The arrival of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley in Midland’s harbour Friday marked the beginning of the shipping season for the crew of the Baie Comeau.

“I can’t wait to get going again,” said Captain Daryl Brian.  “When you have the same crew coming back year after year it’s like having a family reunion.”

The Baie Comeau spent the winter docked at the Midland harbour, but before it goes anywhere every system on the state of the art ship must be tested and inspected.

At 227 metres in length the vessel is the maximum size that can fit through the seaway locks.

The Comeau will leave the Midland harbour Friday night for Sault St. Marie where the locks will open for the season Saturday.

On March 31st the CCGS Samuel Risley will be transiting to northern Georgian Bay through Frazer Bay to McGregor Bay. 

The Coast Guard is reminding all recreational ice users to plan their activities carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels.