Fire aboard Steamer Alpena

[garbear]

Knowing firsthand how USS maintained their fleet in the 70s, the "Supers" had to have been in great shape. I know the Watson was in 79, and she was an older boat. Same thing with the huletts. I think they could have got a lot more years out of them, but everybody decided that self-unloaders were the only way to go.

[Jon Paul]

They are saying the age of the Alpena was one of the main factors in the fire.

Perhaps some old electrical wiring arced and started a fire in one of the walls.

If age related issues are a concern, I'm sure the Insurance/Underwriters will require a thorough inspection of the boat before they release funds to fix and or repair.
The "Supers" were always a special class of Laker to me. Classic lines and a good carrying capacity. I've always wondered why more didn't survive the 80's and weren't converted to self-unloaders.

[Paul A]

They are saying the age of the Alpena was one of the main factors in the fire.

Where did you see/hear that?

It's on the boatnerd news page Hugh. I only hope the best for my favorite boat and I wish the best to you and my fellow Boatnerds for Christmas!
Paul

[hugh3]

They are saying the age of the Alpena was one of the main factors in the fire.

Where did you see/hear that?

[Guest]

Wow, if the cause was indeed due to a latent electrical problem onboard, it's a good thing it happened when and where it did. If that fire broke out in the middle of the lake who knows what would have happened. All crew gather at the front of the ship and wait for the coast guard? I'm guessing launching the lifeboats would have been almost impossible given the location of the fire. While there is never a good time for a fire...I guess it's better to have it in a repair facility with the fire dept close by!

[Jared]

From the sounds of the article, it appears that she will be repaired and returned to service.

[lahey]

They are saying the age of the Alpena was one of the main factors in the fire.

Perhaps some old electrical wiring arced and started a fire in one of the walls.

[Wawatam]

I'm just saying - Denny DOES have a valid point!



Peace on Earth and Merry Christmas to all!

[lahey]

It is just still sad when some people try to make comments here, they end up by getting a backlash and everything else for it. Tried to make it easy!

I feel your pain, I know what you mean. Someone or some people have to come along and pop your balloon for no good reason. It makes me so very low. But to say anymore about it would be dragging things off topic.

earlier this week there was a small crew surveying the damage on the alpena. very good news is i witnessed welding taking place by the pilot house and also shoreside power has been restored to the vessel. lets everyone breathe a little ,express opinions but do it with love and remember alot of the info being brought forth is speculation not facts. lets all remember to be a boatnerd family and enjoy our pastime. Merry Christmas everyone!!

It's good to hear they have restored power, must mean they either went to alot of trouble to fix the switchboard, or it escaped serious damage altogether. Hopefully the Alpena will sail again under her own power.

Merry Christmas to you too and everyone else.

[Denny]

With all of the talk about the Alpena fire this week and how all of us have been in discussion about it, I think many of us have also forgotten to take a look at the 2015 cover of the Know Your Ships book! If you have not looked at the cover photo lately, then you don't know what you are missing! Have a look for yourself and tell me then what boat is on the cover? End of story I rest my case!

[update]

earlier this week there was a small crew surveying the damage on the alpena. very good news is i witnessed welding taking place by the pilot house and also shoreside power has been restored to the vessel. lets everyone breathe a little ,express opinions but do it with love and remember alot of the info being brought forth is speculation not facts. lets all remember to be a boatnerd family and enjoy our pastime. Merry Christmas everyone!!

[Jon Paul]

I understand the sentiment of saving the Alpena as a self propelled freighter but unfortunately a lot depends on whether the engineroom
was damaged and what insurance there is on her. Finding replacement parts for a 73 year old De Laval Cross Compound Steam Turbine is going to be a challenge not counting the ancillary machinery, etc. I hope that its a moot point if the fire damage was confined to just the after cabins.
The reality of the present day Great Lakes Shipping world is that margins are tight and efficiency is required to remain profitable. If the engine room is damaged it would make more sense to convert to a barge pushed by a diesel tug, ala the Challenger. Less crewing requirements, added longevity of service, greater fuel efficiency.

[MattJ]

The information section is meant to pass on information to others
and there being all levels from the brand new boatnerd to seasoned sailors mistakes DO happen! I for one grow weary with sniping at others comments! Were not all perfect; instead of chastising someone why not take the high road and you can correct the mistake in a polite tone and thus contribute to the conversation!
If all you want to do is snipe and berate others then MOVE ON! This site is not for you.
Matt Jones

[Denny]

Thanks Lakerguy as that is exactly what I was trying to refer to in my post. Obviously some people apparently don't like some of my comments here and it is very sad and disappointing. As you said I was just trying to make a point about the flag that LLT vessels fly on their vessels and the saying "Don't Give Up the Ship!" I strongly feel that all vessels at least the U.S. and Canadian ones that sail the lakes and seaway should fly that flag not just the ones that sail in the LLT fleet. Also Lakerguy you are right, that most people do know that LLT has nothing to do with the Alpena. It is just still sad when some people try to make comments here, they end up by getting a backlash and everything else for it. Tried to make it easy!

[lahey]

I know it can be done as was the case in 1979 with the E.M. Ford!

Did the same thing with the James Norris after her accidental partial sinking at Port Colborne in the 90's. She went on to sail for another ~15 years before getting sent away and she reportedly was still in excellent condition when that happened.

[Lakerguy]

Come on people LLT has nothing to do with the Str Alpena. The Alpena is owned by Inland Lakes Management it is referred to as ILM

I think most people know that. I believe Denny was just mentioning the quote from the flag that LLT flies on their vessels. Never said anything about LLT owning the Alpena.

[pilot]

Come on people LLT has nothing to do with the Str Alpena. The Alpena is owned by Inland Lakes Management it is referred to as ILM

[Denny]

I echo your comments Ron and agree. We don't need to see the end of this Grand 'Ole Lady of the Lakes! C'mon boatnerds where are you at? Let's get it right this time and start a petition and I will be more than happy to put my stamp on it now! Let's save her from being barged and let our voices known and be heard save the Alpena and bring her back and I go with the "Slogan that LLT uses as their company flag, Don't Give Up The Ship!" I am not giving up on this true beauty and classic yet. There's still pages to be written and chapters also to be written. This ship has too much history yet and if it could talk, it would probably say "I am not ready yet to go to Sleep!" In reading other comments, I have to agree that I don't believe she will be barged as that was never in the plans and works for her and the future for her. Also, it would probably be much too costly to fix up and bring back either the Iglehart or Townsend and I am sure both would need five year surveys. It just makes sense to me to repair and fix the 'Ole Girl and bring her back to life and I know it can be done as was the case in 1979 with the E.M. Ford!

[Ron]

Lets hope for the best. My favorite ship on the lakes. Before the fire, it appears to have been well maintained. Very good traditional lake boat appearance in good condition. This is a tribute to the owners, and crew. I don't see much difference between the options of what to do with the ship. The cost of repairing or converting to a barge, I believe, to been very similar as well as the time involved. The barge option would be a very terrible loss to the viewing public.
I just viewed a video of the Alpena going into Duluth harbor and sounding her horn. She was beautiful in the video. I cast my vote on fixing up and repainting the Grand Lady.
Ron

[Jared]

I think the Iglehart's engines are badly damaged.