouse to pass the time. I sailed on several steamships built in the 40's and 50's as 3rd to 1st assistant engineer. These ships ran better than the diesels I sailed on and less maintenance.

[@25mfd]

The William clay ford with captain Bernie cooper was one of only two ships that went back out to search for the fitzgerald on that fateful day. While they didn't force anyone to go back and search, they did ask. To go back out in that weather took GUTS and HEART.

[@davidcrespojr5953]

Bernie Cooper wasn't the Captain of the Clay Ford.....he was the Captain of the Anderson.

[@danbasta3677]

My exact point I was going to write about. Yes, the Captain of the William Clay Ford was apprehensive about going out on Superior, first said no, then changed his mind, saying someones gotta do it and said he would appreciate it if it were he and his crew that was in danger or who went down for someone to come looking for him and his crew, so, he pulled anchor and joined in the serch for the Big Fitz. Now the bridge of that ship is on dry lsnd on one of the lakes ground, overlooking the lake, as she has since been scrapped, from what I have read.

[@williamstamper442]

Try Capt. Don Ericson making that call to go out and search...leaving a safe Harbor

[@MsBeachLizard]

Dan Basta That was Captain Bernie Cooper of the Arthur M Anderson. He was the one who reported the Fitz disappearance. He was asked to go back out--three times. He hesitated but went. The USCG couldn't get there until the next morning.

[@danbasta3677]

Yes, I know. However the Discovery channel also showed the William Clay Ford with it's anchor down on shore, and Captain Donald Erickson was asked. He at first said no, he didn't want to go out there with the dangerous gales. He went down to his cabin, thought it out, and decided to pull anchor at a safe port, and join the serch with the Arther Anderson and Captain Bernie Jesse Cooper to participate in rescue procedures and maneuvers. The Captain of the William Clay Ford said that he would appreciate it if someone were to go out and look for him and his crew if it were his ship that went down, is what prompted his decision to join in on rescue maneuvers.

[@SooRiverLover]

Outstanding. Thank you Bill.

[@b3j8]

Damn, those shots of that Thanksgiving dinner made me pretty hungry! Bet that was one delicious meal!

[@Harleydom55]

yes, she was. I helped rebuild the very spotlight on the Ford that searched for the "Fitz".

[@geoffbuddy1029]

Harleydom55 qh

[@j.whiteoak6408]

That's what I remember the most about the name, "William Clay Ford" - - that she was one of the ships that her Captain and Crew so bravely took her out into hurricane conditions on 10th and 11th November, 1975 to search for survivors of the Edmund Fitzgerald or anything else that they might pick up. Today is 8th November 2019 so gearing up for Monday when we remember the 29 souls lost that night. "The legend lives on ..." for the EF, but the Ford is a part of that legend too so no one can forget her. Still sorry that she's gone, of course.

[@rwood6980]

Ahhh, Captain. I never got above my 3000 ton master but I am with you. Calm seas and fair winds.

[@nickclayton2517]

I went to the Dawsons great lake museum I love watching these ships go down the Detroit River at Belle Isle.

[@nickclayton2517]

I love this. Thanks for making this video. Awesome time capsule

[@toddc2479]

it's fascinating seeing the Wheelhouse on the clay ford.I've been in it at the dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle. Spooky.

[@MsBeachLizard]

Especially after you see it like this. The life and work of the men who made it "home."

[@servicarrider]

And it's the cooks that make the day.

[@billalbion]

Excellent. Thank you very much.

[@1188881]

Grew up in Port Huron --saw the William Clay Ford pass lakeside park in the sixties-----it had a one cylinder engine then---correct? in 1966 we could hear it coming up past our house at 4258 Gratiot ave-----thank you for the history preserved--!!

[@1954crc]

Great video! Thanks for the posting.

[@livinglargeandfree8322]

I was fortunate enough to live on the former Benson Ford after it was turned into a home on South Bass Island in the summer of 95....

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

The old lake freighters have a real majestic beauty to them.

[@carlj5609]

That brought back a lot of memories and a chance to see a long lost friend DG

[@papabits5721]

The classic style straight decker, now I want prime rib

[@Bxtskul1l]

Those crane shovels just banging around the hull - I can't imagine the damage over time from that.

[@bluerazor7049]

The Ford's Leslie 300 steam salutes: 0:03 1:55 2:01 11:07 19:28 Ford and J. W. Wescott II salutes. 21:19 Master salute! 44:50 Master salute. 59:03 Final master salute of the Ford along with another salute of the Westcott.

[@GLK-London]

Great video, thank you for sharing this.

[@privatedetective6516]

They had some great food on that boat!

