Montreal, Quebec – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents of Thunder Bay, Ontario on Lake Superior that icebreaking operations will start as early as March 19, 2018. The purpose of this annual operation is to break up the ice in order to allow commercial vessels safe and efficient movement into and out of the Port of Thunder Bay.
It is recommended that all recreational users of the ice - pedestrians, fishers, snowmobilers, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators - leave the ice during icebreaking operations. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone on the ice. Additionally, they should plan their activities carefully and use extreme caution after operations are complete as the ice will remain unstable after the icebreaker has left the area.
Coast Guard icebreaking service on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered in close co-operation between the Canadian and United States Coast Guards. By working together the two Coast Guards ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and into and out of community harbours. For the port of Thunder Bay spring breakout, the CCGS Samuel Risley and the United States Coast Guard Cutters Alder and Mackinaw are assigned to provide this service.
The date and assets are subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.
Details of the Canadian/U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking partnership can be viewed, here.
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