Friday, December 28, 2018
Paul R Tregurtha arrived Duluth 12/27/2018 - Emergency go-around
Sometimes things do not go as routine as one would like, especially in the middle a winter storm. As the bridge was about to lift, a brief malfunction resulted in the 1000ft Paul R Tregurtha aborting the approach and circling around for successful entry. This video shows the professionalism by both the captain of the Tregurtha and the bridge operator at the time.
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Follow-up information provided by Dave Campbell the Bridge Supervisor --- "It’s interesting for a number of reasons, first the operator was Paul Thomas. This just happened to be the last lift of Paul’s career. At the end of the shift, Paul retired after 30 years operating the bridge. We thought it was fitting that Paul’s last lift was going to be for the Paul R. the Queen of the Lakes. Finally, he sounded so calm on the radio transmissions but not quite so calm when he called me on the phone because the bridge wouldn’t lift. We were able to go through a couple of checks and found that one of the crossing gates, though it looked like it was completely lowered, had not come down completely and was holding the bridge from going up. A quick raise and lower of the gate and we were off and running again."
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The captain did a nice job with the split second decision.It was interesting to listen to the marine scanner and hear what was going on, the scanner was quite busy last night.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting side bar. Thank you Dave and Dennis for posting. Unbelievable to think that the crossing gates are tied to the Bridge operation to that extent. Paul Thomas, enjoy your retirement and Dave, how does one apply for that job? LOL
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Paul Thomas on his retirement. He truly is a professional. It proves the Captain of the Tregurtha and Mr. Thomas are true professionals.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a most fascinating week for the webcams. Watching the ice come off the bridge was amazing. When the ice hit the bridge or the water it was really loud. I noticed the traffic on the bridge was using real caution when going across.
Dennis thank you for posting this with the audio. It was fascinating to listen to. What a way to end your work career. Thank God for the skill of the lift bridge operator and the captain of the Paul T.
ReplyDeleteWe wondered from afar, here in Cedar Falls, IA. We assumed the Lake conditions had something to do with the 360, but glad all went well. I served aboard a 900' "boat" in the Navy, and I know how hard it would be to turn on the proverbial dime. Nice job, Captain. Congratulations to you Paul (nice touch on the name coincidence!) and happy doing whatever it is you will do.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting series of events. Den.. Thanks for sharing. Paul... Many thanks for your many years of service.
ReplyDeleteSome other interesting notes while listening to the scanner for the CSL Niagara. The Captain of the Niagara Asked the bridge operator to tell him when the bridge was all the way up because the Captain couldn't see the bridge lights from Cargill. It was a white out at the time the Niagara made the turn at Cargill inside the harbor, almost couldn't see the ship on the harbor cam. Professionalism on all sides
ReplyDeleteDidn't happen with the Paul once before not too long ago?
ReplyDelete