SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WBAY) - Beginning Wednesday afternoon, The U.S. Coast Guard began ice breaking operations for the season.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes commenced Operation Taconite at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, to prevent newly formed ice from hindering commercial traffic.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR (WLB 206) is assigned to manage the ice breaking needs of western Lake Superior, specifically the twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, the Coast Guard says Wednesday.

As ice coverage expands, U.S. Coast Guard officials will assign additional icebreakers.

Operation Taconite is the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation. The operation encompasses Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac and the Geor

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