SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Extensive ice in the West Neebish Channel is impacting the Neebish Island Ferry service in Barbeau, Michigan. Unfavorable winds, combined with the backlog of ice upstream, have caused ice to become heavily packed throughout the river, preventing it from naturally flushing out of the river system. These conditions are expected to persist for up to two weeks.
Ice at the Neebish Island ferry dock. [Neebish Island Leaflet – Facebook]
Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes has been in contact with the Chippewa County Emergency Management Office and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority to discuss transportation capabilities and contingencies for potential emergency situations on the island.
“Unfortunately, these river conditions are a result of a winter season with above average snowfall and colder temperatures. There’s not much any vessel, or combination of vessels, can do until favorable weather enables the ice to flush from the channel,” said Capt. Jim Bendle, Sector Northern Great Lakes Commander. “The isolating challenges endured by the resilient residents of Neebish Island are a real concern for Sector Northern Great Lakes and our Com-mand Center remains ready.
USCG
