The U.S. Coast Guard is urging ice fishers and recreational users on the bays of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay to use extreme caution as icebreaking operations continue in waters surrounding Door County.

The Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, stationed at the Coast Guard station in Sturgeon Bay, began its second year of icebreaking missions on the Bay in early January. The cutter clears routes for commercial boats as ice forms across Lake Michigan and its connected waterways during the winter season.

Icebreaking can dramatically weaken ice well beyond the immediate path of the vessel, creating unpredictable and dangerous conditions. Ice fishers and others brave enough to navigate the frozen waters are advised to maintain a safe distance from icebreaking boats and to steer clear of areas where ice has recently been broken.

“Our top priority is the safety of everyone on the ice,” said Capt. Rhianna Macon in a press release, commander of Sector Lake Michigan. “We urge all ice fishermen to remain vigilant and stay clear of areas where icebreaking operations are underway.”

The Cutter Mobile Bay is a part of the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking effort. The operation is designed to keep commercial shipping lanes open throughout the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Mary’s River, the Straits of Mackinac, and Georgian Bay.

This winter marks the second consecutive season the Mobile Bay has been assigned to icebreaking duties in the bay of Green Bay. In addition to icebreaking, the cutter’s missions include maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations across the northern Great Lakes.

Anyone needing assistance or wishing to report an emergency is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan on VHF Channel 16 or by phone at 414-747-7182.