Buffalo, N.Y. – The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have successfully freed the Manitoulin, a 663-foot Canadian freighter, from the icy grip of Lake Erie after it had been trapped for several days. The vessel, which had 17 crew members aboard, became stuck on Wednesday following a wheat delivery in Buffalo, New York, on its return journey to Canada.

Efforts to rescue the Manitoulin began immediately, with Coast Guard teams deploying icebreaking ships to break through the substantial ice covering the lake. According to USA Today, the ice was reported to be significantly thicker than usual, creating challenges even for seasoned icebreakers. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay arrived on Thursday to assist, and a second icebreaker was deployed on Saturday, along with support from the Canadian Coast Guard.

On Saturday, the crew got the news they'd been waiting for—the Manitoulin was free. It was escorted through approximately 20 miles of ice until reaching open water. Fortunately, the ship remained undamaged throughout the ordeal, and all crew members were confirmed safe and had adequate provisions during their time trapped. “It's just the characteristics of ice; when it gets this cold, it can solidify quickly,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Bridgette Baldwin in an interview with The Independent.

As the freighter makes its way back to Canada, it must navigate through more ice, but officials stated that additional Coast Guard support would be available to ensure a safe passage through the remaining ice-covered regions. According to Lt. Kyle Rivera, “We have another cutter that will take it through there,” implying that comprehensive oversight will continue until the cargo vessel is safely out of danger.

This incident highlights the ever-present risks faced by maritime operations in the Great Lakes during winter, where ice can pose significant hazards. The rescue mission is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Canadian authorities to ensure the safety of those at sea.

For more details, please check the full coverage on AP News or visit Independent.