DETROIT – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit launched icebreaking efforts known as Operation Coal Shovel along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie Tuesday.
Under the tactical command of Sector Detroit personnel, Operation Coal Shovel covers icebreaking operations in all of Lake Erie, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and a majority of Lake Huron.
“With present ice conditions, we’ve decided to stand-up Operation Coal Shovel at the direction of Capt. Fred Midgette [Operation Coal Shovel Task Group Commander and the commanding officer of Sector Detroit] to facilitate the movement of commercial ship traffic,” said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Shultis, Sector Detroit, Aids to Navigation.
The Coast Guard advises all recreational ice users there are currently no channel closures. They also advise waterways users to plan their activities carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels. Recreational users and island residents should stay tuned to local media resources for the status of waterway closures.
