U.S. Coast Guard Escorts Manitoulin Through Ice on Lake Erie

Coast Guard and Canadian counterparts collaborate to free and escort vessel through ice-covered waters.

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Coast Guard Ensures Safe Passage for Manitoulin on Lake Erie

BUFFALO, NY – The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside the Canadian Coast Guard, successfully assisted the motor vessel Manitoulin through ice-covered waters on Lake Erie, enabling the vessel to continue its westward transit toward Sarnia, Canada.

On January 25, Coast Guard Cutters Bristol Bay (WTGB 102) and Neah Bay (WTGB 105), along with the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley, worked to break the Manitoulin free from heavy ice near Buffalo, New York. The team then escorted the vessel through approximately 20 miles of ice into open waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30), which departed its homeport in Cheboygan, Michigan, on January 24, is scheduled to rendezvous with the Manitoulin to provide further assistance as it completes its journey to Sarnia, where it will remain for the winter season.

Ice-Breaking Missions Essential for Commerce and Safety

The operation underscores the importance of ice-breaking missions conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard across the Great Lakes region during the winter months. These missions are critical to ensuring maritime safety, facilitating commerce, and maintaining the Nation’s vital maritime transportation network.

Lt. Kyle Rivera, Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard, emphasized the collaborative efforts of U.S. and Canadian resources in keeping essential shipping routes open during challenging weather conditions.

“The coordinated efforts of our cutters and the Canadian Coast Guard demonstrate our shared commitment to ensuring maritime safety and facilitating commerce during winter,” Rivera said.

Continued Efforts Across the Great Lakes

The U.S. Coast Guard remains active across the Great Lakes throughout the ice season, with missions spanning Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, in addition to Lake Erie. These efforts support critical industries, such as shipping and supply chain logistics, ensuring that ports remain accessible despite severe weather.

For additional information, please contact Lt. Kyle Rivera, Public Affairs Officer for Sector Detroit, at (313) 910-1234 or via email at Kyle.P.Rivera@uscg.mil.

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