The US Coast Guard and a number of other different businesses rescued greater than 60 individuals who have been stranded on Lake Michigan on Thursday, after the ice they have been standing on broke.
In a press release, authorities in Traverse Metropolis mentioned greater than 60 individuals turned stranded when cracks appeared within the ice, which broke away as they fished on Lake Michigan.
A mix of excessive winds and an incoming storm system allowed the ice floes to interrupt off from the shore of Sturgeon Bay, in northeastern Wisconsin, stranding the individuals who have been fishing.
In keeping with authorities, “Ice continued to crack into smaller sections all through the crews’ time on scene” of the rescue, which took 4 hours to finish.
Ice boats and helicopters have been used to deliver the individuals to security, along with rescue swimmers.
Commander Bryan Swinteck, search and rescue coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, instructed the Related Press afterwards that the rescue was a “success” for cross-agency collaboration.
“[And] a direct results of efficient coaching and the lengthy standing and shut relationships with our company companions within the better Sturgeon Bay Space,” the commander mentioned.
Coast Guard Ice Rescue groups from Sturgeon Bay, Coast Guard Cutter Cellular Bay, two helicopters from Traverse Metropolis, Michigan, the Wisconsin Division of Pure Sources, and native authorities businesses assisted within the rescue.
The Coast Guard thanked those that took half on Fb, and warned of the hazards posed by ice.
“No ice is ‘protected’ ice,” mentioned the Coast Guard. “At all times make sure you verify the climate earlier than heading out, use the buddy system, and put on your lifejacket. Guarantee you’ve a dependable type of communication comparable to a radio as properly.”
Ice floes are a typical prevalence on Lake Michigan within the winter, when temperatures drop beneath freezing.
Further reporting by the Related Press