CCGS Amundsen

[Denny]

Thanks for the information on the Bristol Bay and the Sequoia as that is very interesting information that I did not know previously on either one of those two USCG vessels.

[algowest]

Denny-
Bristol Bay was active icebreaking for Operation Coal Shovel (?) at the end of the 2024 Shipping Season, and then goes back to homeport to ready for her next work task, changing out buoys with her crane barge. So, I'm assuming, she's being readied for her Spring task of swapping buoys.

[Guest]

Sequoia has been sidelined since arriving on the Great Lakes. Evidently she has issues of some kind. It was never available for any kind of ops this winter.

[Denny]

Two other USCG vessels at least so far don’t seem to be doing very much as far as any ice breaking work. What about the Bristol Bay in Detroit along with the Sequoia in Port Huron? Yeah I know the Sequoia is a buoy tender by design but, the Bristol Bay has been used for ice breaking missions and duties when it’s needed. Surprised that the Bristol Bay and Sequoia are just sitting right now and not out doing any ice breaking work. I’m guessing then the USCG doesn’t need to have those two out running at this time then.

[Guest]

When isn’t the Mackinaw sidelined? At least the Spar has been pulling her weight and she’s not even an ice breaker by design.

[Up North George]

They went to Whitefish to assist. That said the Mackinaw is capable to a point the Amundsen is a beast. Also the Canadian Coast Guard will work 24 hours to get the job done. The USCG generally only works daylight operations.

[guest]

So, the Amundsen spent a few days in Whitefish Bay working long days and barreling through the ice pack at high speeds. Did they go to Whitefish because the Mackinaw was sidelined?

[Guest]

Glad I could be of some help, Denny.

The ice in the extreme east side of Georgian Bay is very heavy, thickness is between 12-28 inches in the Midland area.

https://usicecenter.gov/pub/icethick_D9.png

[Denny]

Thanks for all of the updates and information everyone on the Amundsen as I greatly appreciate it from you all. Today, March 25 I got very lucky and fortunate as they were upbound on the St. Clair River during the early part of the afternoon and I was able to see and photograph them also. It was the first time that I’ve ever seen and photographed them. I assume since they are heading up to Midland, they’re probably going there for icebreaking work. With the Whitefish Bay of CSL still in Midland, I would assume then that the ice up in Midland and Georgian Bay still must be very thick for them to need the Amundsen up there. Anyway, thanks again everyone for all of your help and great and excellent work wign tracking them and providing updates on them. Glad I was able to see and photograph them today on the river then. Take Care and Be & Stay Safe and Healthy everyone.

[James S]

As of midnite they are passing the old calling in point in Lake Erie - Port Stanley/Ashtabula Line (halfway across the lake)Looks like they should be in Midland Tuesday?

[Guest]

As of 11:15am Monday March 24, the Amundsen is tied up below Lock 4 of the Welland Canal.

[Guest]

The Amundsen is currently out on Lake Ontario heading west for the Welland Canal and showing a destination of Midland.

[Denny]

Can anyone confirm or tell me if the CCGS Amundsen is headed to the Upper Great Lakes Region for any ice breaking? I thought I read somewhere that they were on their way up to Midland, Ontario? The Whitefish Bay of CSL is still laid up there and has yet to depart their layup from there. I’ve also seen and read reports to where the Amundsen would be just working mostly down in Lake Erie breaking up ice there only! If anyone has any info they can share and provide on the Amundsen I’d appreciate it. I’ve never ever seen them so far or photographed them and if they’re headed up to Midland then, I am hoping to see and photograph them on the St. Clair River as they make their way up there then. I’m hoping that I don’t miss them then somehow. Thanks.