Ferry freed from ice in northern Manitoba town

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 | 9:08 AM CT

CBC News

Manitoba's Amphibex icebreaking machine has freed a ferry that had become stuck in ice over the weekend near Norway House, cutting off the community's access to supplies.

The community of 6,000, located about 460 kilometres north of Winnipeg, uses a ferry to move food and other supplies in and out in until the Nelson River freezes enough to allow heavy truck traffic.

Normally when the river channel first begins to freeze, a machine is used to break up the ice ahead of the ferry.

But Coun. Mike Muswagon told CBC News an inexperienced operator did not use the icebreaker on Saturday and the ferry became lodged in the ice.

The provincial government's large Amphibex icebreaker arrived Tuesday. Muswagon said workers have since been able to drag the ferry to shore.

The Amphibex is continuing to break up ice on the river in an attempt to create a path for the boat.

The community ran out of gasoline Tuesday. Officials believe other key supplies could run out by Thursday.

A long line of cars and semi-trailers carrying supplies is waiting on the far side of the channel.

Local government officials have declared a state of emergency, giving them the authority to issue orders to prevent or limit loss of life or damage to property or the environment.

If supplies aren't replenished by Thursday, the Norway House band plans to ask the province to fly in supplies, which could cost thousands of dollars more than expected.

CBC News