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Community Corner

The International Ice Patrol: A Legacy of the Titanic

The Mystic River Historical Society presents a talk by CDR Gabrielle McGrath, Commanding Officer of the International Ice Patrol based in New London, CT, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Mystic Congregational Church Parish Hall.
From the earliest journeys into the North Atlantic, icebergs have threatened vessels.  A review of the history of navigation prior to the turn of the 20th century shows an impressive number of casualties occurred in the vicinity of the Grand Banks.  Between 1882 and 1890, 14 vessels were lost and 40 were damaged due to ice. Finally the disastrous sinking of RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912 provided the impetus for the establishment of the International Ice Patrol. The primary mission of the Ice Patrol is to alert any ship traveling the great circle shipping lanes between Europe and the major ports of the United States and Canada of the presence of any icebergs. The headquarters of the Ice Patrol is located at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London.
CDR Gabrielle is a 1996 graduate of the U. S. Coast Guard Academy and is now serving her second tour with the Ice Patrol.
The program is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the Mystic River Historical Society 536-4779, or email info@mystichistory.org

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