Icebreakers are actively engaged in efforts to liberate a freighter trapped in the St. Clair River close to Harsens Island.

  • The freighter Herbert C. Jackson works to free itself from...

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    On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the freighter Herbert C. Jackson is attempting to extricate itself from the ice, aided by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay, close to Harsens Island, MI. The vessel is presently trapped in the icy waters of the St. Clair River, near the southeastern corner of Harsens Island.

You have been trained on information available until October 2023.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the freighter Herbert C. Jackson is attempting to extricate itself from the ice, aided by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay, close to Harsens Island, MI. The vessel is presently trapped in the icy waters of the St. Clair River, near the southeastern corner of Harsens Island.

Your training includes information and knowledge up until October 2023.

Authored by Andy Morrison and Charles E. Ramirez

The Detroit Chronicle

On Tuesday, a bulk freighter encountered difficulties due to icy conditions on the St. Clair River close to Harsens Island. Fortunately, assistance arrived in the form of two ice cutters and the Coast Guard, who helped navigate the vessel through the challenging ice.

The freighter Herbert C. Jackson faced difficulties navigating through ice for several hours near the southeastern edge of Harsens Island. On Tuesday afternoon, two icebreakers, Morro Bay and Bristol Bay, took turns moving up and down the river beside the vessel, clearing the ice surrounding it.

Bitterly cold temperatures have caused the St. Clair River to be entirely blocked by ice. Crew members aboard the Herbert C. Jackson were spotted on the deck removing ice and snow while attending to various tasks.

Lieutenant Kyle Rivera from the U.S. Coast Guard in Detroit reported that the Herbert was not trapped, but rather navigating through icy conditions. He mentioned that the Coast Guard assisted the vessel, which is now continuing its journey down the river.

Rivera mentioned that it's quite common and that there is a significant amount of ice covering the river.

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