Two ice fishermen were rescued Sunday evening after becoming stranded on Lake Erie.
According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, around 6:30 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard requested assistance with a search and rescue operation. It was first reported that at least one fisherman was stranded after a sheet of ice broke apart.
Deputies say an aircrew was able to locate two people on the ice, about a mile offshore, with infrared technology.
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A Coast Guard Ice Rescue Team transported a skiff across the ice and rescued one of the fishermen along with their equipment. Meanwhile, an Erie County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Technician was lowered onto the ice to assist the second individual, who was then flown by Air 1 to Sturgeon Point Marina and evaluated Evans Fire Department personnel.
“This search and rescue operation highlights the importance of year-round training and teamwork,” said Sheriff Garcia. “The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, U.S. Coast Guard and Evans Fire Department demonstrated seamless cooperation throughout the process, resulting in a successful rescue. It also emphasizes the value of investing in our equipment and technology. No police drone can evacuate a stranded individual to safety. Thanks to the recent purchase of two new helicopters, our Aviation Unit will stand ready to respond for decades to come.”