What Crew Members Say About Undaunted

In a dramatic rescue operation, the tug 'Undaunted' found itself trapped between ice floes in Lake Michigan, approximately 20 miles west of the iconic Mackinac Bridge near White Shoal Light on the early morning of December 20, 2013. At about 4:10 a.m., the crew aboard the 'Undaunted', which was pushing the un-laden barge Pere 'Marquette 41', alerted the Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie of their precarious situation. They feared drifting towards White Shoal Light and anticipated running aground within two hours. In response, the SAR controller promptly issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB), seeking assistance from nearby vessels and agencies. Responding to the call, the tug 'Joyce L. VanEnkevort' arrived on the scene around 4:30 a.m. to lend a helping hand. Concurrently, the Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw', stationed in the lower St. Marys River near Munuscong Lake, was directed to join the effort. By around 6 a.m., the crew of the 'Undaunted' reported that they had successfully freed themselves from the ice. The icebreaker 'Mackinaw' rendezvoused with the tug at approximately 9:30 a.m., providing an escort to safely guide 'Undaunted' and its barge to the port of Ludington, Michigan. This incident showcases the teamwork and swift action taken by the Coast Guard and fellow mariners to ensure maritime safety during challenging winter conditions.