By Chris Winters

Captain Eric Treece “in the window” aboard the WILFRED SYKES inbound on the Saginaw River, September 2002.

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The WILFRED SYKES was built in 1949 at Lorain, Ohio, by the American Ship Building Co. for the Inland Steel Co.  Her namesake was the President of Inland Steel.  She measured 661.1 feet in length, 70.2 feet in beam and 32.3 in depth. Construction of the SYKES marked the first building of bulk freighters in an American yard since the group of 16 carriers launched in 1942 and 1943 were completed. She is currently owned by Central Marine Logistics.

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Chris Winters is a Trustee of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, a well-known author and has been a photojournalist for over 25 years.  He and his cameras have enjoyed a privileged glimpse into the lives of merchant mariners aboard some of the Great Lakes best-known and best-loved vessels.