Preparations for new shipping season to begin

The upcoming week will see preparations begin for the 2021 Great Lakes commercial shipping season.

The United States Coast Guard will begin ice-breaking operations on the lower St. Marys River on Tuesday ahead of the new season.

Following is a full release on the operations:

Tuesday, March 9 2021 the Coast Guard starts breaking ice in the lower St Marys River in preparation for the 2021 Great Lakes commercial shipping season.

Initially the ice breaking activity will focus on the lower St Marys River, south of Munuscong (Mud) Lake and the Middle Neebish Channel north and east of Neebish Island. By Saturday, March 13, the Coast Guard will extend their ice breaking activity into the southern half of the West Neebish Channel, working from Mud Lake Junction Light north to the south end of the Rock Cut. The Coast Guard will not disturb the ice north of the Neebish Island ferry crossing or south of West Neebish Channel Light 45.

In the coming weeks, as the March 24 scheduled opening of the Sault Locks approaches, ice breaking activities will encompass all navigable waters of the St Marys River. Recreational users of the ice should plan their activities carefully, use caution near the ice, and stay away from charted navigation areas.

If you have questions about local or regional ice breaking activities, you may contact the Vessel Traffic Service at (906) 635-3232 or via email at [email protected].