18 rescued from breakaway ice sheet on Lake Erie
No one was injured, says US Coast Guard
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The USCoast Guard rescued 18 people on Sunday afternoon after they were separated from land near Catawba Island as a sheet of floating ice broke away trapping them in Lake Erie in northwest Ohio.
According to the US Coast guard, the ice floe broke just after 12pm, when individuals were snowmobiling and riding ATVs.
“Rescue efforts began about 1pm after an MH 65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Detriot noticed approximately 20 people on an ice floe, with several ATVs looking for a route back to land,” the Coast Guard said.
The rescue operation also received assistance from a “good samaritan”, the release added.
"The helicopter lowered its rescue swimmer and began hoisting operations while Station Marblehead’s airboat got underway," it said, adding that while the helicopter hoisted seven people from the floe, four others were rescued by the Coast Guard airboat.
“...And the remaining seven were rescued and transported to shore by a Good Samaritan who also had an airboat on scene.”
The news release added that while medical services were on stand-by, “no one required medical attention”.
The incident came a day after National Weather Service warned against venturing in the ice on Lake Erie, reported CBS-affiliate WTOL 11, adding that the ice floes are likely to break away from the shore due to wind gusts this weekend.
Issuing an advisory following the incident on Sunday, the Coast Guard urged all who seek recreational opportunities on the ice “to take precautions, not chances.”
“Remember to dress appropriately for the water temperature, not the air temperature; to wear a life jacket and carry a reliable form of communication.”
It also advised the individuals to carry icepicks or screwdrivers “that can help them self-rescue if they go through the ice”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments