First icebreaker expected here this week

The United States Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw (shown) is expected to reach Sault Ste. Marie sometime on Friday, Stan Jacek, area engineer at the Soo (U.S.) Locks tells SooToday.com.

The Mackinaw will be arriving upbound, grooming the shipping channels for the opening of the 2004 season at one minute after midnight on March 25.

"We have heard that several vessels will be waiting on our pier," Jacek says.

"Reports are that both Canadian and American fleets will have a strong early start to the .... navigation season."

Meanwhile the United States Coast Guard sent us the following news release today:

******************** Opening of waters between Cheboygan Michigan and Bois Blanc Island

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – In accordance with TITLE 33 CFR 165.901, Captain of the Port Sault Ste. Marie will open the waters between Cheboygan, MI and Bois Blanc Island, also known as South Channel, effective 0900 EST March 18, 2004.

The Coast Guard would like to remind all recreational ice users to plan their activity carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels, which are being groomed for the opening of the shipping season.

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