Canadian Freighter Trapped in Lake Erie Ice as Polar Vortex Intensifies

The 663-foot Manitoulin, carrying 17 crew members, became immobilized near Buffalo while returning to Ontario, with U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking efforts ongoing.

The freighter Manitoulin became trapped in thick ice on Lake Erie on January 22 after delivering wheat to Buffalo, New York, and was en route to Sarnia, Ontario.
Seventeen crew members remain on board the vessel, which has sufficient food, fuel, and electricity, and no reported injuries or damage to the ship.
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed the cutter Bristol Bay to break the unusually thick ice, with operations continuing after initial delays due to challenging conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Lake Erie is approximately 80% covered in ice due to a severe polar vortex bringing record-low temperatures.
Coast Guard officials noted that such incidents are uncommon but not unprecedented, highlighting the significant ice buildup this winter compared to recent years.