[@carlj5609]

I don't recall seeing this video before Good to see guys that I had worked with Jerry (Dave G RIP) Brings back memories of working on the lakes

[@Northernstar9370]

As a follow up, Jim Nuzzo went on to Captain the Lee A Tregurtha, the WC Fords replacement after Ford sold out it's marine division.

[@scottburns5376]

That's a pretty good nugget. Good catch!

[@Brecconable]

Watching the galley scene is making me hungry!

[@truthseeker2321]

Probably the hardest job on a ship, preparing meals in some of the worst conditions at sea, so the crew can eat. My hat is off to the galley crew.

[@scottpeters5230]

I used to run around as young kids in Taylor, Mi. with his son, Eric. Was at there house many times.

[@williamstamper442]

Lol me too! I miss Eric, dont know how to find him now

[@taposirusmagna5433]

DOES THIS BRING BACK MEMORIES

[@4GUESTS]

love that sound

[@jimmartin7881]

I was looking for a head cleaner and the tracking controls throughout this whole thing.

[@79tazman]

This is one of the Ships that searched for the Edmund Fitzgerald the night it went down

[@rcanterb7126]

79tazman It was actually with it the night, they were both at the same heading together, communicating through radio. The captain of the Ford radioed it in first.

[@williamstamper442]

Yep Capt. Don said "send it" and left safe Harbor

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

@@rcanterb7126 no.. Not correct.. The other ship that was few miles behind Edmund Fitzgerald was SS Arthur M. Anderson.

[@thepatriot8514]

Jon bones Mahomes 💯 correct and excellent historical observation.

[@MsBeachLizard]

R Canterb7 Nope. Captain Bernie Cooper of the Arthur M Anderson rode behind the Fitzgerald. He called it in.

[@FortunaFortesJuvat]

Scrapping her was a crime, that's all there is to say

[@bransonbankenbush4887]

FortunaFortesJuvat she could’ve been a great museum. They should have docked her in her home port. She was also a ship that searched for the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@danbasta3677]

Yes, she was scrapped, shame, however matainance on these old ships costs a great deal, that's why they scrap them. Her bridge is still around on a area of land over looking the one of the great lakes, and also, the Big Fitz's sister ship the Arther B. Homer has also been scrapped as well to.

[@imvandenh]

@@bransonbankenbush4887 Any ship's master could tell you why your suggestion didn't happen and wouldn't have.... A ship does not make any money sitting in port. It becomes an expense there, incurring costs to the owner that becoming a museum is unlikely to offset. Would not break even much less earn profit. All the warm fuzzies in the world don't change that. Money talks, BS walks.

[@imvandenh]

Matter of opinion really. If it were fact, the bums who did it would have been arrested or sued or both.

[@corndogextreme8887]

@@danbasta3677 that's the Bensen Ford

[@tuxedotservo]

If she'd already been a self-unloader by this point, the Ford might have survived that period in the mid-90's where a lot of Lake ships ended up being scrapped due to the collapse of the steel industry. Instead, she was scrapped in 1987, 8 years after being lengthened to 767 feet.

[@MsBeachLizard]

Kinda sad to see it end like that.

[@tech83studio38]

That sunset is so Blade Runner the shadows of the smokestacks & cranes cutting through the light and smog.

[@andrewimray337]

Some strong moustaches in that kitchen

[@firstlast1047]

The ending is sad. Akin to the death of a beloved friend. (The ship).

[@johnziegelbauer4999]

Born in Toronto , I am a Great Lakes boy .

[@firstlast1047]

At 0:59:05 of the video 3 long and 1 short of horn is sounded, with an acknowledgment by another ship. What maneuver is indicated.

[@satchelh]

Awesome video. It's a shame they didn't convert her. $12 million seems cheap now, doesn't it? She seemed to be in good shape and one of those boats that was designed well. I've worked on far worse that are still running today. The way some things are done will never change, except now they are done with less manpower. I like Nuzzo's sunglasses and Ford jacket. Think he still has them?

[@JeffreyAustinThePhyrefyter]

satchelh Short sighted bean counters.

[@dknowles60]

Then 1000 ft long boats to it a lot cheaper

[@williamstamper442]

After rouge steel was sold off it went downhill fast for the boat industry. More boats scrapped in the 80s than ever before. Around that time all our steel went to China. Scrap was worth ridiculous amounts of dollars then....per pound.

[@NickMinch13]

My great grandfather was the first mate

[@ralphdyson7926]

I really enjoy these videos. Thank you. Why do these boats (ships) have bowsprits?

