Editor's Note: This news release updates information previously released by the Coast Guard 9th District, revising the dates that ice-breaking crews will be conducting operations and adding that the Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay is now scheduled to assist.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Coast Guard is alerting residents, particularly ice fishermen and other recreational users of Pere Marquette Lake, of ice-breaking activities scheduled to begin Saturday morning and last one week. The nearest towns to Pere Marquette Lake are Ludington and Scottville, Mich.
The tug Spartan and barge Spartan II, assisted by the commercial ice-breaking tug Manitou, are scheduled to transit through Pere Marquette Lake for cargo deliveries Feb. 1-8.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay will establish an initial trackline for the Manitou. The commercial tug crew will then continue to break ice for the Spartan and Spartan II, and the Biscayne Bay will depart.
The tugs and barge will make two transits, stopping at Ludington’s Occidental Chemical Facility. All ice fishermen should remove their ice shanties and equipment from these areas.
Recreational users of the ice should plan their activities carefully, avoid shipping channels, and use caution near these areas of operation.
For additional information, contact the Sault Ste. Marie Vessel Traffic Service at 906-635-3232 or via email at SOOTFC@USCG.MIL.
The Coast Guard 9th District recently published their "Think Twice with Ice" safety brochure.