Arctic pack ice off Newfoundland eases, freeing three trapped vessels

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“We’ve got some southerly winds predicted to start today and go into Saturday, which should help push that ice pack out to sea a little bit to spread out,” he said. “We’re hoping it’s going to not be one giant ice pack but some smaller ice packs that will help it start melting.”

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But Hodgson said fishermen and other seafarers should check the region’s ice charts regularly as the pack ice could stall in some areas, including near traditional offshore fishing grounds.

“While we’re talking about conditions easing up over the next couple of days, it might turn around and could possibly come back in.”

The heavy pack ice, more than two metres thick in some areas, has created treacherous conditions for boats and prompted ferries and commercial ships to enlist the Coast Guard’s icebreaker services long after the ice has normally cleared.

Five fishermen were rescued Wednesday from the Avalon Princess fishing boat, which started to take on water after getting stuck in the ice.

A crew from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron at 9 Wing Gander airlifted the fishermen to safety on a Cormorant helicopter.

The Canadian Press