Dear Keewatin Supporters,

This afternoon we were informed that the tug MOLLY M1 has been dispatched from Hamilton and is enroute to Port McNicoll to pick up the S.S. KEEWATIN and tow it to Heddle Shipyard in St. Catharines. Marine tracking shows that it is currently en route through the Welland Canal, with a predicted arrival of Sunday Apr 23. This is bitter news for our team, as well as everyone who has worked so hard to ensure that the ship remains at its home port of Port McNicoll. 

The tug operators know to take special care with the tow in light of the documented deterioration of the shell plate brackets below the waterline on both the starboard and port sides at the boiler room. We have also passed along information to our political connections highlighting concerns about the ship's ownership at the time of its donation to Kingston as well as how its owners have used the charity established to manage and operate the ship since 2012. Our local Federal representative has also been informed; we intend to let all relevant authorities examine the details of this transaction and no doubt they will be responding accordingly. 

Despite our immense disappointment at the now significant likelihood of the SS Keewatin leaving, I would caution anyone against any activity at the ship or against the tow company employees that may be interpreted as harassment or unlawful behaviour.  Let's let the legacy of care and stewardship that literally hundreds of volunteers have invested in Keewatin be foremost at this difficult time.

Keep those signs in the ground for now - if they are going to take the ship then we want them to see how much she means to this community, we will provide further updates as things progress.

The Keep Keewatin Home Team

Port McNicoll