Ships Departing Duluth in Response to Michipicoten’s Distress Call (6/8/24)

International maritime laws state that any vessel in range of a distress call that is capable of providing aide is required to attempt to do so. The goal it to have as much support available as possible. Better to have too many resources than too few, equipment that might be needed to save lives could be present on one boat, but not another, therefore even if another vessel is closer and responding, they’re still required to respond unless told otherwise. Disclaimer: I’m not a legal expert so if anyone knows better, please correct me if I’m wrong on that and I’ll adjust the description accordingly.
On 6/8/24, the 697ft laker Michipicoten suffered a massive hull failure (initially reported as a collision), ripping a 13ft gash in the starboard hull. Taking on water faster than the ship could pump it out, she started listing up to 15 degrees threatening to capsize and sink the vessel. Even though several vessels were closer, ships departed Duluth in response to the incident. The Coast Guard, doing their duty, deployed the cutter Spar. Behind them was the 1000ft laker Presque Isle, which had been finishing refueling operations and preparing for a quick sail within the harbor over to the Superior ore dock to load. Instead they turned around and departed through the Canal and headed out onto the lake. Ultimately the Edwin H Gott arrived at the stricken vessel first and together with a Canadian Coast Guard vessel and a National Park boat from Isle Royale, brought her safely into Thunder Bay. The two ships that departed were ultimately called off when they were near the Two Harbors area, and Presque Isle ended up swapping cargo runs with Gott, loading in Two Harbors instead. Also in the harbor at that time was American Integrity, which was in the middle of loading coal and finished roughly 40 minutes later before departing as well.
In the meantime, me and my girlfriend were up on the balcony at Grandma’s Restaurant at the end of the bridge, eating an anniversary lunch there. We were making a point not to be on our phones for the occasion, so it was a surprise when the bridge lifted to its full height. At the time we had no idea what was going on in the lake, but ships randomly changing plans is not exactly an out of the ordinary occurrence, and the Spar always comes and goes without much notice so we didn’t think much of it. So we very much enjoyed the unusual and unexpected vantage point the balcony provided. Only later did we realize what was going on. Thankfully everyone is ok, although the future of one of the Great Lakes’ most popular vessels is highly uncertain. Hopefully things turn out for the best.
I hope everyone enjoys the unique perspective, regardless of the circumstances!

Пікірлер: 124

  • @jonathanellsworth21
    @jonathanellsworth219 күн бұрын

    Given the nature of these events there’s a lot of rumors being played as fact and a lot of other stuff going around, plus new information comes out every hour. I tried to get everything as accurate to the known facts as I could upon putting the video out but that doesn’t mean there’s no screwups in here. Even the major news corporations are having to make major changes to their stories so yes something is probably wrong in here. Maybe even every single thing is wrong and we don’t know it. But this is the situation as I understand it today. Those errors are not intentional, so if anyone knows anything please comment and I’ll try to adjust the videos accordingly. This type of thing is a little outside my usual league but it is what it is lol, doing the best I can here 😂 To be honest I’d absolutely love being wrong about everything here because this situation sucks :( love the Michipicoten

  • @tc1uscg65

    @tc1uscg65

    9 күн бұрын

    Depending on the weather, most Coast Guard cutters that are moored are in a "Bravo" status. B24 (means the ships needs to be capable of getting u/w in 24 hours upon notification. There are B12, B6, B2 and of course, ZERO. You normally didn't see the B6 or 2 unless it was during a massive storm or a ship THINKS they might be in trouble and just wants people to know. When I was on the Mobile Bay, we were in B6 and 12 most of the time. The thing to remember is, for B6 status for example, you really could not be no more then 3 hours away from the ship (3 outs out, 3 hours to return). You would recall the crew and those living on board not on duty, were now on duty and prepping the ship to get underway. Of the year I was on board, we only got recalled 3 times. The Amico Wisconsin becoming disabled in Grand Traverse Bay, The Acacia lost an engine and was stuck in a big ice field that was being pushed to shore and a possible fire on another laker but don't recall the name. We all carried beepers back then (1980). One you didn't want is as a crew member was to miss movement. You could loose rank for that, get fined and restricted to the ship. Walking the plank was no longer allowed :-0

  • @johnhelms8226
    @johnhelms82269 күн бұрын

    Thank you for the explanation in the description. Yes, in cases of maritime distress calls, everyone in range who is capable responds immediately. You don’t ask why you should have to go or argue that you have nothing to add. You just go. And you are proud to do your duty for fellow mariners in distress.

