USCG frees two vessels stuck in Straits of Mackinac

[U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City]

Sault St. Marie — The United States Coast Guard MH-65C aircrew out of Traverse City was launched Friday to provide aerial ice reconnaissance assistance after receiving notification from a shipping boat reporting they were beset in the ice west of the Straits of Mackinac.

Photos Courtesy of US Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City:

The Aurther M. Anderson reported they had lost sight of the ice track in the blowing snow and were unable to continue westbound. This vessel stopping forced another boat to come to a stop as well. Both vessels were securely positioned in the ice with no danger of drifting and there was no other traffic affected.

Another US Coast Guard tug, the USCGC Biscayne Bay got underway, successfully freeing both vessels and escorting them to the ice edge.