Rescue: Massive Glacier Collapse Traps Skaters on Alaska Lake!

Two ice skaters were left stranded on a frozen Alaska lake after a building-sized chunk of glacier crashed onto the ice! 🌐 #News #GirdwoodAK #Alaska #Rescue

GIRDWOOD, AK – Two ice skaters found themselves in a terrifying situation on Alaska’s Portage Lake when a massive chunk of glacier suddenly broke off and crashed onto the ice, cutting them off from safety. With no way to escape and first responders still en route, their fate took a dramatic turn when a group of ice climbers jumped into action—pulling off a daring rescue before officials could arrive.

Glacier Collapse Leaves Skaters Trapped

Alaska State Troopers received an emergency call just after 4 p.m. on Monday, reporting that two people were stranded on the lake after a large section of the glacier calved onto the ice.

The collapse left the skaters unable to reach stable ground, triggering a multi-agency rescue effort. The Alaska Department of Public Safety deployed a helicopter, while the U.S. Forest Service, an Army Guard helicopter, and Girdwood Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene.

But before any of them could get there, a group of ice climbers nearby took it upon themselves to bring the stranded skaters to safety, officials said.

Witness Captures Terrifying Glacier Collapse

Lauren Jobe, who was in the area, said she had been recording the glacier after hearing an unusual sound.

“I thought, ‘Maybe this is just the sound a glacier makes,’” she said.

“I wanted to show my family and friends. I had half a thought that it would be cool if a piece fell off, thinking that it would be 1/20th of what actually fell off.”

Instead, a chunk the size of a building came crashing down, sending ice and debris across the lake. Jobe and her companion managed to escape, but the two skaters were left stranded on unstable ice.

Quick-Thinking Bystanders Call for Help

With no cell service in the area, bystanders used an InReach satellite communication device to alert emergency responders. Even though the ice climbers successfully rescued the skaters before officials arrived, Girdwood Fire personnel remained on-site to check on them.

The fire department later thanked those who had emergency communication devices, emphasizing the importance of preparation in Alaska’s unpredictable wilderness.

“Thank you to the bystanders with inReach and sat phones and friends that were able to relay information to emergency crews,” they said.

“Carry extra snacks, warm clothes, and an InReach or sat phone to prepare for the unexpected. It sounds like this group was well prepared.”

While disaster was narrowly avoided this time, the dramatic scene on Portage Lake was a chilling example of how quickly nature can turn dangerous.

RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Alaska