  • @GWNorth-db8vn

    @GWNorth-db8vn

    8 күн бұрын

    It's the law for small boats, probably ships too. You have to respond to a vessel in distress, by contacting the rescue pros or going yourself if you think they'll take too long. Unless it puts your own vessel in danger, of course.

  • @hirisk761

    @hirisk761

    3 күн бұрын

    navel history is full of stories like this. Carpathia's mad dash thru an ice field responding to Titanic's SOS and IL De France's U-turn after the Andrea Doria/Stockholm collision probably the most famous ones

  • @jivepatrol6833
    @jivepatrol68339 күн бұрын

    Great video and thank goodness the Edwin Gott and crew arrived on the scene. I like that the Mariners of the Great Lakes watch out for each other - truly refreshing in today's society!

  • @davidkirkham6929
    @davidkirkham69299 күн бұрын

    Latest news is she didn't strike anything, she unfortunately suffered hull failure, diver's found a 13ft crack along the hull .

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Yep I have that in there. Worst case scenario for the ship :(

  • @GWNorth-db8vn

    @GWNorth-db8vn

    8 күн бұрын

    And like a worn-out car, fix this and two more problems will pop up.

  • @davidkirkham6929

    @davidkirkham6929

    8 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 hi Jonathan will be ashame to see another bite the dust after the last one caught fire, don't know if they are going to repair it or scrap it!!

  • @ryanthompson2893

    @ryanthompson2893

    6 күн бұрын

    @@davidkirkham6929just scrap it, they’ll have to replace way more of the ship than it’s worth.

  • @deecawford
    @deecawford9 күн бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. So grateful for all the changes that have been made over the years to keep these sailors safe.

  • @dianebeier8379
    @dianebeier83799 күн бұрын

    Wonderful video, gorgeous day, respectful for the MICHIPICOTON, THANKS!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @papabits5721
    @papabits57219 күн бұрын

    The old girl got a stress crack, 77 years is a good run

  • @jspo3446
    @jspo34469 күн бұрын

    Bless u for the update. Thank you for the info. Thankful all crew r safe. Happy anniversary to u and your gf. Please keep sending updates

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Will do! And thank you!

  • @ddanelle4729
    @ddanelle47297 күн бұрын

    Thank you so very much for this update. I never realized this had happened until I came across it while scrolling through youtube. Thankfully, the crew of the Michipicoten are safe.

  • @aaronneumeyer5572
    @aaronneumeyer55729 күн бұрын

    Great coverage and more views I've never seen of the bridge. Thank you!

  • @laurenolson8492
    @laurenolson84929 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the explanation Jonathan! And happy anniversary to you both!

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @KenHartman152
    @KenHartman1529 күн бұрын

    Thank you to all the ships that went to aid the Michipicoten, especially the Edwin H Gott & the Canadian Coast Guard vessel! Sad to think they are considering bringing the beautiful Michipicotens journeys to an end. 🥲

  • @Mel-fu9hg
    @Mel-fu9hgКүн бұрын

    Wow sir! Thank you for recording this!!

  • @aisle9
    @aisle99 күн бұрын

    Thanks for posting this. Very unusual indeed. Sounds like the Michipicoten may be in very bad shape, which would be a shame. She's a beautiful old lady and I'm happy I got to see her while I was up that way...even if I had to slightly play hookie from work to make it happen...

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Worth it lol. Yeah hopefully they can repair her, fingers crossed. That would be a terrible loss, especially for the steel mill in the Soo area which basically completely depends on her. We’ll have to see what happens

  • @BobEllis79

    @BobEllis79

    9 күн бұрын

    She has looked really beat up this season when I've caught sight of her in the Twin Ports or Two Harbors. I wonder how much more they'll keep patching the 70 year old hull back together.

  • @poowg2657
    @poowg26579 күн бұрын

    I still maintain the Fitz. was done in by the same problem that plagued the Michipicoten. Cool video, thanks much!

  • @mattm2687

    @mattm2687

    8 күн бұрын

    But whats different is this ship is 70 plus years old. She is more prone to metal fatigue given she is well past her expected service life vs the fitz only being 15-18 years at the time of her sinking

  • @ninaza6806
    @ninaza68065 күн бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this great footage, different view of the bridge and canal, and interesting explanations!!

