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Glenlivet / Glenlivet II
Canadian Franko / Vigilant I

Official Number: 179311. Ex- Glenlivet II, Ex- Canadian Franko, Ex- H.M.C.S. Glenlivet - CANADIAN FRANKO 1977 - 1982, GLENLIVET II 1982 - 2002, VIGILANT I 2002 - current. Transport Canada List 2003: Owned by Nadro Marine Services Ltd., Port Dover, Ontario.


Royal Canadian Navy 1944 - 1947
Minister of National Defence (Navy) 1947 - 1975
Francisco Petroleum Enterprises, Ltd. 1977 - 1982
McKeil Work Boats, Ltd. 1982 - 2002
Nadro Marine Services 2002 - current

Edison Horton notes (June 26, 2006): when built she was called the Glenlivet, but in 1947 she was loaned out to Public Works, Canada, thus had to be registered in Ships Registery, since there was already a tug registered with the name Glenlivet, she became the Glenlivet II. I am attaching a few pictures, one when she had her original wheelhouse, another when the wheelhouse was changed and taking during sea trials at Pictou, N.S. The other picture is of her original Enterprise engine. George Lee notes (May 2017): "Frank Rawlings owned Francisco Petroleum, and "Franko" was named for himself. We were long time friends and I ran the tug while he entertained his family and guests. I still have the steel maple leafs that were on her stack while she was a Navy tug."

 

 

Historical Collections of the Great Lakes Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
Detroit River Date Taken: June 30th, 1979 source http://ul.bgsu.edu/cgi-bin/xvsl2.cgi Item 002361

 

Glenlivet II sea trials, Pictou, N.S. just after the wheelhouse conversion.
From the Edison Horton Collection.

Edison Horton notes (May 2007): Regarding the conversion of the wheelhouse on the Glenlivet, this was completed at Ferguson Industries, Pictou, N.S. in 1964. This new wheelhouse was designed by Public Works, Canada and it turned out to be not a good design, all right for outside towing but not for working with dredges and scows, which we were called upon to do, quite often.

The wheelhouse was very blind when coming along side, and the side stantions from the upper deck to the main deck, were always in the way when handling lines on deck. Yes, I have seen that the port and starboard wings have been removed, the deck extended around the front of the wheelhouse and the deck stantions removed. That would help get rid of the blind spots and make the handling on deck easier.

When the Glenlivet was turned back over to the Navy in 1973, they soon found out that she wasn't much good for working in under bows and sterns of Navy ships, as the wheelhouse wings would hook. I recall seeing her in Halifax in the Naval Dockyard with fenders hanging over the wings of the wheelhouse.

I couldn't understand at the time how this design was approved, the Navy would have to approve it as she was always owned by the Navy and leased out to DPW Canada in 1947.Of course there will be blunders in Govt. deptartments. The designer that designed the conversion, also designed the conversion on several dredges, from steam to diesel hydraulic, these didn't work out like planned either.

 

GLENLIVET II at Wood Islands, P.E.I. , June 1972 when operated by Public Works
Canada and on loan from the Canadian Navy. Photo by Rene Beauchamp.

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Glenlivet's original engine: an Enterprise DMG6 installed by Russel Bros. Click to enlarge right side photo.
From the Edison Horton Collection.

 

The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 10 Mar 1977, Thu Page 47. Crown Assets Disposal Corporation lists YMU 114, Glenside (YTB 500) and Glenlivet (YTB 504) as for sale in Halifax.

 

George Lee posted in Great Lakes Fish Tugs February 6, 2016: Fish tug 'Larry John' winters here in 1977 after coming down from Goderich. The 'Nancy A. Lee' is the former fish tug 'Fralue', built by Russel Bros. in 1939. She still resides at the same dock today. In the background is the former Navy tug 'Glenlivet II' which is now Nadro Marine's 'Vigilant 1'. Click to enlarge.

 

Glenlivet II (left) and Glenevis, Halifax, May 1977. Photo by Mac Mackay.

 

Canadian Franko in 1980. Photo by John Vournakis, courtesy Rene Beauchamp. Ex GLENLIVET II, she belonged to Frank Rawlings of Francisco Petroleum Enterprises Inc from 1977 to 1981 when she was sold to McKeil Work Boats Ltd. Reverted back to the name GLENLIVET II in 1982.

