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Fishermen save life of sledder who crashed through thin ice

No ice is "safe ice" as underlying water currents or air pockets can create thin ice, even in the coldest temperatures
20181227 snowmobile tracks 1 generic turl
Snowmobile tracks file.

When anglers throw a line in the lake the last thing they expect to fish out of the water is a snowmobiler.

But that's what happened on December 26, shortly after 1:30 p.m., on Vance Bay on Lake Huron near the town of Spanish say OPP.

"The 23-year-old snowmobiler was in the water for approximately 15 minutes before being rescued by a friend and two other civilians fishing in the area," said Constable Bev Gauthier.

The person was transported to a local hospital in Blind River for hypothermia treatment.

The Ministry of Environment was notified of the snowmobile resting on the lake bed in approximately 30 to 40 feet of water. 

The OPP is warning snowmobilers that recent and current mild conditions have not helped with ice conditions, and not taking the necessary precautions can quickly result in tragedy.

"No ice is 'safe ice'.," says Gauthier. "Underlying water currents or air pockets can create thin ice, even in the coldest temperatures. Snowmobilers can't see this until it's too late."

Members from the East Algoma OPP, Algoma District Paramedic Services, and the Spanish Fire Department responded to the report of a person that went through the ice.

For further information on safe snowmobiling and trails in Ontario see the OFSC or OPP websites at: www.ofsc.on.ca    or  www.opp.ca


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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