ABASHIRI, Hokkaido -- Drift ice was spotted approaching the shores of Abashiri, Hokkaido, on Monday. When viewed from a helicopter, a ship's track was clearly visible on the field of drift ice. Some patches of the floating ice were seen moving and swirling in the ocean.
According to the Abashiri Local Meteorological Office, Sunday was this year's "first day of drift ice." The office determines the first day of drift ice for the year when it becomes visible to the naked eye from land. This year was four days earlier than average and 23 days earlier than last winter.
Drift ice usually touches the coast of Abashiri in early February, covering the sea near the city and blocking navigation for most maritime vessels.
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