Herbert-C-Jackson Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On April 8, 2019, the bulk carrier "Herbert C. Jackson" encountered significant damage due to an ice floe incident while navigating Munuscong Lake in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The accident occurred around noon when the ice sheet struck the port side of the vessel, resulting in a substantial 10-12 foot fracture above the waterline. Promptly responding to the emergency, the U.S. Coast Guard was dispatched to provide assistance. Following the impact, the freighter was docked at Soo Harbor, located to the east of the Soo Locks, throughout most of April 9. Subsequently, the Herbert C. Jackson was scheduled for repairs, and it proceeded to Superior, Wisconsin, eventually reaching Duluth on April 10. For further insights and images of the incident, visit: https://www.9and10news.com/2019/04/08/jackson-freighter-out-of-service-after-ice-plates-crash-into-hull/ and https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/great-lakes-freighter-damaged-by-sheet-of-ice.

On June 7, 2016, the Superior Fire Department swiftly intervened in a fire incident aboard the Herbert C. Jackson, docked at the Fraser Shipyard in Duluth. Firefighters arrived to witness smoke billowing from multiple sections of the vessel's aft, which was under repowering in dry dock at the time. Thankfully, all personnel were confirmed safe. Fire crews faced significant challenges due to low visibility, extreme heat, and restricted access to the fire's origin. It took them over 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Responding with three fire engines, a heavy rescue unit, and a total of nine firefighters led by a battalion chief, the department acted rapidly. During this operation, Lake Assault Boats, part of Fraser Shipyard, assisted by providing a fire boat that was scheduled for delivery to New York on June 10 and was undergoing final testing when the fire broke out. The Coast Guard was also on scene to monitor potential environmental runoff. Crews wrapped up their operations approximately three hours later. Preliminary investigations suggest that welding and torch activities in the vicinity likely sparked the fire. For more details and visual updates, visit: http://www.superiortelegram.com/news/superior/4049652-sfd-responds-ship-fire

The S.S. Herbert C. Jackson, the last steamship of the Interlake Steamship Company, has embarked on its final voyage as a steam-powered vessel. This significant milestone occurred earlier this month when the ship arrived at Fraser Shipyards located in Superior, Wisconsin, where it is set to undergo a comprehensive six-month conversion to a modern, automated diesel propulsion system. As part of Interlake's transformative journey, the Jackson becomes the fifth vessel to undergo an extensive overhaul and marks the fourth steam-to-diesel conversion since 2006. This pivotal repower represents the culmination of a decade-long, $100 million modernization initiative undertaken by the company. Historically, the 690-foot Jackson has been a workhorse, transporting nearly 25,000 tons of iron ore between Marquette and Detroit, Michigan. However, due to the aging steam turbine and two boilers that have powered the ship since its construction in 1959, maintenance challenges and new environmental regulations prompted Interlake to embrace this crucial modernization. The transition signifies a lasting change in the operational capabilities and environmental compliance of the fleet.