Splashing Along to the Music!

Making a quick departure through headwinds and some nice waves, H Lee White departed empty through the Canal, bound for Marquette MI on the other side of the lake after discharging limestone in Superior. This was an unplanned but extremely welcome catch for me, was just getting off work and driving home when I spotted her from the interstate behind Rice’s Point, so quickly changed plans! Figured I’d have about 20 minutes but she came and went a lot faster than I anticipated! Also feel kind of bad for the small sailboat that was getting tossed around like a toy!
Built in 1974, the 704ft laker is in her 50th season, one of the oldest vessels of the modern laker design. One the most versatile ships in the US lake fleet, she is one of the few vessels that can and will use the Welland/St Lawrence seaways and is capable of hauling grain cargos. She has had a fairly consistent and drama free career, aside from one notable exception: a collision with a lift bridge in Detroit in 1992, after the bridge operator did not lift the bridge as radioed to the ship’s crew. The collision destroyed the lift section and caused several million dollars in damages, but the ship and her crew was deemed not at fault in court, with the blame being placed entirely on the operator. The legalities continued until 2006. As of 2020-present the ship is co-owned and operated jointly by American Steamship Company and Rand Logistic’s Grand Navigation Company, which allows her to perform runs contracted to either company.
Enjoy!