Mesabi Miner and Great Lakes Trader - Double Departure from Duluth!

On the afternoon of September 19, 2019, we were treated to the fairly rare sight of two lakers departing under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge together. First we see the Mesabi Miner departing with the load of coal she picked up from the Midwest Energy terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. Then we see the barge Great Lakes Trader, with the tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort, departing empty after dropping off a load of limestone at the Hallett dock in Duluth. The Great Lakes Trader was on her way to Two Harbors to pick up a load of iron ore... hence the slight jog to the left she makes after clearing the shipping canal as she takes aim for Two Harbors. It's a 27 miles journey to Two Harbors, which is roughly two hours of travel time for a laker.

Seeing two lakers pass under the bridge during the same lift does occur from time to time, but really only occurs when both ships are close enough together to justify leaving the bridge in the up position. Otherwise, it is common for the bridge to lower to help move along some automobile traffic, then do a second lift for the second ship.

Видео Mesabi Miner and Great Lakes Trader - Double Departure from Duluth! канала 1 Long 2 Short