There cutting through the ice as Delmarva begins to recover from the sharp cold snap.
The Coast Guard Cutters Capstan, Cleat and Chock worked to break the ice to make way for navigable waters from the Delaware River through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in the north to Tangier Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Each cutter is 65 feet long and is designed to break ice up to 18 inches thick.
For the residents of Tangier Island the efforts brought needed groceries and medical supplies.
And at least 6 people who had been stranded in Crisfield for most of the week finally got to return home.
The Coast Guard said that it had not had to undertake such an operation for Tangier in the last few years.
But the cold winter weather had made getting to the island by boat and air much more difficult.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
The Cape May Lewes Ferry officials say they have been able to break through the ice that accumulated in the Cape May Canal and in Delaware.
The ferry resumed operations yesterday with three round trips after not being able to make the run for days.
Departures from Cape May, New Jersey are scheduled for 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
From Lewes, Delaware vessels leave at 9:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
