CLEVELAND – U.S. Coast Guard cutters and a Canadian Coast Guard ship assisted the 1,000 foot Charles M. Beeghley, Sunday, in the Huron Cut and are scheduled to assist the 1,000-foot James R. Barker at first-light, Monday, in southern Lake Huron.
The Coast Guard Cutters Mackinaw, Neah Bay, Bristol Bay and Biscyane Bay and the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon will continue ice breaking operations throughout Monday to flush the ice between the St. Clair River and southern Lake Huron.
A U.S. Coast Guard 140-foot ice breaking tug will be staged south of the St. Clair River to clear flushed ice.
The Coast Guard recommends vessels not to transit the area until the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard arrive on scene Monday.
Ice breaking efforts to assist the Beeghley and the Barker are a part of Operation Coal Shovel, which encompasses southern Lake Huron, St. Clair/Detroit River systems and Lakes Erie and Ontario, including the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Operation Coal Shovel is under the command of Coast Guard Sector Detroit.
The Coast Guard is working closely with the Canadian Coast Guard and the commercial shipping industry to facilitate safe transit for commerce.
