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Collision in Straits of Mackinac

Collision in Straits of Mackinac

MESABI_MINER

The 1004 foot long, dwt 62335 bulk carrier Mesabi Miner collided with the 68 meter long, Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock near the Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac.  The Hollyhock was breaking ice with several lake freighters following behind with the Miner following astern of the icebreaker.  When the Hollyhock hit an ice pressure ridge, it suddenly halted.  The Mesabi Miner was unable to stop and struck the stern of the cutter.  The cutter had significant damage to its stern and fantail while the Mesabi Miner sustained damage to its bow.  The Mesabi Miner was freed later the same day by the assistance of cutters Biscayne Bay and Katmai Bay.  The Hollyhock proceeded to St. Ignace aided by the cutter Biscayne Bay.  The Mesabi Miner continued on its way to Gary, Indiana with its cargo of iron ore.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
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The Great Storm of 1913

The Great Storm of 1913

The Charles S Price capsized in Lake Huron.  Known as the Mystery Ship until it could be identified.
The Charles S Price capsized in Lake Huron. Known as the Mystery Ship until it could be identified.
Waves crash along the Chicago shoreline during the storm.
Waves crash along the Chicago shoreline during the storm.
Cleveland had 22 inches of snow dumped during the storm.
Cleveland had 22 inches of snow dumped during the storm.
Life Saving Station at Point Aux Barques on Lake Huron was completely destroyed in the storm.
Life Saving Station at Point Aux Barques on Lake Huron was completely destroyed in the storm.
The crew of the Wexford were able to don life jackets, but perished before reaching shore on Lake Huron.
The crew of the Wexford were able to don life jackets, but perished before reaching shore on Lake Huron.

One hundred years ago, one of the ferocious storms struck the Great Lakes.  Before radar or weather forecasts, vessel went out onto the lakes where two storms merged into a tempest.  Between November 7th and 10th, 30 vessels stranded and 12 vessels were lost with all hands and over 250 total people lost their lives.

Vessels foundered during the storm:

  • Argus – Lake Huron with 28 lives lost.
  • Charles S. Price – Lake Huron 28 lives lost.
  • Henry B. Smith – Lake Superior with 25 lives lost.
  • Hydrus – Lake Huron with 25 lives lost.
  • Isaac M. Scott – Lake Huron with 28 lives lost.
  • James Carruthers – Lake Huron with 22 lives lost.
  • John A. McGean – Lake Huron with 28 lives lost.
  • Leafield – Lake Superior with 18 lives lost.
  • Lightship LV 82 – Lake Erie with 6 lives lost.
  • Plymouth – Lake Michigan with 7 lives lost.
  • Regina – Lake Huron with 20 lives lost.
  • Wexford – Lake Huron with 20 lives lost.

 

 

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Alpena

Alpena

ALPENA

The 158 meter long, 19414 self-unloading bulk freighter Alpena became trapped in Ice in Green Bay, Lake Michigan.  The Alpena had stopped during the night when it encountered thick ice.   The freighter became trapped as the ice and water around the vessel refroze.   Two Coast Guard Cutters arrived the following day and freed the Alpena.   The Cutters began ice breaking operations in the southern section of Green Bay.   No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

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