The Manitoulin, a bulk carrier operated by Lower Lakes Towing of Port Dover, Ontario, was heading for winter lay-up at Sarnia upon being being freed last Saturday by three U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard vessels after being trapped in Lake Erie thick ice near Buffalo, NY since January 22.
Taking part in the rescue operation were U.S. Coast Guard cutters Bristol Bay and Neah Bay and Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel Risley .
“The multi-vessel operation demonstrates the strong partnership between U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard forces in maintaining critical maritime operations during harsh winter conditions,” said a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson.
After freeing the ship, the three icebreakers escorted the Manitoulin through about 20 miles of ice-covered waters from Buffalo into open waters of Lake Erie.
Subsequently, the USCGC Mackinaw was scheduled to rendezvous with the Manitoulin in order to escort the vessel to its winter berth in Sarnia.
During the rescue operations, the ship wasn’t damaged, and its 17-member crew was safe.
(US Coast Guard photo)