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Group Sault Ste Marie |
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| Press Release |
Date: January 9, 2004 Contact: LTJG Sam Kasten |
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COAST GUARD BEGINS ICEBREAKING OPERATIONS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Coast Guard commenced Operation Taconite this morning after colder than normal temperatures continued to increase ice formation in the northern great lakes region. 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 after giving due consideration 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 in the course of their daily business use naturally formed ice bridges for transportation to and from the mainland. Currently there are no channel closures, however the implementation of Operation Taconite will place some additional measures on shipping through the St. Mary’s River and Straits such as 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. The Coast Guard would like to remind all recreational ice users that there are no channel closures at this time, and 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 LTJG Sam Kasten or via email at skasten@grusaultstemarie.uscg.mil or to the Group Duty Officer at (906) 635-3233. ### |
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