Slideshow pro

Amelia Desgagnes Slowed By Wind on April 11 Departure

When the Amelia Desgagnes set out to depart Marinette Fuel & Dock today, they ran into some trouble with the wind. At about 11:30 a.m., they were up very close to the Ogden Street (Menekaunee) Bridge as they made thier first attempt to turn the ship around (clockwise) prior to departure. They got the ship a bit more than halfway around when they got stopped dead in their tracks. They then swung the ship back around (counter-clockwise) and headed back toward the craneship, William H. Donner, where they had been unloading for the past 24 hours. A line was passed over to the Donner and secured there for a bit before being let go to be taken back aboard the Amelia Desgagnes. They finally ended up backing down-river to almost the end of the dock at Marinette Fuel & Dock. They tried a couple more times without success. Finally, on their final try, they got the ship partially turned (clockwise) and dropped their starboard anchor. Using the anchor as a pivot point, the ship was able to kick the stern around and finally get underway about 3 hours after they first left the dock. They passed Menominee North Pier Lighthouse shortly after 2:30 p.m., glad to be headed for their next port of call!

Click the pictures to enlarge. From within the slideshow: Click Left arrow to go to previous photo, Right facing arrow to go to the next photo, or the Up-facing arrow to return to this page.

Click Here to Return to "2009 Menominee & Marinette Ships" page

At 11:30 a.m., ship begins to turn around before departure	They are right alongside the Ogden Street Bridge	Turning with the wind against their starboard side
Stopped by the wind they swing back around	A line is thrown over to the William H. Donner	Still turning counter-clockwise
Getting close to the William H. Donner	They move away a bit	And continue turning back toward the Donner
Close-up	A heavier line is sent over to the Donner	The maneuver continues, I break for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
Back at 1:35 p.m., the ship is further down-river	They try to turn again	The prop is really thrashing the water ... to no avail
Finally, at 2:20 p.m. they drop the starboard anchor	They try pivoting on the anchor ... and it works	Coming around nicely
SUCCESS!!!	Turned around and ready to depart after a 3 hour ordeal	Close-up as the anchor is pulled aboard
Stern view heading for the friendlier waters of Green Bay	Heading for the lighthouse	Approaching Menominee North Pier Lighthouse
Past the lighthouse and on their way	I'll bet they are happy this departure is over!