The Canadian Coast Guard is urging caution as an icebreaking vessel passes through central Labrador later in the year than usual.
Brad Durnford, Icebreaking Superintendent for the Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region, says their icebreaker will be in the area of Lake Melville and Goose Bay for the next day or two as they assist the last tanker of the season in and out of port.
The Coast Guard wants people to be aware of the change in timing.
He urges anyone out on the ice or on skidoos to be mindful that the vessel will leave an open water track in its path. As well, he says any snow may act as an insulator, making the track slower to re-freeze.
As well, he cautions residents not to get close to the vessel while it is working. He says the icebreaker can produce waves underneath the ice, causing the ice to crack and posing a hazard for quite a distance away.
Public Safety Notice ⚠️ Due to recent #Icebreaking operations in Goose Bay/Lake Melville #Labrador, there may be open water or thin ice in the area. Please be safe and ALWAYS check ice conditions before venturing out. #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/dnwpIwiHei
— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) December 22, 2021