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Canadian Franko in 1981. Photo courtesy George Lee.

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Halifax, Aug. 4th, 1990. Photo courtesy Mac Mackay.

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Halifax, Aug. 4th, 1990. Photo courtesy Mac Mackay. Glenlivet II back
in Halifax to tow out a dredge-still painted in yacht-like colours.

Glenlivet's larger wheelhouse was needed to accommodate survey crews, but was unsuitable for close in harbour work. The other Glens had only small wheelhouses, set back on the deck house. In 1977 Glenlivet II was sold becoming the pleasure craft Canadian Franko until 1982 when it was acquired by McKeil Workboats of Hamilton, ON and it reverted to Glenlivet II. They sold it in 1989 to Construction Dufresne of Montreal, then it went to Voyageurs Marine Construction in 1990. In 2000 Nadro Marine Services of Port Dover purchased it and renamed it Vigilant I. They still operate it now, and have removed the bridge �wings� making the wheelhouse and captains cabin the same width. Since it works in the Welland Canal and Seaway Locks much of the time, the wide bridge was a real liability.
source: http://tugfaxblogspotcom.blogspot.ca/2013/05/first-generation-glen-class-tugs-of-rcn.html

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Glenlivet II and Henley, Halifax, Sept. 3, 1990. Photo by Mac Mackay.

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May 4, 2004. Vigilant I towing Qu�becois. Source boatnerd.com. Click to enlarge to 800 pixels.

 

Vigilant I as stern tug on the Canadian Venture tow to Montreal
June 24, 2004. Kent Malo Collection.
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Kinsman Independent tow by Chris Rombouts 9/02/04 (Photos of the tow between Lock 2 through to below Lock 1 of the Welland Canal).
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_052.htm

 

Tug Vigilant I towing barge Lockwood 1000 downbound above Fighting Island North Light. Detroit River traffic by Mike Nicholls 10/17 - 10/20/04.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_074.htm

 

Tug Vigilant I working at the Port Weller dry docks, lock 1 of the Welland Canal. Photos by Robert Miller, 2005.

 

Tug Vigilant 1 on the stern. Port Weller Dry Docks activity (St. Catharines, ON) Feb. 5, 2005 by Alex Howard.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_109.htm

 

March 19th, 2006, Toronto. Towing Canadian Miner.
From the Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.

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Vigilant I at Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catharines, ON in April, 2006.
Photo by Bill Bird, boatnerd.com.

 

April 29, 2006. Vigilant I helping to bring a freighter out of drydock in the Welland Canal. Photo by Jackson Myers.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/j-a-x/136862327/

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4/11/06 - Canadian Provider Delivered to Port Weller Drydock - Al Howard Canadian Provider entered Lock 1 at 4:30 p.m. and was in drydock by 6:30 p.m. The tugs Vigilant , Progress, and Paul E.No.1 departed soon after.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_222.htm

 

Summer 2007, Port Dover, Ontario. Photo by Earl Hartlen.

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Vigilant I and Lac Manitoba attempting to pull the Isodora free in the Welland Canal, Dec. 18, 2007.
John McCreery (boatnerd.com).

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Courtesy Nadro Marine Services.

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Vigilant l at Hamilton, ON, May 27, 2008 sporting a new elevated pilothouse.
John McCreery (boatnerd.com).

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RBF notes: Vigilant I - Ex Glenlivet II - (Port Dover, ON)

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Vigilant I Jan. 26, 2009, Kingston, ON. Photo by Tim Van Horn.
https://celebratecanada.wordpress.com/tag/tugboat-in-kingston/

 

Vigilant I upbound the Welland Canal at Port Colborne, ON, Dec. 20, 2009. Bill Bird.
http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbsb/images-09-4/6-Vigilant1-12-20-09-bb.jpg

 

HISTORY OF H.M.C.S. GLENLIVET (Tug)
by Edison Horton, April 2001.

(Edison Horton worked as engineer aboard the Vigilant I and has built a model of the vessel)

Navy Pennant Numbers:
War Time- W 43 21 July, 1944 to 09 December, 1947.
Post War- YTM 504 25 February, 1974 to 1977.

