The Icy Strait is a strait in the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska, at about 58°16′41″N 135°38′48″W / 58.27806°N 135.64667°W / 58.27806; -135.64667Coordinates: 58°16′41″N 135°38′48″W / 58.27806°N 135.64667°W / 58.27806; -135.64667. The strait separates Chichagof Island to the south and the Alaska mainland to the north. The strait is 64 km (40 mi) from its west side at the intersection of the Cross Sound and Glacier Bay to its east side at Chatham Strait and the Lynn Canal. The two largest islands in the strait are Pleasant Island and Lemesurier Island.
The Cape Spencer Light is an important former lighthouse and currently active aid-to-navigation.
The cruise ship Empress of the North ran aground near Rocky Island and took on some water here on May 14, 2007, causing the evacuation of its passengers. None were injured.
Famous quotes containing the words icy and/or strait:
“Like to the Pontic Sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne’er knows retiring ebb, but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love,
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)