By Chris Winters
The STEWART J. CORT’s 3rd mate stands a watch in the control room of the CORT’s unique “ferris wheel” unloading rig, Burns Harbor, Indiana, January 2014.
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The STEWART J. CORT was built partially by Ingalls Shipbuilding Pascagoula, MS then completed at Erie Marine in Erie, PA for the Bethlehem Steel Co. She was nicknamed Stubby. The bow and stern sections were built on the Gulf Coast, joined together and sailed to the lakes. Here they were separated and joined to the mid-body to complete construction.
Leaving on her maiden voyage on May 1st, 1972, she was the first 1,000 footer on the Great Lakes.
She now operates for the Interlake Steamship Co.
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Chris Winters is a Trustee and Vice President 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.
