US Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie issued a reminder the public, calling them to stay away from active shipping lanes while partaking in recreational ice activities or using ice as a means of transportation.
As USCG says, “ice is unpredictable and dangerous, significantly ranging in thickness in even a small area.”
Operators must wear appropriate clothing and be physically capable of self-rescue in case of falling through while venturing out on the ice. An ice plan is also important with someone ashore and not to go out alone.
The Captain of the Port of Sault Ste Marie closed the waters between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island Jan. 10, 2018 at noon. The chart shows the regulated navigation area (green) that is closed to all mariner traffic. The black line depicts an active path that Coast Guard ice breakers transit to Coast Guard Station St. Ignace. The red line depicts an active shipping lane. The blue line depicts the approximate position of a route historically used as a tree lined snowmobile trail. Transiting the ice near shipping lanes or Coast Guard transit lanes is dangerous.
“The Coast Guard continues to encourage people to remember the acronym I.C.E; Information – including current weather conditions; Clothing – proper for the water temperature; Equipment – radios, life jackets and ice awls,” the USCG mentioned.
