Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Yeah, I saw it up there this afternoon. The Bay is still completely open and evidently the ice were it is docked was thin enough that they were able to just drive into it. The stern is open water, but at least 75% of the rest of the ship is in the ice. (and there were a couple of ice fishermen set up not too far from it!) When I was up there this afternoon, there was a crane along side setting the anchors on shore.

Indeed the Algoma Compass is secure in Owen Sound , watched the lads securing all the lines this morning, still on ships power and snow clearing was underway to make the shore power supply available , been a bit of a struggle for this crew over the last few weeks and I bid them a safe , happy and WARM time at home

Algoma Compass is shown in Owen Sound Jan 31 AM.

I see that the Compass is well out into Lake Huron. I am a little puzzled though. I realize that the position showing on the AIS map as well as on Marine Traffic is well over 3 hours old, but it seem to be quite far to the west to be heading to Owen Sound. Also, I don't see any icebreakers anywhere close and last time I was in Owen Sound (about 4 days ago), there was at least enough ice on the port for people to be ice fishing.
Thanks in advance for any information.

Ice is breaking up fast here in lower Detroit river by Wyandotte. Next few days should be mostly clear with the weather forecast.

Algoma Compass is on the move. Wednesday (Jan 29) morning, she's stationary in the anchorage just below Belle Isle on the Detroit River. Looks like she's waiting for icebreaker escort.

By any means, this situation looks like they have a crane barge alongside which is probably using a grab to break up and drop the frozen coal. I've even seen pics of cranes using a big piece of I-beam to drop into a hold to dislodge stuck cargo, and also guys on the chains using air lances and sledgehammers. Its a slow, cold slog.

Just out of curiosity, how do they deal with a frozen cargo like that? Do they have to wait until the weather warms up? Thanks in advance for any info.

Ah, now that makes more sense! I was wondering then if that could’ve been a reason and issue as per their extended stay in Detroit. Thanks Greatlaker for updating us all on that! Hopefully 🙏 somehow they get that coal cargo unfrozen soon so that they can unload it and then head for layup next. I suppose there is still crew members aboard the Compass working diligently and overtime to get that coal cargo unfrozen so that they can quickly get it unloaded soon then head for layup. Like with the Manitoulin being stuck in the ice last week off of Buffalo in part, betcha those crew on the Compass will be glad to get off the ship and return home to their families soon! Thanks again my friend Greatlaker and be and stay safe & warm and too, have a good winter my friend.

They are dealing with a frozen cargo of coal.

I’ve asked that same question in part as well Old Sailor on a different post and thread as far as if she’s laid up in Detroit or will she go someplace else? So far I have not gotten or received a reply or response yet with any information.

Given that there are a pair of tugs alongside I'd imagine they have one big mess of frozen or hung up cargo. I very much doubt Algoma would lay a boat up in the US unless it had a storage cargo or unless they had no other choice.

I totally agree. Ever since I starting watching the lakeboats (1959) - yeh, I'm old - there has never been a laid-up boat at the entrance to the Rouge. I've spent countless hours tramping around Windsor's old harbor terminals and not once has there been anyone laid up in the Rouge. Truly odd. That said, I'm sure an electrical line and a water line could have or likely has been run out to where Algoma Compass is laid up.

What's up with the Algoma Compass? Now I read she has laid up in the Rouge Shortcut ? Unheard off. No power or water.