Canadian Coast Guard On Full Patrol

The Canadian Coast Guard is keeping a close eye on ice formation in lower Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. Central and Arctic Region Ice Breaking Superintendent Stacy Dufour says they're doing flights almost every day and have a vessel working in the area as well. "It's beginning to freeze obviously with the cold weather we've been having for the past few days, new ice is developing," says Dufour. "We monitor the situation very closely." The Canadian and United States Coast Guard provide icebreaking services to ensure safe navigation for commercial shipping and maintain open routes for maritime commerce. The operation also helps prevent the formation of ice jams and flooding. The Canadian icebreaker Griffon is currently working in this area, while the Samuel Risley is working in the Sault. Ste. Marie area. The Risley crew spent the week,including Christmas Day, helping a freighter on southern Georgian Bay. It was the first of what will become many operations for the ship.