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Group Sault Ste Marie |
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| Press Release |
Date: Jan. 21, 2004 Contact: LTJG Sam Kasten |
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VESSEL FREE AFTER 156 HOURS IN THE ICE
The Edgar B. Speer was freed with the assistance of four commercial tugs: Reliance, Missouri, Joyce L. Vanekenvourt, and Joe Thompson Jr. Coast Guard Cutters MACKINAW, BISCAYNE BAY, and KATMAI BAY have been working over the past four days to free the Edgar B. Speer. Earlier this morning representatives from the United States Coast Guard and owners of the beset vessel decided to bring in the additional commercial tugs, at that time the Coast Guard began preparing to re-route the 14 waiting vessels. In order to facilitate the 14 vessels waiting to proceed down the St. Mary's River, the USCGC MACKINAW and the USCGC BISCAYNE BAY began routing ships around West Neebish Channel and the Edgar B. Speer. To do so vessels began transiting through Middle Neebish Channel, normally an upbound channel, at 10:30 this morning. The Coast Guard will continue to route traffic through Middle Neebish Channel until the last of the shipping traffic is finished transiting through the St. Marys River. However, West Neebish Channel will remain open in case there are any problems with the alternate route. The last anticipated transit of the St. Marys River is scheduled for early Thursday afternoon and should be complete by Thursday evening. At that time the United States Coast Guard will consider closing West Neebish Channel to all traffic.
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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