Timing is everything and sometimes one is simply lucky. Such as today, I just happened to look at the Detroit camera at the right time and recognized a rather unique opportunity to document three coast guard vessels and three tankers. Due to the increasing risk from ice, most of the ships that are sailing still are being escorted by icebreakers. (Good thing too, the tug/barge pair I shared with you the other day required two attempts passing under the Mackinac Bridge as she got stuck on the first attempt.)
So, the first thing I saw was Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon.
Before she was close enough to read the name, I checked Marine Traffic to confirm it was Griffon. That's when I knew I was in for a treat - because there would be a lot of activity for the next 45 minutes or so.
As Griffon passed, you could see the ice she was breaking to ensure the tankers could pass through safely.
After Griffon, US Coast Guard Hollyhock (214) passed, also assisting with the ice. She is usually docked up in Port Huron, Michigan, so it was a treat to see her down in Detroit.
Following these two icebreakers, Algosea came through. She is one of the tankers for Algoma Corporation who frequently visits Sarnia, Ontario. She is being followed by US Coast Guard Morro Bay.
The ships head off "downbound" (downstream) - Algosea is off to Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, escorted by Griffon. In this last picture here, you can see Algocanada (also operated by Algoma Corporation) on her way upbound to Sarnia...
But first... a quick cameo from US Coast Guard Morro Bay (106)
Now, we have Algocanada escorted by Hollyhock. You can see the chunks of ice very clearly in some of these pictures now.
Hollyhock will escort Algocanada probably all the way to Sarnia (about 5 hours from Detroit, maybe longer in the ice.)
Until I saw her on the camera, I didn't realize we were also expecting Iver Bright to pass. She's another tanker, operated by Iver Ships and under the Dutch flag. I love her bright red (like with Griffon) which just livens up the water.
Morro Bay is escorting Iver Bright - at least to Algonac, Michigan, but maybe all the way to Sarnia depending on the ice jams that are redeveloping on the St. Clair River at the moment. (Which threatens to block shipping as well as flood the local communities.)
Last view of these ships before they head out onto Lake St. Clair. It takes about 2.5 hours to cross Lake St. Clair, so it will be dark before these ships reach the StreamTime Live cameras at Algonac and Marine City. If you see this about the right time, you might be able to see these ships come into Sarnia via Boatnerd's Port Huron, Michigan camera (start looking at around 21.30 Eastern - GMT -5).
Please visit one of Boatnerd's cameras - where all of today's stills were captured from.
Here's the whole video of the ice escort event today - it's worth a watch.
Today's images are from:
Boatnerd - Detroit, Michigan
The sharing of the pictures/cameras is encouraged for the education and enjoyment of all. Please take a look at these cameras on YouTube.
Note: Boatnerd also hosts shipping news, huge amounts of data about almost any "laker" and even many of the "saltie" visitors - and even a book called "Know Your Ships". I would encourage supporting his great work, especially as he has plans to add more cameras in 2021.
If you want to be tagged in future shipspotting posts, please let me know and I'll add you to this list.
@jamerussell
(I can also remove you if you wish.)
Past Shipspotting Posts
Watching the Ships in Duluth, Minnesota
Watching the Ships at Port Huron, Michigan
Trains and Ships on the Mississippi, Fort Madison, Iowa
Year's End Shipping in Duluth - Dec 31, 2020 - featuring Algoma Guardian, American Spirit, Baie Comeau, Great Republic and Stewart J Cort.
Farewell Algoma Enterprise - Jan 5, 2021 - featuring Algoma Enterprise, Algoma Niagara and Joyce van Enkevort.
Mississagi's Final Voyage - Jan 5, 2021
Persistence Pays Off - Feb 11, 2021 - featuring Morro Bay, Samuel Risley, Griffon and Algosea.
Freewrites that include ship pictures...
Winter, Writing and Winging It - featuring Drawsko and Federal Oshima.
Shipping-based art
Shipspotting Buzzes
Lakers:
American Steamship Company - American Integrity,
Canada Steamship Lines - Frontenac, Rt Hon Paul J Martin,
Interlake - James R Barker, Kaye E Barker,
Coast Guard:
Canadian - Samuel Risley
Salties:
BBC - BBC Swift
Two or more ships - Burns Harbor & Stewart J Cort,
Jamna, Sinaa, Torrent and Federal Dart,
USCG Biscayne Bay - 104, CCG Samuel Risley, Michigan w/ Great Lakes and USCG Morro Bay - 106
Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
(Buy my work at RedBubble, TeePublic, PicFair and DeviantArt.)
verified author on Goodreads
(Buy my books at Books2Read and at LBRY)
Thank you, you got some really awesome shots there, and yes, I like being notified @viking-ventures!
You're welcome! I figured I was safe enough testing it on you!
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!
Are you on vacation?
Sadly, no. I have to use streaming cams for my shipspotting (as is mentioned in the post.)