Coast Guard frees 2 ships from Mich. ice

1/29/2012

SAINT IGNACE, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard has freed two ships trapped by ice in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Authorities say the Manis- tee, a 678-foot bulk carrier, and its 18 crew members were beset by ice Saturday morning west of the Mackinac Bridge. The Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay freed the Manistee and escorted it into Lake Huron.

The Biscayne Bay also freed the 90-foot ferry Huron, with 68 people aboard, from ice between Saint Ignace and Mackinac Island Friday. The cutter escorted the Huron to Saint Ignace.