Mystic — The Coast Guard celebrated the centennial anniversary of the International Ice Patrol Friday, April 26, during an open house at the Mystic Aquarium where guests including viewed the Titanic exhibit.

The Ice Patrol was established as a result of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At that time, there was no established notification system to safeguard mariners against the danger of icebergs.

“There is much pride in the prevention side of the Coast Guard,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Abel, the commander of the First Coast Guard District. “It’s the rescues that we didn’t have to do and the preventative work that 16 people here in New London, Conn., do to prevent tragedy at sea, a mission that started 100 years ago.”

Abel awarded the Ice Patrol a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation for outstanding performance during the past two years.

During the ice season from Feb. 15 to July 1, members of the IIP coordinate with the Canadian Ice Service to conduct reconnaissance missions off the coast of St. John’s, Newfoundland. To date, no ship that has heeded the unit’s warnings has struck an iceberg.