News Release - March 13, 2006

NR-C&A-02-06E

SPRING ICEBREAKING OPERATIONS TO COMMENCE IN OWEN SOUND

OWEN SOUND - The Canadian Coast Guard wishes to inform people living in the areas near Owen Sound and northwards to Georgian Bay, or using those sectors, that spring icebreaking operations have begun along the normal shipping route.

The icebreaker CCGS Samuel Risley, will be conducting its icebreaking operations in the area, and is scheduled to escort a commercial vessel out of the Port of Owen Sound on or about the morning of March 14th. CCGS Samuel Risley left its Parry Sound home base on March 9th and is currently in transit to Owen Sound.

Owners of facilities on the ice should move them safely onshore or sufficiently away from the commercial channels. The Canadian Coast Guard strongly advises that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the immediate vicinity. Although all precautions are being taken, fractured ice may become hazardous and unstable, and may create a danger for anyone in the area.

The Canadian Coast's icebreaking operations take place annually in the Great Lakes in order to facilitate maritime trade, to assist in the prevention of flooding due to ice jams, and to ensure the safety of vessel traffic along commercial shipping channels.

CCGS Samuel Risley has a red hull with a transverse white band and a white funnel bearing a maple leaf.

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For more information:
Theresa Nichols
Regional Communications Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
(519) 383-1804