US COAST GUARD
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SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. - On Tuesday, the Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie, Captain Marko Broz, met with Sugar Island Township Supervisor, Rick Roy, and Treasurer, Frank Handziak, to discuss Coast Guard ice breaking operations and recent service delays to the Sugar Island Ferry.
The Coast Guard and Sugar Island leadership discussed Coast Guard ice breaking authorities, priorities, assets and capabilities. The group also discussed the weather conditions, broken ice boom, and ice conditions that led to last week’s Sugar Island Ferry service delays. The Coast Guard will continue to partner with EUPTA and Sugar Island leadership to minimize ferry service delays and to communicate conditions that may cause delays to Sugar Island residents.
Last Thursday and Friday, Sugar Island residents experienced significant ferry service delays caused by ice that broke away from the shoreline and moved to the chokepoint between Sugar Island and Mission Point.
The ice was unable to move downriver due to significant ice buildup in the St. Marys River. The Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay worked to mechanically flush the ice downriver. Ferry service was restored to a more frequent schedule after warmer temperatures, wind, and current moved the ice further downriver.
Sugar Island residents are encouraged to continue to prepare for the probability that ferry operations will be disrupted i.e. pack for overnight contingencies, stock pantries, and prepare for medical needs.
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