  • @Wagonman5900
    @Wagonman59009 күн бұрын

    Interesting how even though they are racing to save a ship might plunge to the bottom at any second, both the Coast Guard and Presque Isle remembered their manners and saluted the bridge on the way out.

  • @jeffreyduus5440

    @jeffreyduus5440

    8 күн бұрын

    They are professionals and know better. Good comment, I was thinking the same thing.

  • @coolbear6441

    @coolbear6441

    7 күн бұрын

    Sorry, saluting the bridge?

  • @Wagonman5900

    @Wagonman5900

    7 күн бұрын

    @@coolbear6441 A great lakes captain's salute is one long horn blast and two short blasts. The ships coming under the aerial lift bridge will blow a salute as they pass. The the bridge will return the salute with its own horns.

  • @coolbear6441

    @coolbear6441

    7 күн бұрын

    @@Wagonman5900 thank you , didn’t know that👍👍

  • @ConrailQuality775

    @ConrailQuality775

    6 күн бұрын

    That’s not at all what they were doing, with the possible exception of the Spar.

  • @janh5199
    @janh51998 күн бұрын

    Thank you. This was very interesting.

  • @maryanneveite5096
    @maryanneveite50969 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this Information 😊

  • @user-oq5kw4mv5r
    @user-oq5kw4mv5r4 күн бұрын

    Kudos to all the ships who sailed out to help.

  • @StevesVideoExperience
    @StevesVideoExperience9 күн бұрын

    I'll be going to Duluth soon. Can't wait to see the ships.

  • @RailFanRob
    @RailFanRob9 күн бұрын

    Wow what a scary situation! I hope everything turned out ok. This ship is very old and I'm sure it's nearing the end of its life I'm guessing.... Aside from that thanks for the unique footage as I have never saw footage from some of the vantage points you have shown in this video....

  • @chancewebster7953
    @chancewebster79539 күн бұрын

    Great video

  • @bettygilmore611
    @bettygilmore6118 күн бұрын

    Glad the ship and the sailors are safe whatever the issues were and are

  • @anthonygiglio9860
    @anthonygiglio98609 күн бұрын

    Fantastic Video I have enjoyed It 😊

  • @miapdx503
    @miapdx5036 күн бұрын

    That salute is everything! 🌹⚓

  • @alancirra3057
    @alancirra30573 күн бұрын

    wow, that bridge is awesome how it lifts the road straight up.

  • @CavemanCBB
    @CavemanCBB9 күн бұрын

    Thank you for the video. It's great that you happened to be in the right spot at the right time... The Great Lakes Fleet is getting old. I worry that if we don't think about the future that it could even become financial / security risk to the U.S. We still ship a lot of stuff through the lakes. I wonder if somehow some of these ships should be replaced slowly. (Sorry if I didn't explain this very well)

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Thank you! There are a lot of old ships yes, but also a lot of new ones. They’re building again, especially on the Canadian side

  • @CavemanCBB

    @CavemanCBB

    9 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 That is good to know. Thank you for your reply.

  • @hammrnharv

    @hammrnharv

    9 күн бұрын

    ​@jonathanellsworth21 The Canucks primarily let the Chinese build their new ships. They sold out a long time ago.

  • @kevinduveneck1504

    @kevinduveneck1504

    9 күн бұрын

    The Mark Barker is only two years old and American built

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    @@hammrnharv recently there’s been a few European ones built as well so they seem to be moving away from Chinese built vessels, but yeah they’re not still built in the lakes :/ The US ones are usually built in Wisconsin though!

  • @bluewhaleadventures152
    @bluewhaleadventures1529 күн бұрын

    What an awesome response from our coast guard and merchant marine. 💪💪💪❤❤❤

  • @poowg2657

    @poowg2657

    9 күн бұрын

    Here, here!

  • @dmmchugh3714
    @dmmchugh37146 күн бұрын

    What is the lawn area and building around the bridge (such as at 05:03) ? I'm not from the area, but have always wanted to travel there to watch the ships transit through the canal. Looks like a popular activity. Good that the crew of Michipicoten are safe as well.

