February 25, 2015 - Montreal, Quebec
The Canadian Coast Guard advises people living on or using the areas east of the Laviolette Bridge in Trois-Rivières and on the shores of Lake St. Pierre, that spring icebreaking operations will begin on the north and south shores of Lake St. Pierre and in the Bécancour and Gentilly areas as early as March 2, 2015. The date is only an indication and the Coast Guard notes that icebreaking could begin after that date, according on operational needs or the prevailing weather conditions.
The purpose of this yearly operation is to dislodge ice at the mouths of the tributaries in order to prevent ice jams and flooding that can result from the spring break-up. The icebreaker CCGS Martha L. Black and the Canadian Coast Guard hovercrafts Mamilossa or Sipu Muin will carry out the operation.
The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that pedestrians, fishermen and snowmobilers get off the ice when they see the icebreaker or hovercraft in the area. The ice may move, and this may create a real danger for anyone in the area. Owners of facilities or equipment on the ice should move them safely ashore.
CCGS Martha L. Black has a red hull with a transverse white band and a white funnel bearing a maple leaf. The Mamilossa and the Sipu Muin are air-cushion vehicles whose engines produce a noise similar to an aircraft.
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Regional Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec Region
media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
418-648-5474
NR-QR-15-01E
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