Bulk Carrier Trapped In Thick Ice Of Lake Erie Freed After Days Of Struggle

U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard vessels have successfully freed the Canadian-flagged bulk carrier Manitoulin, which had been stuck in thick ice on Lake Erie near Buffalo, New York for days.

The vessel, measuring 663 feet in length, became immobilised on January 22 while attempting to return to its home port in Sarnia, Ontario, after delivering a shipment of wheat.

The Manitoulin became trapped about a mile off the shore of Buffalo.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay initiated ice-breaking operations on January 23. Another day, the 140-foot ice-breaking tug USCGC Neah Bay, stationed in Cleveland, joined the operation.

A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Detroit also provided aerial support. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley, stationed in Windsor, Ontario, also arrived to assist with the operation.

Video Credits: Associated Press/YouTube

The situation was complicated by bad weather, with sustained winds of 16-20 mph and gusts reachi…

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