U.S. Coast Guard Takes Bold Action as Hudson River Ice Conditions Worsen
In a bid to ensure safe navigation in the icy waters of New York Harbor, three massive tugboats from the U.S. Coast Guard have been deployed to break up chunks of ice blocking the path for other vessels. The move comes amid a deep freeze that has gripped the metro area, causing significant amounts of ice to form in the harbor and surrounding areas.
According to the agency, icy conditions are expected to persist over the coming days due to extreme cold temperatures, with forecasters predicting real-feel temperatures as low as zero or in the single digits. Coast Guard officials stress that winter brings freezing temperatures and ice formation on New York waterways, which can have a negative impact on safe navigation, fuel deliveries, and public transportation.
Led by Captain Jonathan Andrechik of Coast Guard Sector New York, the Coast Guard is working around the clock to keep waterways as safe and navigable as possible while coordinating closely with its partners. The three tugboats, two 140-foot Bay-class icebreaking tugs and a 65-foot harbor tug, are all homeported in Bayonne and are being used to tackle the ice.
However, not all ferry services have been affected by the icy conditions. Staten Island Ferry service is currently operating on its normal weekday schedule, thanks to the large size of the ships and depth of their propellers which allows them to navigate through the thin ice without issue.
In contrast, New York City Ferry has remained suspended due to the hazardous conditions in local waterways. While the network remains vigilant, awaiting improvements in the weather, commuters can check their website or app for updates on when ferry services are expected to resume.
As a precautionary measure, Coast Guard officials are urging mariners to exercise caution and report any hazards to the agency. The situation highlights the importance of collaboration between emergency responders and transportation agencies during extreme weather events like this one.
In a bid to ensure safe navigation in the icy waters of New York Harbor, three massive tugboats from the U.S. Coast Guard have been deployed to break up chunks of ice blocking the path for other vessels. The move comes amid a deep freeze that has gripped the metro area, causing significant amounts of ice to form in the harbor and surrounding areas.
According to the agency, icy conditions are expected to persist over the coming days due to extreme cold temperatures, with forecasters predicting real-feel temperatures as low as zero or in the single digits. Coast Guard officials stress that winter brings freezing temperatures and ice formation on New York waterways, which can have a negative impact on safe navigation, fuel deliveries, and public transportation.
Led by Captain Jonathan Andrechik of Coast Guard Sector New York, the Coast Guard is working around the clock to keep waterways as safe and navigable as possible while coordinating closely with its partners. The three tugboats, two 140-foot Bay-class icebreaking tugs and a 65-foot harbor tug, are all homeported in Bayonne and are being used to tackle the ice.
However, not all ferry services have been affected by the icy conditions. Staten Island Ferry service is currently operating on its normal weekday schedule, thanks to the large size of the ships and depth of their propellers which allows them to navigate through the thin ice without issue.
In contrast, New York City Ferry has remained suspended due to the hazardous conditions in local waterways. While the network remains vigilant, awaiting improvements in the weather, commuters can check their website or app for updates on when ferry services are expected to resume.
As a precautionary measure, Coast Guard officials are urging mariners to exercise caution and report any hazards to the agency. The situation highlights the importance of collaboration between emergency responders and transportation agencies during extreme weather events like this one.