The Kaye-E-Barker: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On April 18, 2018, the bulk carrier 'Kaye E. Barker' found itself trapped in thick, compressed ice near Picnic Rocks. After a challenging situation, the vessel was successfully freed and made its way to the Upper Harbor Ore Dock in Marquette on the morning of April 20. The timely intervention of the Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw,' which arrived on April 19, played a crucial role in breaking the ice surrounding the trapped ship. The severe weather earlier that week, characterized by strong winds and high waves, had compacted the ice extent between Marquette and Whitefish Bay, creating hazardous conditions for vessels. This incident highlights the challenges faced by maritime operations in icy waters during the spring season. For further details and visual coverage, visit the provided link: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Vessel-stuck-in-compressed-ice-near-Marquette-480261973.html

GREEN BAY, Wis. — On July 16, 2017, a serene afternoon at Hagemeister Park turned chaotic when the cargo ship Kaye E. Barker, measuring over 700 feet in length, collided with a docked vessel and subsequently rammed into the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge. Curt Cornell, the general manager of Hagemeister Park, reflected on the unusual incident that unfolded around 3:30 p.m. CT. 'We had a full patio, and everyone was enjoying the day, taking pictures as boats came in,' he recounted. But the atmosphere quickly shifted as patrons noticed the ship's alarming proximity. Screams erupted from the crowd as they watched in disbelief. The heavy coal ship smashed into the CityDeck, obliterating a 16- to 18-foot boat secured nearby, and sending kayaks scattering into the river. Following the initial impact, the Kaye E. Barker collided with the Nitschke Bridge, resulting in the structure becoming stuck in the open position. This unexpected turn of events necessitated the rerouting of east-west traffic to the nearby Walnut Street Bridge. By 6 p.m., crews were actively working on managing the bridge, yet it remained closed to traffic as repairs were underway. Authorities quickly assessed the situation, noting the significant disruption this incident caused to local traffic and the calm ambiance of the park.

The Kaye E. Barker, a cargo vessel that departed from Duluth on April 2, 2015, has encountered significant challenges due to ice conditions on Lake Superior. The ship suffered damage to its forward hull when ice punched a hole, causing the vessel to return to port for necessary repairs. To manage the minor flooding, the crew utilized pumps and conducted temporary patching. Once it arrives at port, the Kaye E. Barker is scheduled to transfer a load of iron ore to its fleet-mate, the Lee A. Tregurtha. After unloading in Sault Ste. Marie on April 8, the Kaye E. Barker will likely proceed to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for more extensive repairs. This vessel is among the ten ships that the Coast Guard has been mobilizing to navigate through a substantial ice field that separates Whitefish Bay from the rest of Lake Superior. In response to the challenging ice situation, the Canadian Coast Guard deployed the heavy icebreaker Pierre Radisson from Montreal to assist the three U.S. Coast Guard cutters already working in the region. The heavy U.S. icebreaker Mackinaw is also in the area, though its operations have been limited due to damage sustained to one of its azipod engines, which has affected its power and maneuverability. Since the opening of the locks on March 25, several ships have reported various forms of ice-related damage, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations in this harsh environment.