The city of New Bedford is getting some help from the US Coast Guard to break up some ice in the harbor.

The US Coast Guard Cutter Katherine Walker arrived at State Pier Tuesday evening to clear routes for local vessels.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Justin Erdman explains his ship's plans to WBSM News.

Due to the recent snow storms and low temperatures, a large portion of the harbor has frozen over making it difficult for ships to get through safely.

The Walker's primary duty is maintaining navigational buoys along the Conneticuit, New York and New Jersey coastlines, but is able to cut through thin layers of ice like what is covering New Bedford Harbor.

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