BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Saturday, efforts continued by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards to break ice and rescue a freighter that has been immobilized in the icy waters of Lake Erie for several days, according to reports from officials.

The vessel, named Manitoulin, measures 663 feet (202 meters) and flies a Canadian flag. It has 17 crew members on board and became trapped in the ice on Wednesday after unloading a shipment of wheat in Buffalo, New York, as it was on its way back to Canada. Fortunately, no damage has occurred to the ship, and all crew members are reported safe, officials confirmed.

During winter months, freighters traversing the Great Lakes frequently encounter surface ice. However, there are instances when the ice becomes particularly dense or thick, making navigation impossible. Since Thursday, a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker has been actively working to free the Manitoulin, and on Saturday, officials indicated that a second icebreaker had arrived to lend support. Additionally, a ship from the Canadian Coast Guard is also participating in the operation.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter has been deployed to the area to conduct aerial surveillance of the situation. Furthermore, a third U.S. Coast Guard vessel is anticipated to join the effort on Monday, should the Manitoulin still be unable to break free from the ice by that time.