Coast Guard Cutter Frees NYPD Vessel Trapped in Iced-Over Hudson River

Subfreezing temperatures cause widespread freezing of New York's waterways, disrupting transportation and commerce.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter has freed an NYPD harbor vessel that became trapped in ice floes on the Hudson River in New York City. The icy conditions have led to the suspension of ferry service across the region as the Coast Guard works to keep the waterways navigable.

Why it matters

The Hudson River and New York Harbor are critical transportation and economic hubs for the Northeast, so keeping them clear of ice is vital for public safety, energy supply lines, and regional commerce. The Coast Guard's icebreaking operations play a key role in maintaining the flow of goods and people through these vital waterways.

The details

The Coast Guard Cutter Hawser broke the ice around the NYPD vessel that was beset by ice floes just off Pier 86 on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. The cutter's small size allows it to navigate the inland waterways from New York Harbor up to Lake Champlain. The Coast Guard received a request from the NYPD to free their facilities that had become iced in. Captain Johnathan Andrechik said the Coast Guard was prepared for increased icing as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for the next few weeks.

  • On January 27, the Coast Guard Cutter Hawser freed the NYPD harbor vessel that was trapped in ice.
  • New York City suspended all ferry service on January 28 due to the widespread icy conditions.

The players

Coast Guard Cutter Hawser

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter that is one of the few capable of navigating the inland waterways from New York Harbor up to Lake Champlain.

NYPD Harbor Unit

The police department's vessel that became trapped in ice floes on the Hudson River.

Captain Johnathan Andrechik

A U.S. Coast Guard captain who said the service was prepared for increased icing as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for the next few weeks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's certainly more ice than we saw last year, and it is a dynamic situation.”

— Captain Johnathan Andrechik, U.S. Coast Guard Captain (FOX Weather)

What’s next

Coast Guard officials are bracing for temperatures to stay below freezing for the next few weeks, requiring continued icebreaking operations to keep the region's waterways navigable.

The takeaway

The Coast Guard's icebreaking missions are crucial for maintaining public safety, energy supply lines, and the economic vitality of the Northeast by keeping critical waterways like the Hudson River and New York Harbor clear of ice during extended periods of subfreezing temperatures.