AllMovie

Mankind's scientific exploration of ice-sheathed waters owes much, if not everything, to the presence of tough sea vessels known as "ice breakers" - ships expressly designed to cut through the thickest blocks of ice on the open ocean. As produced by The History Channel, this informative documentary ventures aboard two such vessels, the USCGC Mackinaw and the USCGC Healey (on its maiden voyage), for a firsthand look at the ships in action. The program also surveys the history of ice breakers and evaluates the myriad of ways in which they have re-shaped contemporary maritime navigation.