Monday, March 19, 2007
West Neebish Channel Opening March 23rd!
Via SooToday.com - Sign of spring #1
U.S. Coast Guard to open West Neebish Channel in its entirety
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – In accordance with 33 CFR 162.117, Vessel Traffic Service St Marys River will open the waters between Nine Mile Point and Mud Lake Junction Buoy known as the West Neebish Channel, effective 0800 EST 23 MAR 2007.
At some point this weekend, U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Katmai Bay homeported in Sault Ste Marie, Mobile Bay homeported in Sturgeon Bay, WI, Neah Bay homeported in Cleveland, OH and Mackinaw homeported in Cheboygan, MI will each have a hand in the opening of the waterway. These preparations are being conducted in support of the March 25th opening of the Sault Locks and the start of the 2007 Commercial Navigation Season.
The Coast Guard will make every effort to minimize the impact to Neebish Island Ferry operations. However, Neebish Island residents should prepare for minor service interruptions as the ice descending into the Rock Cut will most certainly prevent the ferry from operating normally. In the event of an emergency and ferry service is interrupted, U.S. Coast Guard Station Sault Ste Marie has an airboat standing by to transport a resident should the need arise to leave the island. The Coast Guard would like to remind all recreational ice users to plan their activity carefully and stay away from shipping channels.
Further inquiries can be made by phone to the Vessel Traffic Service at (906) 635-3232 or via email at SOOTFC@USCG.MIL
