Ships stranded in Lake Superior ice get help from icebreakers

Canadian and American crews are working to clear a path through ice on eastern Lake Superior that hasleft freighters unable to move, including one that had a hole punched in its hull.

The U.S. Coast Guard says a Canadian icebreaker is joining other American vessels breaking ice on Whitefish Bay.

Officials say at least 10 ships are affected.

Mark Gill, director of vessel traffic services for the U.S. Coast Guard at Sault Ste. Marie, toldThe Detroit News that warmer air and westerly winds loosened ice and pushed it around Whitefish Bay.

Some ships have been stranded since Sunday.

The cargo shipping season started last month on the upper Great Lakes.