The Canadian and US Coast Guards successfully freed the Canadian-flagged bulk carrier Manitoulin from thick ice near Buffalo, New York, on January 25. Three icebreakers—USCG Cutters Bristol Bay and Neah Bay, along with Canadian Coast Guard vessel Samuel Risley—broke the ship free and escorted it through 20 miles of ice-covered waters into open Lake Erie. The USCGC Mackinaw is set to provide additional icebreaking support as the Manitoulin continues to its winter berth in Sarnia, Ontario. The operation highlights the strong US-Canada partnership in ensuring safe winter navigation.
