CATAWBA ISLAND, Ohio — Twenty people were rescued Monday from an ice floe in Lake Erie near Catawba Island State Park.
The Coast Guard and local authorities responded to reports of more than 20 people on an ice floe about a half mile from shore near Catawba Island shortly before 10:30 a.m., the Coast Guard said in a news release.
Crews from the Coast Guard Station Marblehead and Air Station Detroit responded to the scene, as did the Put-In-Bay Fire Department and Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
Coast Guard crews rescued nine people and the fire department rescued four people, according to the Coast Guard. Another seven people were able to rescue themselves via an airboat.
“We are committed to public safety and want to remind everyone the importance of exercising caution around ice formations,” said Lt. Adeeb Ahmad, Sector Detroit Public Affairs Officer. “Ice floes are unpredictable and can quickly become hazardous, particularly in windy conditions or strong currents. Always check local ice conditions before venturing out and be prepared for any emergencies. Your safety is our top priority.”
"There's no safe ice. We like to drive that point across," said Colt Fairchild, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Marblehead. "If you're going to venture out on the ice to fish or recreate, we recommend that you carry a life jacket with you, wear that life jacket, and also dress appropriately for the winter."
The Coast Guard also said that bringing ice picks or screwdrivers is beneficial to bring so you can self-rescue if needed.
After recent frigid weather, ice has begun to form on Lake Erie and other bodies of water.
Authorities at the scene told WTOL 11 that the people who were rescued Monday were two groups of ice fishermen.
"We got out there, got set up and got a few fish on the ice. The wind started picking up, which we knew was a possibility today. That's also why we brought our airboat," said Matt Kubacki, a fisherman who was rescued. "When the ice cracks, it's one of those feelings where you're sitting on the ice and you do feel it. You'll feel it in your seat and the water will bubble up in your holes. But when it cracked, we decided to check it out and see what was going on and it started to push."
Coast Guard: 20 people rescued from ice floe at Catawba Island State Park
The Coast Guard told WTOL 11 that the people rescued will not be fined for the cost of the rescue, but it is still unclear if any charges will be filed.
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