  • @eddieafterburner
    @eddieafterburner6 күн бұрын

    That’s pretty cool that your grandma lives right next to the bridge. What does a long and two short toots on the horn mean?

  • @gregmctevia5087
    @gregmctevia50879 күн бұрын

    Beautiful spotting location. This just became one of my favorite JE productions. How was lunch?

  • @detroit8v715
    @detroit8v7158 сағат бұрын

    I like the brotherhood the maritime ships still have compared to the none that truckers have, which is what I do.

  • @Xsiondu
    @Xsiondu6 күн бұрын

    That's amazing to see

  • @lindaj5492
    @lindaj54928 күн бұрын

    Those horn blasts: “looong, short, short” - are those signalling they’re responding to an SOS?

  • @steverogers6717

    @steverogers6717

    8 күн бұрын

    No, they are saluting the bridge master for raising the bridge. The bridge master then responds in kind to say thanks.

  • @tuxedotservo
    @tuxedotservo8 күн бұрын

    Obviously it didn't apply here, but if the weather is bad, a ship's master can determine that conditions are unsafe for his ship to participate in a search. The Coast Guard had to ask Captain Cooper of the Arthur M. Anderson to go back out onto Lake Superior to look for the Edmund Fitzgerald - Cooper wasn't overly enthusiastic if you listen to the recording of the radio conversation, but he also knew his ship was really the best shot if any sailors got off Fitzgerald (they didn't). The Coast Guard had nothing online at Sault Ste. Marie that could help - they had to summon the Sundew from Duluth. Two (three?) salt water vessels refused to turn around, citing the wave conditions on the lake.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    7 күн бұрын

    Makes sense, if you start requiring ships that can’t handle conditions to respond, the only thing you’ll end up accomplishing are more ships in distress

  • @BonnieDragonKat
    @BonnieDragonKat5 күн бұрын

    Brings back memories of 1975, but without the storm. I am glad Michi is still floating. It could have been a whole lot worse.

  • @louielouiepks
    @louielouiepks9 күн бұрын

    Semper Paratus ! !

  • @capehorn171
    @capehorn1718 күн бұрын

    I was confused by the title. I don't believe either of the two boats in the video responded to the Michipicoten.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    8 күн бұрын

    I did my best to try and verify all this, watching reports and asking a few people in the know who were keeping close tabs on the ships that morning. Can never be 100% certain though, like I’ve said a few times I’m just a guy on the pier doing my best to keep track of all the information. If you know for certain I did indeed screw that up I’ll change things around. Trying to keep things accurate here, but it’s a harder job than you’d think lol

  • @EVAUnit4A
    @EVAUnit4A7 күн бұрын

    2:51 _Spaceballs One_ theme plays

  • @ConrailQuality775
    @ConrailQuality7756 күн бұрын

    Ok, no. Presque Isle fueled and went to Two Harbors to take the Gott’s spot. Gott, when finishing with Michipicoten, came to Superior to backfill the PI’s spot at BN. Spar was deployed and then returned a short time later once Michipicoten reached Canadian waters. Presque Isle did not depart Duluth to respond to the distress call, nor did the ASC boat.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    6 күн бұрын

    I’ve heard both stories :/ Before posting this I checked with several people who were keeping track of the situation at the time who all told me she went in response to the situation with Michipicoten. Since then I’ve had a couple people tell me otherwise and I wish I knew what to believe lol. Are there any communications available from that day to confirm one way or another? Otherwise this has been a massive he said/she said game where confirming anything is rather difficult and I can adjust the video accordingly if it proves my initial information wrong.

  • @bobjohnston5527
    @bobjohnston55279 күн бұрын

    The cargo ship didn't hit bottom. The bow split open

  • @chrishylton3080
    @chrishylton30809 күн бұрын

    Go Coasties!!!!

  • @randylivengood3112
    @randylivengood31129 күн бұрын

    Did they ever figure out what it hit?

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    Well that’s the plot twist, their initial survey shows no signs of a collision at all. Just a 13ft long gash or crack in the hull. That’s a diver’s survey though, they’ll need to empty the ship and get her out of the water to say for certain what happened

  • @Skidderoperator

    @Skidderoperator

    9 күн бұрын

    Old rust bucket CRACKED open. Its ready to fall apart. All hands lost scenario. For $$$$ Should have been scrapped decades ago.