Builder: Russel Bros., Owen Sound, Ontario.
R.C.N. Order Number: CN 796.
Laid down on 03 March, 1944.
Launched on 11 July, 1944. Christened by Mrs W.W.Warkentin.
Commissioned on 21 July, 1944.
Displacement: 170 tons.
Length 80 ' 6" x beam 20' 7" x draught 9' 8". Steel Hull. Short House.
Power: 1 Enterprise diesel, 6 cylinders (12" x 15"), 400 hp @ 400 rpm. Serial # 43412. Speed- 10.5 kts.

The GLENLIVET was a tender to Naval Base H.M.C.S. Protector, Sydney, N.S., H.M.C.S. Scotian and H.M.C.S. Stadacona, Halifax, N.S.
Radio Call Sign: "CGCN", "CGQK" "HOODLUM I"
Naval Skipper: Osburn S. Long, 15 July, 1944.

The management and operation of the GLENLIVET was entrusted over from the Dept. of National Defense to the District Superintendant, Chief Engineer's Branch, Dept of Public Works (Canada), Saint John, N.B. on the 09 December, 1947. (Sixty-four (64) shares and registered with Ship's Registration under the name GLENLIVET II. Offical No. 179311, Port of Registery- Saint John, N.B. * Ship's Registery already had a steam tug with the same name GLENLIVET, No. 130928.

In 1964 renovations were carried out at Ferguson Industries, Pictou, N.S. A new wheelhouse, hydraulic anchor windlass, stack and crews quarters were fitted. In December, 1973 the GLENLIVET II was turned over to the Dept. of National Defense at Charlottetown, P.E.I. and towed to Halifax by the tug RIVERTON.

Owners and renames after having been released from Naval Service.
1977: CANADIAN FRANKO Francisco Petroleum Enterprises Inc., Frank Rawlings, Chatham, Ont., used as a pleasure boat.
1981: CANADIAN FRANKO McKeil Work Boats, Winona, Ontario.
1984: CANADIAN FRANKO renamed GLENLIVET II
1989: GLENLIVET II Construction A. Dufrense Ltee, Bois Des Filions, Qu�bec.
1990: GLENLIVET II Royalease Limitee, Monreal, Que.
1992: GLENLIVET II Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal, Que.
1993: GLENLIVET II 2860848 Canada Inc., Toronto, Ont.
2000: GLENLIVET II Voyageurs Marine Construction Ltd., Dorion, Que.
2001: GLENLIVET II Nadro Marine, Port Dover, Ont.

In 1993 was repowered with 1 GM Detroit 16V-71, 700 hp diesel, extensive modifications carried out.
2002: Repowered, changed to twin screw, 2 GM Detroit 16-71 turbo's, 1600 hp total.
Reduction: Twin Disc Gear 5.17: 1.
Propellers: 2-Bronze Props, 56" dia., 51" pitch, 6" shafts.
Generators: 1 GM Detroit 4-71, 1 GM Detroit 2-71.
Kort Nozzels. Removed wheelhouse P/Stbd wings, walk around deck in front of wheelhouse fitted, other alterations to house.
2003: VIGILANT 1, Towing winch installed.

References:
Canadian War Vessel C.B. (Can) 0809 (July 1944)
Canadian Navy Lists (March) O.U.(CAN) 1250 (3) 45.
Information letter from Capt. C. Morrison.
Information letter from Scruton Marine.
Conversation with Blair McKeil, McKeil Marine.
Working experience on Glenlivet II, while with D.P.W.(Canada) as engineer, Edison Horton.
Vessel Registration, Transport Canada.
Eastern Great Lakes Shipping Report.

 

70 photos from Shipspotting.com (downloaded May 2017)
http://www.shipspotting.com/ships/ship.php?imo=8994178

