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The Mississagi is a lake freighter launched in 1943. Originally she was powered by a 2,500 horsepower (1,900 kW) triple-expansion steam engine. In 1985 her steam engines were replaced by a 4,500 horsepower (3,400 kW) diesel engine.
She was built to a design from the United States Maritime Commission. She had fifteen sister ships, also built to the Maritime Commission's design, known colloquially as "Maritimers".
The vessel was originally commissioned as the Hill Annex. When she was acquired by the Pittsburgh Steamship Company in July 1943 she was rechristended the George A. Sloan. She was bought by the Bradley Transportation Company in 1966, which converted her to a self-unloading bulk carrier. In 1967 Bradley Transportation was purchased by US Steel, which also owned Pittsburgh Steamship, which returned the George A. Sloan to Pittsburgh fleet.
Emergencies
In 1966, she ran aground in the Straits of Mackinac. She was laid-up in 2000, and sold to Port Dover, Ontario firm Lower Lakes Towing Limited, which renamed her Mississagi for the start of the 2001 season.
On October 4, 2004, the Mississagi nearly allided with the seawall at Port Huron, Michigan
On Thursday, February 26th, 2015, a fire occurred aboard the Mississagi. At the time, the ship was docked in the Port of Hamilton. Firefighters and Confined Space Rescuers from the Hamilton Fire Department responded to the incident. The fire was caused by welding; only minor injuries resulted.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015, while downbound on the lower St. Marys River, the Mississagi ran aground near De Tour Village, Michigan. At the time of the accident the vessel was loaded with rock, and had run hard aground by the bow. There were no injuries or environmental pollution.