  • @Alcochaser

    @Alcochaser

    9 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 Its pretty much hull failure. Lower Lakes does run some of the oldest vessels on the lakes. This is the second they have lost use of this year. The Cuyahoga burnt twice, the second time worse.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    @@Alcochaser yeah, still waiting to hear on that one as well. They’ve had a rough few years, hopefully they get their act together. No reason for all this, they’re certainly making money but I don’t think they can afford to loose more ships

  • @Alcochaser

    @Alcochaser

    9 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 They have one spare good hull. American Valor (VALO), but it needs diesel conversion. Knowing Lower Lakes they will yank the machinery from this busted hull to put in the Valo.

  • @donnhate9081
    @donnhate90815 күн бұрын

    Presque isle I guess all ships in the area have to respond,,

  • @jbreezy101
    @jbreezy10116 сағат бұрын

    👏

  • @allencupsie6560
    @allencupsie65607 күн бұрын

    When was the last time the ship was in Dry Dock nobody saying nothing

  • @anthonymaddison9588
    @anthonymaddison95888 күн бұрын

    It could be mr. No law necessary.

  • @douglashurd8652
    @douglashurd86524 күн бұрын

    Epic lakes vessel insanity..

  • @truckerkevthepaidtourist
    @truckerkevthepaidtourist5 күн бұрын

    77 year old boat still working it's about time to let her rest

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    5 күн бұрын

    72! And believe it or not that actually isn’t all that old for a lake freighter. The oldest still sailing is 118 years old (granted as a barge)

  • @truckerkevthepaidtourist

    @truckerkevthepaidtourist

    5 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 no kidding boy that's great very cool stats

  • @leftseat30
    @leftseat309 күн бұрын

    Have Gumby suit....will travel

  • @jimjoe9945
    @jimjoe99457 күн бұрын

    She had a long life, but it's over.

  • @martinsundland7614
    @martinsundland76149 күн бұрын

    Thanks to Canada for helping out. Don't see much love coming from America on that basis. What's really new?

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    It’s a Canadian ship and most of the response force was US lol

  • @martinsundland7614

    @martinsundland7614

    9 күн бұрын

    @@jonathanellsworth21 Thanks lol.

  • @paulletsos6938
    @paulletsos69389 күн бұрын

    What is this ? 1975? Isn't there a helicopter on the Kewenaw Peninsula? It was good that ships went out in support of the Michipicoten, but they were what 6 or 8 hours from a rendezvous? These carriers are playing dangerous games with the lives of these crews, corporate "Oh that's good enough"? These carriers need to be held responsible for their lack of not knowing what they don't want to know!!

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    They did have choppers and ships closer and were able to respond very quickly. I explained the reasoning in the description, it is the law

  • @galewinds7696

    @galewinds7696

    9 күн бұрын

    Simmer down Karen, they don't need an armchair director.

  • @Tipp_Of_The_Mitt

    @Tipp_Of_The_Mitt

    9 күн бұрын

    They dispatched a CG Helicopter out of Traverse City that would have gotten there in about 2 hours.

  • @BindySmith
    @BindySmith9 күн бұрын

    jonathan i read your description and i like your videos but this is CLICK BAIT sir!

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    How so? I did as much research as I could before putting it out, put a couple days into asking around and looking stuff on news reports up to avoid that, so a little confused lol. Always the chance I got something wrong, you can never confirm anything 100% unless you’re in charge of one of the shipping companies but it’s certainly not intended as click bait. If I did screw up, let me know

  • @TheRm65

    @TheRm65

    9 күн бұрын

    So broadcast your own video. Give it a break.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    @@TheRm65 lol for a second I thought you were responding to my comment, I was so confused 😂😂

  • @realityjunky

    @realityjunky

    9 күн бұрын

    jonathanellsworth21 can take a long walk off a short pier. Jonathan, thanks for the cool views of the boats heading out. Much appreciated by some of us inlanders.

  • @jonathanellsworth21

    @jonathanellsworth21

    9 күн бұрын

    @@realityjunky lol I can’t tell if you’re trying to thank me or kill me here 😂

  • @Robbie1075
    @Robbie10759 күн бұрын

    Two questions: Is this taken from Grannies restaurant and aren't you a Boat Friend? Awesome video, by the way. The Presque Isle is my favorite self unloading articulated tug & barge and she has my favorite sounding fog horn.