Canadian Freighter Stuck in Lake Erie Ice

A Canadian freighter named Manitoulin found itself entrapped in Lake Erie's rapidly forming ice while leaving Buffalo, confirmed the US Coast Guard. The 663-foot vessel, carrying 17 crew members, had completed its wheat delivery and was en route to Sarnia, Ontario, when it encountered the icy blockade on Wednesday. The ship was notably encased in ice and snow, creating a remarkable winter scene.

"We just haven't had a bad winter in quite a while," noted Paul Angelillo, a Coast Guard search and rescue specialist in Buffalo. He added that although Great Lakes freighters are designed to handle surface ice, they sometimes meet ice that's too formidable. The sudden cold snap caught many by surprise, evoking curiosity and concern among locals unfamiliar with such scenes in recent years.

Fortunately, the Manitoulin remained undamaged with its 17-member crew safe on board. On Thursday afternoon, the Coast Guard deployed a cutter, which began icebreaking efforts around the vessel to enable its release. As ice conditions can change rapidly, these navigational hazards highlight the challenges faced by vessels traversing the Great Lakes during harsh winter months. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)