| Rebuilds
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Lengthened at Fraser Shipyard, fall, 1974. Dimension and tonnage change in November, 1974 (749.33 x 70.16 x 31.25; 13796 gross - 10827 net). Converted to self-unloader by Fraser Shipyards, Superior, WI, in winter 1981-1982. |
| History
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Grounded on Chapman Shoal, near Clayton, NY, on October 1, 1972. Went to Canadian Vickers, Montreal, Quebec, for bottom repairs; cleared there on November 8, 1972. Struck in stern by ROGER BLOUGH while maneuvering in ice in Straits of Mackinac, January 11, 1973. Rubbed side of Kinsman freighter MERLE M. MCCURDY as was passing latter vessel opposite Grosse Point Farms, MI, on December 8, 1974. CLARKE went into Lorain for an estimated three days for repairs to starboard after quarters. MCCURDY reportedly received only minor damages. In collision with USCGC MACKINAW on March 21, 1976, when latter vessel was slowed by an ice jam and CLARKE could not stop. Accident took place in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, after which both vessels proceeded to the Soo for inspection. CLARKE went to Lorain, OH, for hull repairs. Sustained small hole in bow from winter navigation, winter 1977-1978. Repaired at Two Harbors, MN, April 1978. Cracked shaft repaired at Superior, WI, in June 1978. Suffered mechanical damage to steering engine February 1979 in Lake Superior ice; damage discovered at Two Harbors, MN, on February 21. Collided with and ripped out approximately seventy-five feet to the Shell Oil dock at Sarnia, Ontario (December 20, 1983). August 29, 1983, vessel's anchor snagged a crushed automobile containing two decomposed bodies. The car, which was registered to a Duluth man, was reported missing in 1978. At the same time his wife and a Duluth longshoreman disappeared. At last report the bodies had not yet been identified. |
