Parry Sound-based Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley has begun its first mission to the Arctic.
The ship departed from Quebec City, en route to work on Greenland’s rugged west coast. It’s taking part in the annual mission to break through the ice and resupply food, fuel, cargo and construction materials for the United States Air Base at Thule.
The ship will then head to Baffin Bay, then to the Hudson Strait and finally Northern Hudson Bay. Captain Signe Gotfredsen says there is a sense of exploration onboard as this is the first time many crew members will experience Arctic waters.
The CCGS Samuel Risley joined the Coast Guard in 1985. It operates out of the Parry Sound base during most of the navigational season. In addition to ice-breaking, the vessel also aids navigation on the Great Lakes and has served on the east coast of Canada.