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 reaching 38 mph. Despite these challenges, the Coast Guards continued their work to free the Manitoulin.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that there were no concerns about the safety of the crew or the vessel.

The 17 crew members aboard the Manitoulin were confirmed to be in good health. A private tugboat had also delivered food to the crew before the ship was finally freed on January 27.

The ice-breaking operation, known as Operation Coal Shovel, involved multiple vessels. Along with the Bristol Bay, Neah Bay, and Samuel Risley, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw was on its way from Cheboygan, Michigan, to assist, but the Manitoulin had already begun moving under its power before it arrived.

The icebreaking effort resumes to free the freighter Manitoulin from the Lake Erie ice. The Manitoulin is in the distance to the right as the USCG Bristol Bay works to clear a path to the left. Much improved weather conditions. @WBEN pic.twitter.com/8EU25tiSw3

— Tim Wenger (@TimWBEN) January 24, 2025

The Manitoulin was trapped in more than two feet of ice, and the ice-breaking process was slow and difficult due to the region’s freezing temperatures, which fluctuated between -1 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Coast Guard used a technique of backing vessels through previously broken ice to build momentum and knock down pressure ridges.

Despite the cold and the unusual sight of the large vessel stuck in the ice, the crew remained in good spirits and had provisions to last up to five days.

The Manitoulin’s extended stay on the ice and its proximity to land caught the attention of Buffalo residents and boating enthusiasts.

References: NYTimes, FoxWeather

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