On November 10, 1972 rendezvoused with the icebreakers and prepared to take over the tow but severe weather prevented a switch. By November 13, 1972, however, the weather moderated and she took over towing, and set course for Baltimore, Maryland. "Southwind" then made her way to the Great Lakes. On November 24, 1972 she rendezvoused with approximately west of the "Nantucket" Lightship after first dodging a storm by sailing towards Nova Scotia. "Chilula" took over the towing and headed to Hampton Roads, Virginia and then to the Coast Guard Yard, where the two cutters arrived safely on November 30, 1972.