 |
| File Photo: Cargo vessel: TIM S. DOOL downbound September 28, 2024. |
One of the longest-serving Canadian lakers has run aground in the St. Lawrence River on the south side of the shipping channel on November 23, 2024.
Algoma Central's 1967-built freighter TIM. S. DOOL (sailed previously as SENNEVILLE and ALGOVILLE) reportedly suffering a mechanical failure just east of Morrisburg, South Dundas.
The area is teeming with such "drowned islands"; Navigational hazards that exist as a result of deepening and widening the existing waterway. Ships must weave their way with the guidance of a Seaway Pilot or otherwise have someone on board who is qualified.
The mechanical failure occurred in one of the most treacherous stretches of the River.
Downbound with cargo, the vessel ultimately lodged itself on Crysler Shoal (near channel marker 73).
Crysler Shoal also claimed another vessel in 1970; A ship, the EASTCLIFFE HALL (built 1954) actually sunk after hitting the shoal (with other factors involved). The hull was blasted out of the way, and the wreck of the EASTCLIFFE HALL still lies on the bottom.
Much further up the river (Brockville), former Algoma freighter ROY A. JODREY (built 1965) ran aground in 1974 and sank just eight years into her career.
After outlasting so many of her fleetmates, the future doesn't look promising for the Canadian-built TIM S. DOOL, especially considering she was closing in on retirement. Hopefully she's resting on mud as opposed to rock, and that the vessel can be refloated without damages.