[@rileyk99]

I've heard it called a "steering pole" so my guess is that since you can't see the bow its to give you a reference for steering.

[@nickclayton2517]

Wow this guy owned Diamond Jack River tours

[@firstlast1047]

When did the use of the 24 hr clock become more common. As late as 2006 I had to request the shore based crew coordinator to use the 24 hr clock. Our crew changes, literally, could occur 24/7

[@caseylimbert266]

They ate good on the boat that day

[@edmctug8800]

Note the use of the Marine operator Before cell phones sat nav and GPS !

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Her last run in Dec 1984? (according to Wikipedia in July 2020)

[@79tazman]

Where were they at unloading was it Zug Island in Detroit??

[@danaharris503]

Not Zug Island, but follow the Rouge river at Zug toFord's steel mill at the Rouge Plant in Dearborn, I think AK Steel runs the steel mill now.

[@williamstamper442]

Delivering ore to rouge steel was this fine vessel's only purpose!

[@carlj5609]

They were unloading at the slip in the rouge plant

[@bbeeprobst]

Fantastic

[@taposirusmagna5433]

Old School !! Awesome!! Been their done that. Frame 1:04:26!!

[@jodyburke7107]

Cool Stuff, Love it,

[@detroit8v715]

Looks like the River Rouge area near Detroit.

[@taposirusmagna5433]

awesome movie

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Amazing.

[@andywilliams1160]

Does anyone know what happened to the other two, I'm sure there was four of these built.

[@Northernstar9370]

The Kay E Barker, the Reserve, and what is now the tug combo Pathfinder are the other AAA boats. The Ford was the newest of the 4 and ironically was the only one scrapped. Sad situation....

[@joeault9653]

I know the Benson Ford ended up being cut in two just behind the pilot house. It is now a house ( believe it or not) sitting up on a low cliff on South Bass Island just outside of Put in Bay in Lake Erie.

[@justaboatnerd1110]

andrew williams The Arthur M. Anderson is in long term layup, her two identical sisters ships (Philip R Clarke, Cason J Callaway) are still running The Reserve was turned into a barge and the JL Mauthe too

[@livinglargeandfree8322]

@@joeault9653 I lived on it for a summer in 1995.

[@briangustafson5757]

William Clay Ford was a good Boat

[@trevorgordon4160]

nice video. this isnt the ship thats sitting in duluth right now for tours is it?

[@Northernstar9370]

No, thats the William A Irvin. Which is over at Frasier ship yard at the moment in drydock getting some maintenance and paint work done.

[@Mafiaman2463]

Nope that's the William a Irvin built in 36 this was built in 53

[@nickclayton2517]

What ever happen to the Arthur b homer ?

[@Northernstar9370]

It was scrapped out in the 80s, same as the Ford. Sad that so many good boats went to the breakers.....

[@justaboatnerd1110]

Nick C Scrapped 1987

[@danbasta3677]

She was scrapped in 1986. The Arther B. Homer as you know, is the Big Fitz's sister ship.

[@Mafiaman2463]

She was scrapped in the 80's

[@WolfesOwn47th]

Scrapped.

[@hulado]

no matter where that melted steel ever goes part of it will always be a part of an oar boat.

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

What happened to our beloved Laker Fleet?

[@behrens97]

Selfunloaders and cheap overseas steel is what happened to all the good ships

[@keithkeil5455]

My father was a deck hand,the Captain would have my dad take the dog for a walk and do his duty Not sure which Captain and year The Dog was a White Spitz

[@johnziegelbauer4999]

Plus I have swam in Huron Ontario and Superior . Oh and Georgian Bay .

[@Joelontugs]

They definitely didn't have to worry about starving to death lol

[@billhaight1727]

exellent

[@b17bass59]

Month and year I was born.

[@joshuamuir7577]

horn at 19:28

[@jaimekeever9462]

didn't it turn into the vally camp

[@Mafiaman2463]

Nah the Hull is scrapped pilot house is in Detroit

[@540allison]

looks like the fitzgerald

[@danbasta3677]

They ALL have pretty much the same look and design.

[@natewendt5890]

Sounds like he is important

[@jkujat75]

Now known as the SS Lee A. Tregurtha

[@Northernstar9370]

That was the Walter Strerling that became the next WC Ford and was then named LA Tregurtha. That was one of the boats from Cleveland Cliffs that Bill mentioned in the beginning of the film.

[@justaboatnerd1110]

Jeff K That’s the William Clay Ford 2!!!

[@TempoDrift1480]

$12 million? Sumbich that's a lot.

[@choirboyfromhell1]

0:27:00 MAFOR'S!

[@guidomatrulli1687]

scrapped