U.S. Coast Guard Northeast

As Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters (RENEW) comes to a close, we recognize Coast Guard crews across the Northeast who worked around the clock to keep our waterways safe, open, and navigable during one of the most challenging seasons of the year.

Since the 1950s, the Coast Guard has led icebreaking operations to support public health, safety, and commerce. Today, that mission remains as critical as ever. The Northeast relies heavily on maritime transportation, with 85% of the nation’s heating oil consumed here and 90% of it delivered via waterways we maintain. Through Operation RENEW, we ensure essential goods like heating fuel, food, and medical supplies reach the communities that depend on them most.

This season’s impact:

• 170 vessel assists and breakouts
• 103 facility assists and breakouts
• 204 ice-related aids to navigation discrepancies addressed
• 2,110 total icebreaking hours
• 446 unscheduled maintenance days overcome to keep the mission moving

Despite demanding conditions and operational challenges, our crews adapted, persevered, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to service and mission success.

Their work kept commerce flowing, communities supported, and mariners safe.

A Coast Guard crew from Station Boothbay Harbor rescued three individuals 23 miles off the Coast of Boothbay Harbor from a sinking vessel. 🛟

On March 11 at about 7 a.m., Sector Northern New England received a Mayday call from individuals reporting their vessel was sinking and they had intentions to abandon ship. The crew was unable to locate life jackets or a life raft, but were recovered in survival suits; previously stated they did not have life jackets.

Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor quickly launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and they arrived on scene just minutes before the boat sank, leading to their successful rescue. After arriving on scene, crews pulled all three mariners on board and escorted them to safety.

Bravo Zulu to Station Boothbay Harbor!

Read more about the case in the link below:

https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4431400/coast-guard-rescues-3-fishermen-off-the-coast-of-boothbay-harbor/

This post has been edited to accurately reflect facts of the case.

❄️ Built for the mission in every season ❄️

As a part of Operation Northeast Winter Guard, Coast Guard members from Sector Northern New England trained alongside Customs and Border Protection in specialized snowmobile operations.

The training course focused on building the skills to safely and effectively operate in snow-covered terrain to control, secure, and defend the Northern border during the winter months.

Working together as a unified DHS force, our strong partnership is the force multiplier that's essential to securing the vast and rugged northern border, no matter the season.

The Coast Guard Northeast District is seeking public comments regarding proposed rulemaking affecting Sail Boston 250th Anniversary 2026 in the Boston Harbor.

The complete rulemaking is available under Federal Register docket number USCG-2025-0707 and can
be accessed through the federal portal at https://www.regulations.gov/search?filter=uscg-2025-0707

Mariners are encouraged to give feedback via the link below:

https://www.regulations.gov

Roses are red, ice is blue but keeping waterways safe is what we do!❄️❤️

This Valentine’s Day, Coast Guard icebreaking cutters across the Northeast remain breaking ice, keeping waterways navigable, and supporting the flow of critical commerce that millions of people depend on.

From the Hudson River to New England waterways, our crews are conducting sustained icebreaking operations to support home heating oil deliveries, food and supply shipments, and the safe transit of commercial vessels during the most challenging winter conditions.

Through ongoing icebreaking operations, the Coast Guard facilitates commerce by adapting operations to ice impacts and preserving navigability across critical waterways. These efforts help prevent flooding, reduce risk to mariners, and ensure the continued movement of essential goods throughout the region.

Sorry frozen waterways, we’re “icebreaking” up with you.

On Saturday, near Hudson, New York, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Penobscot Bay, homeported in Bayonne, New Jersey, worked tirelessly in harsh winter conditions to clear the Mackenzie Rose from the channel, allowing the Golden Cedar to safely transit the Hudson River.

These efforts help ensure waterways remain safe, open, and navigable throughout the winter months. The safety of mariners and the public remains our top priority, and crews continuously provide updated information on ice conditions and navigational aids to enhance safety during winter operations.

By facilitating the movement of critical commercial traffic, like barges delivering home heating oil and other essential goods, the Penobscot Bay and all the other icebreakers in the area play a vital role in keeping commerce flowing and communities running across the region.

Coast Guard Cutter Cleat, homeported in New Haven, Connecticut, was underway on the Connecticut River in support of Operation RENEW, using heavy fast-ice conditions near East Haddam as an opportunity to conduct on ice operations training. The crew demonstrated different icebreaking techniques and reviewing procedures for a man overboard in an ice condition scenario.

Following classroom and on-deck instruction, the crew transitioned to hands on training as the rescue swimmer donned a dry suit to assess ice thickness and stability, and to evaluate how they would be employed during an ice rescue. Training like this ensures the crew is prepared to respond safely and effectively in extreme winter conditions.

Safety reminder: As temperatures fluctuate, ice on rivers, lakes, ponds, salt water, and tidal areas can be unpredictable and dangerous. Salt and tidal waters often freeze thinner than freshwater, never assume ice is safe because it looks solid. If someone falls through the ice, call 911 immediately and do not attempt a rescue without proper equipment.

The safety of mariners and the public remains our top priority as we continue to monitor ice conditions and support safe navigation throughout the winter season.

As temperatures warm this week, please remember that ice on lakes, ponds, rivers, salt water, and tidal water areas can be unstable and dangerous, especially after fluctuating temperatures. Salt water and tidal water freeze at lower temperatures and may be thinner or weaker than freshwater ice. Never assume ice is safe simply because it appears solid. Avoid ice near moving water, bridges, docks, inlets, or tidal areas, where ice strength is unpredictable. Always closely supervise children on the ice.

If you see someone fall through the ice, call 911 right away. Do not attempt a rescue unless you have proper equipment, many individuals trying to assist become victims themselves.

Stay safe and enjoy outdoor activities responsibly as conditions continue to change.