U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers have finished flushing operations and cleared two significant plugs in the St. Clair River as part of Operation Coal Shovel.
It took the combined work of the US cutters Bristol Bay, Mackinaw, Neah Bay and Canadian ships Griffon and Samuel Risley to break the St. Clair River, South Channel, Middle Channel and North Channel.
The efforts relieved near-flood-stage water levels throughout the St. Clair River while re-establishing current and ice flow in the area, say coast guard officials.
Working with maritime industry partners, U.S. and Canadian icebreakers developed a plan to clear 12 commercial vessels, north and south of the St. Clair River, that were unable to transit the river due to severe ice conditions.
The American and Canadian icebreakers will continue to escort commercial vessels in the St. Clair River and the Great Lakes throughout the remaining winter season.
