Freighter Finally Free After Stuck for Days in Ice on Frozen Lake Erie
Rescue Efforts
A U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking ship had been working since Thursday to help the Manitoulin, a 663-foot Canadian vessel with 17 people on board, which got stuck in the ice on Lake Erie on Wednesday. On Saturday, officials said a second ship arrived to help free the freighter, and the Canadian Coast Guard also had a ship assisting with the effort.
Breaking Through the Ice
The freighter was escorted by the three icebreakers through more than 20 miles of ice from Buffalo westward across Lake Erie until it got to free water Saturday night, according to Lt. Kyle Rivera of the Coast Guard.
Next Steps
The freighter has to travel the rest of Lake Erie and then go up the Detroit and St. Clair rivers to Sarnia, Ontario, where it will spend the rest of the winter, Rivera told The Associated Press on Sunday. “There is ice through other portions of the lake and the rivers, but we have another cutter that will take it through there,” he said.
Monitoring the Situation
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was at the scene conducting flights to monitor the situation. A third U.S. Coast Guard ship was scheduled to arrive Monday, in case the Manitoulin remained stuck.
Crew and Ship Unharmed
The ship wasn’t damaged, and its crew is safe, officials said. Freighters in the Great Lakes often encounter surface ice in the winter but sometimes run into ice that is too hard or thick to break through.
Conclusion
The Manitoulin’s journey to freedom was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, as well as the resilience of the freighter and its crew. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with navigating the frozen waters of the Great Lakes during the winter months.
FAQs
Q: How long was the Manitoulin stuck in the ice?
A: The freighter was stuck in the ice for four days, from Wednesday to Saturday.
Q: How many people were on board the Manitoulin?
A: There were 17 people on board the Manitoulin.
Q: Were there any injuries or damage to the ship?
A: No, the ship wasn’t damaged, and its crew is safe.
Q: How did the Coast Guards assist in freeing the freighter?
A: The U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard both sent icebreaking ships to help free the Manitoulin, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was used to monitor the situation.
