Tag Archives: Arthur Anderson entering Duluth Canal

Arthur Anderson Entering Duluth with Sea Smoke

The Arthur Anderson has been on service on the Great Lakes since 1952. She was the last ship in communication with the Edmund Fitzgerald when it sank in 1975. On Saturday she headed into Duluth Canal early in the morning. As you will see from the video, sea smoke was abundant that morning. Sea smoke occurs when you have cool air above a warmer liquid causing condensation to appear. The effect is quite dramatic when you see it on the Great Lakes or on any body water. That means the air is colder than the water causing this effect.

Arthur Anderson Entering Duluth Canal 9 Dec 21

It is hard to believe the Arthur Anderson is 69 years old. Built in 1952 for the Pittsburgh Steamship Division of U.S. Steel, she has become one of those lake freighters that has become popular with those who observe such boats on the lake. She has had several refits over the years allowing her to carry up 26,000 tons and with a self-loading boom added in 1981, she can load and unload quicker. She famously was the last ship in contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald on that fateful night of 10 December 1975 when she sank. She reported the loss to the Coast Guard and later participated in searching for survivors. In 2015 the Anderson became stuck in ice in Lake Erie and had to be assisted by the Canadian Coast Guard. After being freed from the ice, the ship was put on long term lay-up to determine her damage and refit as needed. She was returned to service in July 2019 and continues serving on the Great Lakes. Here shew is entering Duluth Canal on 9 Dec 21. It is cool morning but there is large group of people there to see her arrive. Note the ice in the canal indicating winter has most definitely setting in on the Great Lakes. She gives off a master salute as she enters.