BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a striking winter scene, the 663-foot Canadian freighter Manitoulin, carrying 17 crew members, became stuck in rapidly forming Lake Erie ice while departing Buffalo. The U.S. Coast Guard arrived Thursday with icebreaking equipment to free the vessel from the icy grip.
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Freighter Trapped Amid Sub-Zero Temperatures
The Manitoulin had just completed delivering a load of wheat and was en route to Sarnia, Ontario, when it encountered thick ice on Wednesday. The ice, driven by sub-zero temperatures, proved too much for the freighter to navigate and left it stranded off the Buffalo shoreline.
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By Thursday, the vessel remained surrounded by a dense layer of ice and snow, creating a surreal spectacle on the frozen lake.
“We just haven’t had a bad winter in quite a while. So now that we’ve had one and people haven’t seen this for a bit, they’re like, ‘What’s going on?’” said Paul Angelillo, a search and rescue specialist with the Buffalo Coast Guard.
Ice Conditions on the Great Lakes
While Great Lakes freighters are typically equipped to handle surface ice during winter months, extreme conditions can render navigation impossible. The thickness and hardness of the ice near Buffalo were more than the Manitoulin could manage, prompting the need for assistance.
Fortunately, the ship was undamaged, and all 17 crew members, including the captain, were reported safe, according to the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Icebreaking Operation
By Thursday afternoon, a Coast Guard cutter arrived and began breaking up the ice surrounding the Manitoulin. The specialized icebreaking equipment cleared a path for the freighter, helping it resume its journey back to Ontario.
Rare Winter Scene Captivates Locals
The incident served as a rare reminder of harsh winters past, sparking curiosity among locals who gathered to witness the frozen spectacle on the lake.
“It’s been years since we’ve seen conditions like this, and it’s always fascinating to see such a massive freighter frozen in place,” commented a Buffalo resident.
Conclusion
While the freighter’s ordeal highlights the challenges of winter navigation on the Great Lakes, it also underscores the vital role of the Coast Guard’s icebreaking operations in ensuring the safety of vessels and crew.
