(Tribune News Service) — Icy conditions proved problematic for a bulk freighter on the St. Clair River near Harsens Island on Tuesday before two ice cutters and the Coast Guard helped it on its way.

The freighter, the Herbert C. Jackson, was struggling to navigate for several hours through ice near the southeast tip of Harsen’s Island. Two ice breakers, Morro Bay and Bristol Bay, made passes up and down the river, to the sides of the ship, breaking up the ice along the ship early Tuesday afternoon.

Freezing temperatures have left the St. Clair River completely choked with ice. Crew members of the Herbert C. Jackson were seen on deck cleaning off ice and snow and doing odd jobs.

Lt. Kyle Rivera with the U.S. Coast Guard in Detroit said the Herbert was not stuck, but dealing with icy conditions. He said the Coast Guard helped the ship out but it is making its way down the river.

Rivera said it’s not uncommon and there’s a lot of ice on the river.

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