Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Calusa-Coast

The Welland Canal stands as a pillar of Niagara's transportation network, significantly contributing to local economic development and tourism, as highlighted during the Top Hat Ceremony held in Port Colborne on Monday morning. This special event, hosted at Lock 8 Park, commemorated the inaugural downbound vessel's passage through the city on its journey to Lake Ontario, marking the canal's opening for the season. Capt. Gary Kafcsak, commanding the tug-barge duo Calusa Coast and Delaware, was honored with a ceremonial beaver fur top hat — a historic gesture presented by Stephanie Powell Baswick, director and curator of the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum. The Calusa Coast and Delaware, part of the esteemed Dann Marine Towing, a family-owned business now in its fifth generation, are known for their robust fleet consisting of 22 coastal and ocean tugboats along with inland push boats. On this occasion, Capt. Kafcsak and his crew were en route to Hamilton with a cargo of liquid asphalt sourced from Detroit. Expressing his appreciation, Kafcsak stated, "This is a big honor to do this. I love it. I appreciate what the canal and Canada have done for us, to keep us moving products and working. It’s a well-maintained canal, and we’re grateful to navigate these waters." Jim Wheeler, the manager of canal services for the seaway, noted that the ceremony signified the beginning of the 189th operational year for the canal, highlighting its ongoing significance to the region.