Dec. 20, 2004. Assisting Anglian Lady in transporting the barge PML 9000 upbound through the Welland Canal at Port Weller, ON, complete tow. Photo by Matt Ruscher.
Dec. 20, 2004. Assisting Anglian Lady (not shown) in transporting the barge PML 9000 (not shown) upbound through the Welland Canal at Port Weller, ON. Photo by Matt Ruscher.
23 March 2005. Tug Vigilant I upbound Welland Ship Canal below Lock 3. The tug was on its way to Lock 7 to assist in flushing that lock clean of an ice jam. Photo by Jeff Thoreson.
Apr. 12, 2005. "Vigilant 1" seen here towing the "Canadian Venture" to the dock stern first at Sec 56 Montreal Harbour, June, 24, 2004, 0729hrs. Photo by Kent Malo.
Apr. 12, 2005. Vigilant 1, stern tug for the tow of the Canadian Venture to Montreal, from Toronto,seen here in front of the Six Flags Amusement park formely know as La Ronde.June,14,2004, 0620hrs. Photo by Kent Malo.
May 17, 2005. towing the Spirit of Ontario 1 out of the Port Weller Dry Docks along the Welland Canal. Photo by Matt Ruscher.
May 17, 2005. towing the Spirit of Ontario 1 out of the Port Weller Dry Docks along the Welland Canal. Photo by Matt Ruscher.
Aug. 23, 2005. Bow view of tugboats VAC & VIGILANT 1, they're tied up above lock 7, behind them is the canadian coast boat GULL ISLE. they'll be leaving shortly for lock 8. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
27 August 2005. VIGILANT 1 pushes the small barge S/VM 86 downbound in the Welland Canal above Lock 2. The pair was on a trip in ballast from Detroit to Hamilton. Photo by Jeff Thoreson.
Aug. 27, 2005. VIGILANT 1`s in lock 3 heading downbound. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
Sept. 28, 2005. She's between lock 6 & 7 pushing a barge own by the Lockwood Bros. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
December 17, 2005 @ 1520 to 1523 photographed VIGILANT I and her barge OC-181. They are moored at the northern tip of wharf # 2 at Port Weller piers. Photo by Vedran Mlacic.
January 25, 2006. At lay-up, Toronto. Photo by Vedran Mlacic.
Apr. 9, 2006. VIGILANT`s helping CANADIAN OLYMPIC move away from the Port Weller dry dock above lock 1. They`re heading upbound toward lock 2. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
May 1st 2006. Vigilant I on the stern of the Federal Sagnuenay at Oshawa. Photo by Jim Gallacher.
Vigilant 1 at Port Colborne, ON on lake Erie. Taken in September 2006, by Alan https://flic.kr/p/4q8Dz4. Kent Simpson comments (on the 3rd story wheelhouse, Sept. 2018): "It comes off fairly easy, a handful of bolts, takes longer to unplug all the electrical crap then it does to remove the house. All said and done takes about 30 minutes and a boom truck to remove."
June 1, 2007. Vigilant 1 in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Jun 2/07. Photo by Paul Beesley.
June 1, 2007. Vigilant 1 in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Jun 2/07. Photo by Paul Beesley.
Mar. 26, 2008. VIGILANT I's breaking the ice so the CANADIAN LEADER will an easier voyage upbound. The location is just south of lock 7 in Thorold. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
Mar. 27, 2008. Stern view of tug VIGILANT I. She's keeping the ice away from lock 7. So it won't block the opening & the CANADIAN LEADER will have no problem getting out. Photo by Michel Gosselin.
Apr. 5, 2008. Stern tug Vigilant 1 behind barge OB 185, down bound at Kahnawake Mohawk Reserve situated on the St Lawrence Seaway's South shore canal, heading for Montreal the two reels on the barge are going to Nigeria aboard the "Thebaud Sea" platform supply / dive supprt ship, which is currently at Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Thebaud Sea will come to Montreal to load the reels. Photo by Kent Malo.
Apr. 23, 2008. VIGILANT 1 & VAC - 24 April 2008 Also photographed at Port Colborne (along with WYATT M) as they were assisting the former WINDOC downbound through the Welland Canal, Port Colborne. Photo by Jeff Cameron.
Apr. 23, 2008. VIGILANT 1 & VAC - 24 April 2008 Also photographed at Port Colborne (along with WYATT M) as they were assisting the former WINDOC downbound through the Welland Canal, Port Colborne. Photo by Jeff Cameron.
Sept. 3, 2008. EX- GLENLIVET II. Seen here at the ferry warf Kingston Ontario. Tug and barge are being used to ferry equipment and personal to the Island for the new giant windmill project. Windmill parts are being off loaded at Ogdensburgh New York. Photo by Jim Winsor.
Sept. 3, 2008. EX- GLENLIVET II. Seen here at the ferry warf Kingston Ontario. Tug and barge are being used to ferry equipment and personal to the Island for the new giant windmill project. Windmill parts are being off loaded at Ogdensburgh New York. Photo by Jim Winsor.
Nov. 20, 2009. Nadro Marine tug VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while pushing a barge on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on November 20, 2009. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Nov. 20, 2009. Nadro Marine tug VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while pushing a barge on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on November 20, 2009. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Nov. 20, 2009. Nadro Marine tug VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while pushing a barge on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on November 20, 2009. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Vigilant I upbound the Welland Canal at Port Colborne, ON, Dec. 20, 2009. Bill Bird.
