Crews work to free ice-bound freighters

SAULT STE. MARIE, Michigan—Canadian and American crews are working to clear a path through ice on eastern Lake Superior that’s left freighters unable to move, including one that had a hole punched in its hull.

The U.S. Coast Guard says a Canadian icebreaker is joining other American vessels breaking ice on Whitefish Bay.

Officials say at least 10 ships are affected.

Mark Gill, director of vessel traffic services for the U.S. Coast Guard at Sault Ste. Marie, tells The Detroit News that warmer air and westerly winds loosened ice and pushed it around Whitefish Bay.

Some ships have been stranded since Sunday.

The cargo shipping season started last month on the upper Great Lakes.