On the morning of January 22, the 660 foot long, 27550 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Manitoulin (IMO: 8810918) became stranded in ice on Lake Erie just a short distance outside of Buffalo, New York. The Manitoulin had completed unloading a cargo of wheat on the Buffalo River and was heading out to Lake Erie bound for Sarnia, Ontario when it got stuck in ice.

The vessel requested assistance as it did not have enough room to break ice under its own power. The United States Coast Guard dispatched the 43 meter long tug Bristol Bay (IMO: 8635150) to assist freeing the bulk carrier.

No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.