Boatnerd Discussion Forum

As of 2300 on Sunday, it looks like the Mackinaw led the Manitoulin to the western end of Lake Erie, just south and east of the Detroit River entrance. They appear to be anchored for the night. Just guessing, but perhaps they did not want to tackle the Detroit River and Lake St Clair ice in the dark.

Based on AIS, it looks like Manitoulin is stuck in the middle of Lake Erie northeast of Cleveland. AIS shows them at 0.2 knots. Long trip for sure. Hope the USCG and CCGS icebreakers have a sense of humor and are still available.

Thanks guys for the fantastic job of observing and also reporting this information to all of us. Today, I told friends and family “Now I just hope the Algoma Bear can make it in and out of Buffalo without any issues or getting stuck in the ice like the Manitoulin did!” The Algoma Bear has salt for Buffalo and they’ve been at anchor ⚓️ waiting for the Manitoulin to get freed from being stuck in the ice before they enter into Buffalo then. Unless we have a major type of a warm up and the ice begins to thaw and melt, we could be in for a real fun Spring Fit Out this year all and everyone. I’ll bet depending on any melting or thawing of the ice, the Canadians might bring in extra help this year and Spring with the icebreaking as they’ve done this then before when things get really bad. I have yet to hear just what the total percentage of ice coverage is now on all the Great Lakes? Yes I know Lake Erie is 80% covered now but what about the others Superior, Huron, Michigan and Ontario? I’m sure Superior has got some real good ice up there especially from Whitefish to the Soo and too Duluth and Thunder Bay are probably choked full of ice right now as well. Green Bay as well as Sturgeon Bay as we know has gotten good ice as well. Should be fun in the Spring then!

The news update failed to mention the assistance from the Great Lakes Towing tug Oklahoma and crew.

1640 westbound at 6 knots eastern Lake Erie. Accompanied by Neah Bay, Bristol Bay and Samuel Risely.

Manitoulin is underway with Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard escort leading her

Crew of 17... They shouldn't run out of food. Who washes the dishes? The ABs, seriously?

Correct me if I’m wrong here but, I thought I had read on here that the Manitoulin was heading to Sarnia then for Winter Lay Up? At least that is what’s listed on the Lay Up list for the Manitoulin right now! Also in regards to all of the breakers now headed toward Buffalo to help aid and free the Manitoulin from the ice, makes you kinda wonder now had they had the original Mackinaw with all of their horsepower in her, just what the situation would be like then with the Manitoulin? Just curious and my thoughts here only.

The Mackinaw is also steaming south to join the breakout if needed

Ridley Ridley he’s our man, if nobody can do it, Ridley can.
Seems it’s always happens that way.

Yes the risley is heading for the Manitoulin and will free her to proceed to Windsor to lay up.

I see that the Samuel Risley is headed out into Lake Erie. Does anyone know if it is going to free the Manitoulin? The Bristol Bay evidently wasn't able to do the job and is now in Buffalo. Thanks in advance for any info.