Sector Sault Ste. Marie |
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| Press Release | Date: Jan. 20, 2006 Contact: Lt j.g. William White (906) 635-3227 |
COAST GUARD BEGINS ICEBREAKING OPERATIONS IN the NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Coast Guard commenced Operation Taconite today after receiving a request from the M/V Algosar for an escort through approximately 6 inches of ice on the St. Mary’s River.Operation Taconite is the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation, encompassing Lake Superior, St. Mary’s River, and the Straits of Mackinac. As a result of the operation the Captain of the Port may close or open channels, as ice conditions require. Due consideration is given to the protection of the marine environment, waterway improvements, aids to navigation, the need for cross channel traffic (e.g. ferries), the availability of icebreakers, and the safety of the island residents who use naturally formed ice bridges for transportation to and from the mainland. Although existing ice conditions do not necessitate the level of Coast Guard icebreaking operations that were required in previous years, the Coast Guard will continue to monitor ice formation and conduct ice breaking operations as conditions require. Operation Taconite brings about additional measures to both shipping traffic and general public. Additional measures include restricting tanker transits to daylight only with escorts, reducing speeds by 2 M.P.H. in various parts of the river, and placing additional reporting points throughout the operation’s area of responsibility. 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. Recreational users and island residents should stay tuned to local media resources for the status of channel closures. Further inquiries can be made by phone to Sault Vessel Traffic Service at (906) 635-3232 or via email at VTS@grusaultstemarie.uscg.mil. ### |
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