The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay said bon voyage to one of its most popular exhibits for the winter on Monday. Tugs from Roen Salvage escorted the Tug John Purves across the bay to its shipyard for some much-needed repairs. The Door County Maritime Museum, which began offering tours of the tug boat in 2008, secured the last piece of funding needed to make a number of repairs to the vessel’s hull among other improvements. Deputy Director and Development Manager Sam Perlman said in October that it is important for the Tug John Purves to be preserved for future generations to tour, something over 70,000 people have already been able to experience.

The Tug John Purves was moved now to avoid the rush of freighters that come in for the winter fleet. The tug will return to its rightful spot by the Door County Maritime Museum in time for the 2024 season in May.

Screenshot and Video courtesy of Door County Maritime Museum