Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard is advising the public of potentially unsafe ice conditions in the vicinity of icebreaking operations and shipping routes in the Great Lakes. Milder temperatures this winter significantly reduced ice cover on the Great Lakes. However, icebreaking operations to assist commercial shipping will take place soon in certain areas of the Great Lakes.
The following area will see icebreaking activity this week:
The North Channel of Lake Huron including all shipping routes to and from the Serpent River area on Tuesday April 12, and Fisher Harbour on Wednesday April 13. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley will be icebreaking to ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move into and out of these harbours safely and efficiently.
Dates and routes are subject to change with little or no notice, due to weather, ice conditions, shipping schedules or other unexpected situations.
Broken and fragmented icy tracks left behind by icebreaking operations and other ship traffic may not freeze over immediately. In addition, newly fallen snow may obscure icebreaker and ship tracks and changes in weather contribute to unsafe ice conditions that may remain long after the ships have left the area. All ice on or near the planned shipping routes and icebreaking operations should be considered unsafe during and after ship transits through these routes. The Canadian Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police are advising everyone to stay clear of these areas.
