SAULT STE. MARIE, MI-- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie has begun icebreaking operations on a portion of the Great Lakes in response to ice growth in commercial ports.
Operation Taconite encompasses Lake Superior, the St. Marys River, Straits of Mackinac, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, northern Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
Ice breaking operations are based on the following order of priorities: search and rescue, urgent response to vessels in deteriorating weather conditions, pressing community services for flood control and remote communities in immediate need of food, fuel for heat, energy, and/or medical assistance, and facilitation of navigation.
In the coming weeks, various commercial waterways may close after due consideration is given to the protection of the marine environment and the safety of island residents who, in the course of their daily business, use naturally formed ice bridges for transportation to and from the mainland.