Apr. 13, 2010. Vigilant 1 passes fleetmate Ecosse in the Welland canal. Photo by Paul Beesley.
May 1, 2010. VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while upbound on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on May 1, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
May 1, 2010. VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while upbound on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on May 1, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
May 1, 2010. VIGILANT 1 (ex-GLENLIVET II) as shown while upbound on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on May 1, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
August 5, 2010. Tracy, Quebec, Canada. Photo by Lorraine Morrill.
Aug. 31, 2010. Nadro Marine's 1944-built tug VIGILANT I as shown while downbound on the St.Lawrence River off Varennes on September 1, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Aug. 31, 2010. Nadro Marine's 1944-built tug VIGILANT I as shown while downbound on the St.Lawrence River off Varennes on September 1, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Oct. 4, 2010. VIGILANT 1 as shown while downbound on the St.Lawrence River off Varennes on October 5, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Oct. 4, 2010. VIGILANT 1 as shown while downbound on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on October 5, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Oct. 4, 2010. VIGILANT 1 as shown while downbound on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on October 5, 2010. Photo by Marc Pich�.
Dec. 2, 2010. Vigilant I towing the Dr Bob up the Welland canal above Lock 1. Dec 3/10. Photo by Paul Beesley.
Dec. 17, 2010. Description: The McNally tug Vigilant 1 on the stern of the Horseshoe Casino below the St Lambert on the St. Lawrence Seaway at Montreal December 18, 2010. The Evans McKeil is pulling the catamaran. Photo by Dennis j. Dubinsky.
Dec. 29, 2010. Vigilant 1 waits to assist the John B Aird back into the drydock in Port Weller, Welland canal, Canada. Dec 30/10. Photo by Paul Beesley.
Dec. 29, 2010. Vigilant 1 leaves after assisting the John B Aird as it was backed into the drydock in Port Weller, Welland canal, Canada. Dec 30/10. Photo by Paul Beesley.
June 3, 2011. VIGILANT I as shown while downbound in the St.Lawrence Seaway near Montr�al on June 4, 2011. Photo by Marc Pich�.
June 3, 2011. VIGILANT I as shown while downbound in the St.Lawrence Seaway near Montr�al on June 4, 2011. Photo by Marc Pich�.
June 3, 2011. VIGILANT I as shown while downbound in the St.Lawrence Seaway near Montr�al on June 4, 2011. Photo by Marc Pich�.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 21, 2011. VIGILANT I & the barge GENERAL CHEMICAL No 37 upbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 22, 2011. Photo by Martin Palardy.
Sept. 13, 2011. The VIGILANT 1 on the ST-LAWRENCE river near TROIS-RIVIERES .QC.CANADA. 14/09/2011. Photo by Jacques Gauthier.
Sept. 13, 2011. The VIGILANT 1 on the ST-LAWRENCE river near TROIS-RIVIERES .QC.CANADA. 14/09/2011. Photo by Jacques Gauthier.
Oct. 9, 2011. The tug VIGILANT 1 at the SOREL harbor.QC.CANADA. 10/10/2011. Photo by Jacques Gauthier.
Mar. 25, 2012. Downbound on the Saint-Laurent river in front of Pointe-aux-Trembles. Photo by Marcel Giroux.
Mar. 28, 2012. The VIGILANT I and her tow upbound on the Saint-Laurent river in front of Pointe-aux-Trembles en route to the Seaway. Photo by Marcel Giroux.
August 10, 2012. At Sarnia to load an new ship loader for the salt mine in Goderich. The original ship loader was destroyed by a tornado. Photo by Lorraine Morrill.
Terminal II tow to IMS, Pt. Colborne 2012-10-1. Tow photo taken below Lock 1. End tug was Lac Manitoba. Photo by Eira Voth.
Oct. 13, 2012. The VIGILANT 1 downbound on the ST-LAWRENCE river near PORT ST-FRANCOIS.QC.CANADA. 14/10/2012. Photo by Jacques Gauthier.
Dec. 9, 2012. Above lock 1, welland canal, they were heading for the shipyard, to tie up for the night. Photo by Fred Miller.
June 8, 2013. VIGILANT I as shown while towing OVI to scrap (Aliaga) on the St.Lawrence River off Verch�res on June 9, 2013. Photo by Marc Pich�.
June 28, 2013. VIGILANT I & the barge DERRICK No.4 downbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 29, 2013. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 28, 2013. VIGILANT I & the barge DERRICK No.4 downbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 29, 2013. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 28, 2013. VIGILANT I & the barge DERRICK No.4 downbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 29, 2013. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 28, 2013. VIGILANT I & the barge DERRICK No.4 downbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 29, 2013. Photo by Martin Palardy.
June 28, 2013. VIGILANT I & the barge DERRICK No.4 downbound on the St-Lawrence river in front of Vercheres June 29, 2013. Photo by Martin Palardy.
Apr. 3, 2015. Vigilant 1 waits for further orders after assisting the Algoma Enterprise from dry dock. Port Weller, Welland Canal. Photo by Paul Beesley.

