ICYMI: Coast Guard Rescues 2 People Stranded on Floating Sheet of Ice in Michigan
Two people were dramatically rescued by the Coast Guard from a drifting ice floe in Michigan’s Saginaw Bay. 🌐 #News #PinconningMI #Michigan #Rescue
PINCONNING, MI – Two people found themselves stranded on a floating sheet of ice nearly a mile off the Michigan shoreline. What began as a typical winter outing on Saginaw Bay quickly turned into a race against time for local first responders and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Emergency Call Sparks Urgent Response
Around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting two individuals trapped on an ice floe near Almeda Beach, north of Bay City State Park.
The dangerous situation prompted an immediate multi-agency response involving the Pinconning-Fraser and Kawkawlin Fire Departments.
The Coast Guard Station Saginaw River and Air Station Detroit were called to assist. An ice rescue team from Station Saginaw River reached the pair, navigating unstable ice and worsening weather conditions.
Aerial Search Ensures Safety
While the ice rescue team focused on the stranded individuals, a helicopter from Air Station Detroit scanned the surrounding area from above. The aerial crew confirmed that no one else was at risk in the vicinity.
Rescuers successfully brought both individuals back to shore unharmed.
Coast Guard Stresses Ice Safety
Following the rescue, Senior Chief Petty Officer James Hassinger, Officer-in-Charge at Station Saginaw River, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of understanding ice hazards during winter.
“As temperatures drop and winter activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling draw people to frozen lakes and rivers, understanding the dangers of ice is critical to prevent accidents,” Hassinger stated.
He also commended the teamwork displayed during the rescue. “Today’s rescue was made possible by the dedicated efforts of first responders from Station Saginaw River, Air Station Detroit, Pinconning-Fraser Fire Department, Kawkawlin Fire Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Department, and Bay County Central Dispatch, who worked together amid worsening weather conditions.”
While no injuries were reported this time, authorities urge caution for anyone engaging in winter activities near ice.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Michigan
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