Coast Guard reminds public to avoid ice near active shipping routes

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/07/2018 04:20 PM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Feb. 7, 2018

U.S. Coast Guard 9th District Great Lakes
Contact: 9th District Public Affairs
Office: (216) 902-6020
After Hours: (216) 310-2608
9th District online newsroom

Coast Guard reminds public to avoid ice near active shipping routes

The chart illustrates the regulated navigation area (green) that is closed to all marine traffic. The black line depicts an active path that Coast Guard ice breakers transit to Coast Guard Station St. Ignace. The red line depicts an active shipping lane. The blue line depicts the approximate position of a route historically used as a tree lined snowmobile trail. Transiting the ice near shipping lanes or Coast Guard transit lanes is dangerous. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic).

 Editors' Note: Click on the image to download a high resolution version. 

SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Mich. — Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie reminds the public to stay away from active shipping lanes while partaking in recreational ice activities or using ice as a means of transportation.

Ice is unpredictable and dangerous, significantly ranging in thickness in even a small area.

It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing and be physically capable of self-rescue in case of falling through while venturing out on the ice. It is also best practice to leave an ice plan with someone ashore and to not go out alone. 

In accordance with 33 CFR 165.901, the captain of the port of Sault Ste Marie closed the waters between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island Jan. 10, 2018 at noon. The chart shows the regulated navigation area (green) that is closed to all mariner traffic. The black line depicts an active path that Coast Guard ice breakers transit to Coast Guard Station St. Ignace. The red line depicts an active shipping lane. The blue line depicts the approximate position of a route historically used as a tree lined snowmobile trail. Transiting the ice near shipping lanes or Coast Guard transit lanes is dangerous.

The Coast Guard continues to encourage people to remember the acronym I.C.E; Information - including current weather conditions; Clothing - proper for the water temperature; Equipment - radios, life jackets and ice awls.

For more information contact Lt. j.g. Sean Murphy at (906) 635-3223 or sean.v.murphy@uscg.mil, or follow the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie page on Facebook.

-USCG-