Emergency Icebreaking Operations Across Cape Cod Harbors | Update from Dredge Director Ken Cirillo

Описание: Barnstable County Dredge Director Ken Cirillo provides an update on emergency icebreaking operations underway across Cape Cod harbors following severe winter conditions that restricted navigation, impacted commercial fishing, and limited emergency response access.

On February 11, 2026, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners initiated an emergency ordinance, later ratified by the Assembly of Delegates, to address extensive harbor icing across the region. Emergency funding was authorized to support urgent icebreaking in priority harbors to restore safe access for mariners, protect infrastructure, and support local fishing and aquaculture operations.

Contracted marine crews began operations on February 13 in Sesuit Harbor and have since worked across multiple Cape Cod harbors, including Wellfleet Harbor, Barnstable Harbor, Waquoit Bay, Cotuit, and surrounding waterways. Icebreaking efforts also helped free the County dredge Cod Fish II, which had been immobilized in Sesuit Harbor for approximately two weeks due to heavy ice.

These coordinated regional efforts are focused on:
• Restoring safe navigation for commercial fishing and shellfishing vessels
• Ensuring emergency access for public safety and harbormaster operations
• Protecting municipal and private docks and harbor infrastructure

Barnstable County continues to work closely with local harbormasters, municipal officials, and state partners to restore full harbor access and support Cape Cod’s working waterfront.

Dredge updates can be found at:
www.capecod.gov/dredge

Learn more about Barnstable County Regional Government:
www.capecod.gov

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