The C-C-G-S Samuel Risley has left its berth in Parry Sound, heading northwest for its annual ice-breaking operations.
Today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), it will be in the North Channel to clear the ice near Bruce Mines, Meldrum Bay, and Thessalon allowing safe passage for commercial ships.
Jeremy Hennessy with the Canadian Coast Guard’s Central & Arctic Regions says its route is different this year, passing through Potagannissing Bay rather than around Manitoulin Island by way of Lake Huron.
While an icebreaker in action is a sight to see, Hennessy says to keep a safe distance.
Hennessy says the Samuel Risley will return to Parry Sound via Mississagi Strait and south of Manitoulin Island, sometime around April eleventh.