 

Christopher Howitt photo taken on November 15, 2015. Tug "Vigilant I. source.

 

Toronto harbour. Left: September 3, 2016 source. Right: July 21, 2017, photo by Shaun Vary.

 

Nadro Marine Spec sheet PDF (May 2018).
http://www.nadromarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Nadro-Marine-Tug-Vigilant-l.pdf

 

Photo by Tim Warris, Port Dover, Ontario.
https://www.timwarrisphotography.com/keyword/port%20dover/i-jML47v5/A

 

Vigilant I wheelhouse Dec. 12, 2018. Photos by Dave Yager. Dave says "Currently sailing the Vigilant I from Hamilton to Port Weller Drydock to pick up 2 of McKeil's barges...the MM180 & the MM142."

12 Dec 2018 - 4 minute video The barge MM180 is seen tied off along the east wall below Lock 1, Dec.12, 2018. Another upbound barge, MM142, passes by, being pushed by the tug VIGILANT 1. MM142 is maneuvered over to the east wall and tied off. The crew disengages the tug from MM142, and the tug then moves over to the front of MM180, where a tow line is set up from the tug's aft to the front of MM180. VIGILANT1 then pulls MM180 away from the wall, and tows the barge down the canal to Lake Ontario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8oy40eSFz8

 

Vigilant I returns to the Sarnia government Dock. Photos by Mike Cunningham, October 17, 2019.

 

Oct. 25, 2019. Vigilant 1 passing Port Lambton. Originally powered by a 6 cylinder 400 hp@400 rpm direct reversing Enterprise. Repowered by Mckeil with a Detroit 16-71 and later converted to twin screw (in nozzles) with turbocharged 16-71s. Photos by George Lee.

 

Sarnia Nov. 4, 2019. Today I had the opportunity to go aboard the tug I ran 42 years ago when I was 21 years old. Photos by George Lee.

 

Dec. 2019: Vigilant I helps in transporting a component for a plant to produce urea fertilizer. It was aboard the MV Sal Palmerton going through the Welland Canal last week. The Palmerton brought in high tech pressure vessels for Nova Chemicals for their new plant about 8 miles south east of Sarnia, just south east of Corunna. The last 10 miles have to be done by McKeil because of logistical issues. Sarnia Government dock has deep enough sheltered water and a strong dock to do the transfer. However, the route to the plant has overpasses, low bridges etc. The vessels are now loaded on the barge MM220, with the Vigilant l pushing her. The load will be taken to the stone dock in Courtright and loaded onto heavy lift road floats there. The dock doesn't have sufficient draft at the dock face to allow an easy transfer from the Palmerton. The load will travel south to Hwy 80, then east to Hwy 40 and north to Rokeby Line in St. Clair Township. Tight turns and several power lines will have to be disconnected to let the load through.

 

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