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January 16, 2013

Photos: Breaking ice in Duluth-Superior harbor

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The Coast Guard Cutter Alder is stationed in Duluth to cut through the ice and keep shipping channels open. The 2,000-ton boat can ram through ice that's 3 feet thick, and leave a trail of open water even in the depth of a Duluth winter.

Breaking ice

1

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder clears a path Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Frozen rope

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Second Class Petty Officer Andre Pinault laughs while dealing with a large section of frozen rope Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alder. Pinault and the Alder were concluding an operation to clear ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Lift Bridge channel

3

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Minn. Monday, January 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Watching ice break

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Seaman Allyson Raby watches ice break apart as the Coast Guard Cutter Alder clears the shipping channels in the Duluth Harbor of ice Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Breaking ice

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The Coast Guard Cutter Alder breaks up ice in the shipping channels of the Duluth Harbor Monday, Jan. 13, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Mannequin

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Oscar may not have the best living accommodations, but he serves as one of the most important "people" on the Coast Guard Cutter Alder. Oscar is what the sailors on the Alder call the mannequin used in open water rescue drills. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Approaching dock

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The Coast Guard Cutter Alder approaches its dock Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 after clearing ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Erik Smith

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Second Class Petty Officer Erik Smith prepares the Coast Guard Cutter Alder for departure Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Icebreaker path

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The path left behind by the Coast Guard Cutter Alder as it clears ice from the Duluth harbor shipping channels Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Cutter Alder at dock

10

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder at dock Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 after concluding an operation to clear ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

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