U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit received a report of an overdue vessel in Saginaw Bay, MI, around 9:40 pm Tuesday.

The vessel departed Gambill’s Landing and was reported to be going fishing in the vicinity of "Black Hole" off Pinconning, MI, Tuesday afternoon with 3 adult males on board, but never returned. The missing mariners are Chris Whitmer, Ron Whitmer, and Chris (Stanley) Whitmer, Sr.

The Coast Guard and local officials are searching for the vessel and its occupants.

If you have any information, or spot the vessel, please call the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center immediately at: 833-388-8724.

- The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit will deactivate its safety zone on the Saginaw Bay, Michigan, Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Warming temperatures continue to rapidly deteriorate ice quality, making recreational activities such as ice fishing no longer safe on the waterway.

Both the Saginaw Bay and Saginaw River will be open to vessel transits, beginning Saturday afternoon.

For more information, visit the full news release below: ⬇️
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/560314/coast-guard-set-deactivate-saginaw-bay-safety-zone

U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes

The U.S. Coast Guard trains to stay Semper Paratus (Always Ready) in all sorts of diverse enviroments.

Checkout this spotlight and learn more about ongoing efforts:

Head’s up Lake Saint Clair!

Those fluctuating temperatures mean the ice is becoming more volatile and may not be sturdy enough to sustain your weight, let alone a snow mobile or truck.

Before you head out on the Lake, here are some safety suggestions:
• Make sure you have the right Information, Clothing, and Equipment (I.C.E.) before going out
• Pay extra attention to your surroundings
• Keep pets on a leash and close to shore
• Talk to your kids about the dangers of thin ice

Remember, no ice is safe ice. Being able to identify signs of weak and unsafe ice can help yourself and others!

Photo Credits: US Coast Guard Air Station Detroit

U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes
US Coast Guard Air Station Detroit

With daytime temperatures rising above freezing over the next few days, the ice you're standing on could be much weaker than you think.

Before you step out, know the risks:

• Thaw & Refreeze = Danger: Sunny days melt the ice, and cold nights refreeze it, creating a patchwork of dangerously thin spots you can't see.

• Red Flags on the Ice: If you see cracks, seams, slushy patches, or dark areas, that's a clear sign to STAY OFF.

• Beware of Drifting Ice: "Ice shelves" extending over the water can break off without warning, leaving you stranded on an unstable ice floe far from shore.

Remember the most important rule, NO ice is 100% safe!

U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes
US Coast Guard Air Station Detroit

The United States Coast Guard is set to establish a temporary safety zone on the Saginaw River around the Lafayette Bridge for safety and construction purposes, beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, through 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, or until ice is no longer present.

USCG crews supporting the Lafayette Bridge reconstruction project have been and will continue to break ice in the vicinity of the bridge throughout this winter.

Therefore, a safety zone encompassing an area 600 yards downriver and 400 yards upriver of the Lafayette Bridge on the Saginaw River.

Please be advised, this zone prohibits pedestrians and vehicles from transiting it due to open water and unstable ice.

The public is advised to stay clear of this area, which can be seen in the image below.



U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes