Lake Huron – Ice fishing becomes dangerous
The helicopter crews of Ontario rescued 23 people after the ice shelf that they were standing upon broke off, sending them adrift into Lake Huron. Ontario Provincial Police reported that the incident occurred around 12 noon on Sunday (16:00 GMT), when wind and currents moved the ice 2km away from shore.
Panic and desperate measures
Kevin Fox was a fisherman who only realized that the ice had separated from shore after seeing movement on his GPS. He said: “I looked back and I saw the waves behind us.”
We decided to run towards one side of bay but there was already a separation. He explained that when he turned around to look at the opposite side of the bay, it had also started breaking up.
In fear, some members of the group called home to their loved ones. Fox said, “I will never forget seeing grown men cry as they say goodbye to their families.”
Alfie How, a fisherman from the UK, described a moment of desperation: “They sat down together and finally accepted that it was possible they would not survive.”
Rapid Rescue in Extreme Conditions
Rescue took place during strong winds that worried group members about helicopters not being able to fly. Fox said that the ice was “eroding” and shrinking constantly.
The police praised their quick response. They praised the “great teamwork” and quick reaction by everyone involved.
Remember to stay safe on the ice
The public is reminded that the ice can be unstable, particularly during daylight hours. A similar rescue took place in Vermont last month.
