When Captain David Eagan received the call that a 56-foot vessel was in distress near Port Colborne, he knew he was in for more than just a routine tow. The destination? North Tonawanda – a journey that would take him through some of the busiest and most challenging waters in the region.

“The Welland Canal can be tricky on a good day,” Captain Eagan recalls. “Heavy commercial traffic, strong currents, and tight quarters – it’s not a place you want to be towing a large vessel unless you know what you’re doing.”

The disabled 56-footer had suffered a complete engine failure, leaving her crew stranded and anxious about navigating the busy shipping channel. With years of experience under his belt, Captain Eagan quickly assessed the situation and developed a plan for the lengthy tow ahead.

“The key to a successful long-distance tow like this is preparation and patience,” Eagan explains. “You’ve got to respect the canal traffic, work with the currents instead of against them, and maintain constant communication with both your tow and the marine traffic controllers.”

What could have been a nightmare scenario turned into a textbook example of professional seamanship. Despite the heavy commercial vessel traffic and challenging currents that the Welland Canal is known for, Captain Eagan expertly navigated the 6-hour journey, timing his movements to work with the flow of traffic and utilizing the currents to his advantage.

“The crew was incredibly grateful,” Eagan remembers. “Six hours might seem like a long time, but when you’re dealing with a vessel that size in those conditions, taking your time and doing it right is what matters. Safety first, always.”

The successful tow from Port Colborne to North Tonawanda showcased not only Captain Eagan’s skill and experience but also the reliability that C-Tow members have come to expect. Even in challenging conditions with heavy traffic and strong currents, C-Tow’s captains deliver the professional service that keeps boaters safe on Canadian waters.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Captain Eagan concludes. “Whether it’s a quick assist or a 6-hour tow through busy shipping lanes, we’ll get you home safely.”

David’s helper did an amazing job assisting on this tow!