The Neebish Island News

Ship Shiners Asked to Stop
10/02:
On September 22 The Evening News, Sault Ste. Marie reported that a Coast Guard official said an outbreak of nighttime ship shinnings around three critical turns in St. Mary's River channels are more a case of ignorance than criminal intent. Complaints of high-powered shore lights directed at passing ships have come from ships near Barbeau, Mission Point and the Sawmill Point area of Neebish Island. The Coast Guard suspects that boatwatchers are wielding hand-held spotlights to look over passing ships, unaware of the hazard the lights pose to ships and crew. Very dangerous at any point in night passage, the strong spotlights are especially hazardous in close-quarters channels like the lower St. Mary's. At the moment, the Coast Guard is only interested in seeking cooperation by keeping the lights off the ships, and not interested in filing charges and prosecuting.