CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard cutter Neah Bay will depart today, from here, to assist the Canadian government with ice breaking operations in the St. Lawrence Seaway. The current ice conditions along the seaway are 8-10 inches.
During a normal summer day, an average of nine ships passes through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Under the current conditions, no more than five ships are able to pass through daily.
Neah Bay is a 140-foot ice breaking tug homeported here. In addition to ice breaking, Neah Bay is used for search and rescue, deployment of marine environmental protection equipment, and support for aids-to-navigation operations.
Neah Bay should reach the St. Lawrence Seaway by Sunday afternoon to help facilitate the movement of commerce.
