2013 Northwest Passage CLOSED without Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker escorts for transit.

“The North West Passage seems to be reversing its recent warming trend and is threatening to end the dreams of dozens of adventurous sailors.

A scattering of yachts trying to transit the legendary Passage are caught by the ice, which has become blocked at both ends and the season may be ended early. Douglas Pohl tells the story:

The passage has become blocked with 5/10 concentrated drifting sea ice at both the eastern and at the western ends of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago.

At least 22 yachts and other vessels are in the Arctic at the moment. Some who were less advanced have retreated and others have abandoned their vessels along the way. Still others are caught in the ice in an unfolding, unresolved drama.”

The real question is if and when the Canadian Coast Guard decides to take early action to help the above yachts exit the Arctic before freeze-up or will they wait until it becomes an emergency rescue operation?

Here is the detailed position, as far as it can be established:
Prince Regent Inlet in position 73.7880535N, -89.2529297W became blocked on 27th August with 5/10 ice concentration with 7/10 ice pushing.

This effectively closes the 2013 Northwest Passage without Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker escorts for transit.”

 

http://www.sail-world.com/Canada/North-West-Passage-blocked-with-ice—yachts-caught/113788

 

Thanks to commenter: “Alec aka Daffy Duck”