U.S. Coast Guard Frees Freighter, Tugboat Stuck in Thick Lake Erie Ice

The Sam Laud and a commercial tugboat were freed after becoming trapped overnight near Fairport Harbor.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A large freighter, the Sam Laud, and a commercial tug, the Kimberly Joy, became stuck in thick ice on Lake Erie while traveling from Cleveland to Ashtabula at the end of the Great Lakes shipping season. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay was dispatched to the scene and was able to free both vessels and escort them through the heavy ice toward Ashtabula.

Why it matters

Lake Erie ice coverage exceeded 95% during the incident, with ice thickness reaching up to 12 inches in some areas due to prolonged subzero temperatures and wind-driven pressure. The successful rescue operation by the Coast Guard highlights their critical role in maintaining shipping lanes and ensuring the safe passage of vessels on the Great Lakes during the winter months.

The details

The Sam Laud, a 635-foot bulk carrier, ran into significant ice problems overnight Wednesday into Thursday while traveling from Cleveland to Ashtabula. A commercial tug, the Kimberly Joy, was sent from the Detroit River to assist, but both vessels later became stuck again in heavy ice north of the Fairport Harbor shoreline. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay, an icebreaking tug, was dispatched and was able to free both ships and escort them through the ice toward Ashtabula.

  • On Wednesday night, the Sam Laud and Kimberly Joy became stuck in thick ice on Lake Erie.
  • On Thursday morning, the two vessels were briefly able to make progress, working together to break ice in short sections and move east.
  • Later on Thursday, both vessels became stuck again in heavy ice north of the Fairport Harbor shoreline.
  • On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay was dispatched to the scene.
  • By around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Sam Laud was back underway after the Coast Guard assistance arrived.

The players

Sam Laud

A 635-foot U.S.-flagged bulk carrier designed to unload its own cargo.

Kimberly Joy

A commercial tugboat that was sent from the Detroit River to assist the Sam Laud.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay

A 140-foot icebreaking tug operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, whose primary mission is to open and maintain icebound shipping lanes on the Great Lakes.

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What they’re saying

“There is no indication the crews were in any immediate danger at any point.”

— Ryan Wichman, WTOL meteorologist (Twitter)

The takeaway

The successful rescue operation by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay highlights the critical role the Coast Guard plays in maintaining shipping lanes and ensuring the safe passage of vessels on the Great Lakes during the winter months, even in the face of extreme ice conditions.