Centenarian Ship to Leave Lakeshore Michigan for Canada

The historic ship 'SS Keewatin' will return to same port she started off a hundred years ago

After more than four decades, an iconic ship is leaving Douglas this week on its historic journey to Canada, reports 'WZZM 13 Online'.

The owner of the SS Keewatin sold the ship to a Canadian company, after buying it and saving it from being scrapped in 1965.

"It's a mixed feeling of pride and sadness to see it go," says Jim Wiley, Mayor of Douglas.

The Keewatin started by carrying passengers around the Great Lakes, then it went on to carry freight, until it was eventually put out of commission in 1965.

"She was on her way to the scrap yard when he bought it and brought it here," says Jane Verplank, Mayor of Saugutuck.

Owner R.J. Peterson is selling the ship back to a Canadian company which he says has invested about $5 Million.

"I'm 85 years old. I can't be swinging a paint brush up there and directing people," says Peterson.

The new owners of the Keewatin paid for the harbor to be dredged so that the ship can leave.  Peterson says he hopes that sends a message to the local government that improvements are needed.