The Paul R. Tregurtha and American Century were among the arrivals and departures during the shortest day of sunlight in the calendar year.
The Paul R. Tregurtha travels under the Aerial Lift Bridge into the Duluth harbor on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. The Wilfred Sykes can barely be seen in the distance on the right due to sea smoke on Lake Superior.
DULUTH — While Saturday is the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight, it had a spectacular start with sea smoke sightings in the morning.
There have already been multiple occurrences of the atmospheric phenomenon in recent weeks. Sea smoke on Lake Superior happens when the water temperature is warmer than the air temperature.
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With sea smoke rising, the American Century travels under the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth toward Lake Superior on Saturday.
Both the
American Century
and
Paul R. Tregurtha
had front-row seats for the sea smoke, as the American Century traveled into it when departing Duluth-Superior around 9:30 a.m. and the Paul R. Tregurtha arrived through it just before 10 a.m. For the American Century, the crew has had some unique departures and arrivals in 2024. Last month,
the 1,000-foot laker was treated to light in the night as Bentleyville
tested its attractions at Bayfront Festival Park ahead of its season opener.
Sea smoke also provided camouflage for the Wilfred Sykes as the ship sat anchored outside of the Duluth Entry. The Wilfred Sykes was waiting to load iron ore pellets, according to the website
harborlookout.com.
Partially hidden by sea smoke, the Wilfred Sykes sits anchored on Lake Superior in Duluth on Saturday.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
Steam hides a portion of the Aerial Lift Bridge as the Paul R. Tregurtha travels in the Duluth harbor on Saturday.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
The Paul R. Tregurtha passes by Bayfront Festival Park while traveling in the Duluth harbor on Saturday.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
The Paul R. Tregurtha travels in the Duluth harbor on Saturday. Ice shanties can be seen in the distance.
Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
Sea smoke rises from the Duluth harbor as the American Century travels toward the Aerial Lift Bridge on Saturday.
Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he's involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts as well as covering breaking news. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show "Life to the Max" in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012.
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