THUNDER BAY — Engine trouble has laid up the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel Risley in Thunder Bay.
The Risley arrived in port on March 22 and spent several days opening shipping lanes in preparation for the navigation season before being reassigned to Whitefish Bay in eastern Lake Superior.
On March 29, however, the Coast Guard "determined that the Samuel Risley required work on its main propulsion engines in order to ensure continued operations," spokesperson Carol Launderville said Thursday in a statement to Tbnewswatch.
The Risley returned to Thunder Bay where repairs will be done on her main propulsion engines "in order to ensure continued operations," Launderville said.
The repairs are expected to be completed sometime this month.
Launderville said another coast guard vessel, the Griffon, is currently working in the port, with a second boat expected soon.
The Pierre Radisson, a larger vessel, is currently making her way to the port.
Earlier, the US Coast Guard cutter Alder was also breaking ice in Thunder Bay.
Icebreaking operations include preparing an extensive network of approach tracks and interconnecting routes for ships to reach various terminals, allowing for the safe movement of lake boats and tugs.
