MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/14 -- The Canadian Coast Guard, in partnership with the United States Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police, has an important safety message for all ice surface users near icebreaking operations and shipping routes in the Great Lakes.
Broken and fragmented icy tracks left behind by icebreaking operations and other ship traffic may not freeze over immediately. Newly fallen snow may obscure icebreaker and ship tracks and changes in weather contribute to unsafe ice conditions that may remain long after the ships have left the area. All ice on or near the planned shipping routes and icebreaking operations should be considered unsafe during and after ship transits through these routes. The Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard and Ontario Provincial Police are advising everyone to stay clear of these areas.
Icebreaking operations are currently underway in various areas of the Great Lakes.
-- Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard are carrying out icebreaking operations
from Southern Lake Huron to Lake Erie, including the St. Clair River.
-- Update: Icebreaking operations have ended near Midland and Owen Sound,
Ontario.
Public service announcements made prior to impending icebreaker and shipping activity are issued for the safety of all ice surface users, who can expect disrupted and unstable ice conditions related to icebreaking and shipping operations.
Dates and routes are subject to change with little or no notice due to weather, ice conditions, shipping schedules or other unexpected situations.
Please post and share with fellow ice surface users, so all surface users this winter may enjoy a safe winter season.
For broadcast
Seasonal icebreaking operations are currently underway in the Great Lakes. All ice near the planned shipping routes should be considered unsafe during and after icebreaking and shipping operations. The Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police are advising everyone to stay clear of these areas.
Quick Facts
-- Icebreaking operations and shipping traffic create broken and fragmented
ice conditions that may not freeze immediately creating unstable ice
conditions in the area.
-- All ice near planned icebreaking operations and shipping activity should
be considered unsafe during and after ship transits.
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO
Contacts:
Canadian Coast Guard
Regional Operations Centre
Duty Officer
Toll free: 1-855-209-1976
Ontario Provincial Police
Southern Georgian Bay
Provincial Constable David Hobson
705-733-5440
david.hobson@ontario.ca
For more information about the Ontario Provincial Police,
visit www.opp.ca
For more information about the United States Coast Guard,
visit http://www.uscg.mil/d9/
