Categories: U.S.

Coast Guard rescues 20 fishermen stranded on Lake Erie ice floe

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for January 22

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a rescue operation on Monday to help save 20 people who were stranded on an ice floe on Lake Erie, officials said.

The group was stuck on the ice about half a mile off the shore of Catawba Island State Park near Port Clinton, Ohio, the Coast Guard said. 

Rescuers responded around 10:20 a.m. to the initial call, deploying two Coast Guard airboats and a helicopter to help with the operation, Petty Officer Jessica Fontenette told The Associated Press.

The Coast Guard rescued nine people from the ice floe, while the Put-in-Bay Fire Department saved four others. The remaining seven stranded individuals were able to make it ashore using their own airboat, the Coast Guard said. No injuries were reported.

23 SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS RESCUED FROM VERMONT BACKCOUNTRY AFTER GETTING LOST IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES

The U.S. Coast Guard responded with two airboats and a helicopter to help rescue 20 fishermen stranded on an ice flow on Lake Erie. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The stranded group was described in local media as ice fishermen who ventured onto the ice floe.

The Coast Guard rescued nine people from the ice floe. Firefighters rescued four while seven others made it to safely to shore on their own airboat. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Officials told the Fremont Messenger that a crack in the ice grew larger as strong winds pushed the ice floe, eventually turning the crack into a body of water and trapping the fishermen.

Officials warned that windy conditions can create hazardous conditions on ice floes. (U.S. Coast Guard)

BODY OF TENNESSEE HKER MISSING IN SUBZERO TEMPERATURES RECOVERED BELOW 700-FOOT BLUFF

The Coast Guard issued a statement warning the public to exercise extreme caution around ice formations.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Ice floes are unpredictable and can quickly become hazardous, particularly in windy conditions or strong currents,” said Lt. Adeeb Ahmad, Sector Detroit Public Affairs Officer. “Always check local ice conditions before venturing out and be prepared for any emergencies.”

Share

Recent Posts

Malicious browser extensions hit 4.3M users

A long-running malware campaign quietly evolved over several years and turned trusted Chrome and Edge…

8 hours ago

Google’s new Call Reason feature marks calls as urgent

Sometimes you need someone to answer right away. Maybe you are locked out. Maybe those…

10 hours ago

3D printed cornea restores sight in world first

Surgeons at Rambam Eye Institute have made medical history. They restored sight to a legally…

1 day ago

Why your holiday shopping data needs a cleanup now

If the ads you see in December feel a little too accurate, you are not…

2 days ago

How to spot wallet verification scam emails

Recently, you may have received alarming emails like the one below from "sharfharef" titled "Wallet…

2 days ago

5 tech terms every smartphone user should know

Technology shouldn't feel confusing or intimidating, especially when most of us are just trying to…

3 days ago