Upper Peninsula island has front-row seat for winter freighter drama

Most winters, the occupants on Neebish Island can be checked by the dozen.

In any case, for the individuals who do remain on the island named after an American Indian word for its leaf shape, they have a front-push situate for all the winter vessel activity - and the incidental dramatization when one of those 1,000-footers gets caught in the ice.

The winter shipping movement is coming to a standstill with the Jan. 15 shutting of the close-by Soo Locks.

Cold photographs demonstrate Coast Guard, vessels pushing through Great Lakes solidify

Frosty photographs indicate Coast Guard, tankers pushing through Great Lakes solidify

Vessels have been stalling out in the Great Lakes with expanding recurrence this week as the profound stop proceeds.

Neebish sits amidst the St. Marys River, around 15 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie.

It's a bustling spot, given that the St. Marys resembles an expressway connector shipping path between Lake Huron and Lake Superior.

"We are one of few spots where water crafts go up one side and down the other," said islander Mary Starkweather.

The island's east side sees the up-bound movement, set out toward Lake Superior. Its west side sees the downbound boats set out toward Lake Huron.