SAULT STE. MARIE — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay completed 9 hours of ice-breaking operations Thursday to clear a path for the Sugar Island Ferry on the St. Marys River. The ferry resumed its normal operating schedule at approximately 9:00 p.m. on March 5.
The mission was conducted to maintain the movement of people and goods through the maritime transportation system. These operations come at a time when other regional Coast Guard ice-breaking assets are limited due to ongoing maintenance and transit schedules.
The Coast Guard Cutter, Biscayne Bay, focused its efforts specifically between the Sugar Island Ferry landings. Following the completion of the nine-hour mission, ferry operators notified Sector Northern Great Lakes that regular service had resumed.
While the Biscayne Bay remains active, the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay is currently unavailable for ice-breaking duties. That vessel remains in port to undergo necessary repairs.No other Coast Guard icebreakers are able to transit to the Sault Ste. Marie area until Monday. This leaves the Biscayne Bay as the sole asset available for ice-breaking tasks in the immediate region through the end of the weekend.
The Biscayne Bay is scheduled to continue ice-breaking operations in the area through Friday and Saturday. These efforts are intended to ensure the safe and efficient flow of people and goods through the maritime transportation system.