The MS Windoc was a notable Great Lakes freighter with a history marked by significant service and events. Originally built in 1899 as the M.A. Hanna by the Globe Iron Works Company, the vessel measured approximately 430 feet (130 meters) in length and had a deadweight tonnage of around 4,661 long tons (4,736 tonnes). Designed as a steamer, it was capable of carrying roughly 7,000 long tons (7,100 tonnes) of cargo, primarily coal and ore, reflecting its role in the industrial transport on the Great Lakes. In 1913, the vessel was renamed Hydrus after being sold to Interlake Steamship Co., replacing a previous ship with the same name that had foundered earlier that year. The Hydrus continued to operate for over a decade, mainly transporting coal and ore, until the company modernized its fleet with new ships. Subsequently, the Hydrus was sold in 1927 to Patterson Steamship Co. of Fort William, who refitted and rechristened it Windoc, a name derived from Winnipeg, the location of the company's headquarters, combined with the suffix 'doc' referencing the Dominion of Canada. The Windoc's operational history included regular grain and coal runs through the Welland Canal, a key waterway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Its service on the Great Lakes lasted until 1967 when it was retired and sold for scrap. One notable incident occurred in October 1938, when the Windoc was struck by C.N.R. Bridge #20, a vertical lift bridge near Humberstone. The bridge was lowered onto the vessel before it had safely cleared, causing considerable damage to the ship’s spar, stack, and lifeboats, and flooding the cabins and hold. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the vessel was repaired following the accident. Throughout its long service life, the Windoc played a vital role in Great Lakes shipping, embodying the industrial heritage of Canadian maritime commerce and highlighting the hazards faced by vessels navigating the canal systems.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.