A Canadian freighter is finally back on track after being stuck in thick ice on Lake Erie for days. The 663-foot Manitoulin, carrying a crew of 17, had just finished delivering a load of wheat in Buffalo on Wednesday morning and was en route to Sarnia, Ontario, when it hit trouble. Sub-zero temperatures near Buffalo caused ice to form rapidly, leaving the ship frozen in place.
For three days, a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker, along with help from the Canadian Coast Guard, worked tirelessly to free the massive ship. By Saturday, their efforts paid off. The Manitoulin was freed and guided by three icebreakers through more than 20 miles of thick ice on Lake Erie.
It finally reached open water by Saturday night, according to Lt. Kyle Rivera of the Coast Guard. Thankfully, the ship wasn’t damaged, and the crew remained safe throughout the ordeal.
As of Monday morning, the freighter had passed Cleveland and was heading up the Detroit and St. Clair rivers toward its winter destination in Sarnia, Ontario. “There’s still ice in other parts of the lake and rivers,” Lt. Rivera explained, “but another icebreaker will help guide it the rest of the way.”
It’s been a tough journey for the Manitoulin, but thanks to the hard work of the icebreakers, it’s finally nearing its winter home.
