In Saginaw Bay, Michigan, the Coast Guard heroically rescued two persons from a drifting ice floe.#News #Michigan #Rescue #Pinconning, MI
MIT, PINCONNINGTwo passengers were left stranded about a mile off the coast of Michigan on a sheet of floating ice. The U.S. Coast Guard and local first responders found themselves in a race against time after what started out as a routine winter excursion on Saginaw Bay.
Emergency Call Sparks Urgent Response
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office was notified around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday that two people were stranded on an ice floe close to Almeda Beach, which is located north of Bay City State Park.
The Pinconning-Fraser and Kawkawlin Fire Departments responded immediately to the hazardous situation as part of a multi-agency response.
Air Station Detroit and Coast Guard Station Saginaw River were called in to help. Navigating shaky ice and deteriorating weather, an ice rescue team from Station Saginaw River arrived at the duo.
Aerial Search Ensures Safety
A helicopter from Air Station Detroit surveyed the situation from above as the ice rescue crew concentrated on the stranded people. The air crew verified that there were no other people in danger nearby.
Rescuers were able to return both people to land safely.
Coast Guard Stresses Ice Safety
Officer-in-Charge at Station Saginaw River, Senior Chief Petty Officer James Hassinger, released a statement after the rescue stressing the significance of being aware of ice hazards in the winter.
Knowing the risks of ice is essential to preventing mishaps as temperatures drop and winter sports like snowmobiling and ice fishing attract people to frozen lakes and rivers, according to Hassinger.
Additionally, he praised the teamwork that was demonstrated throughout the rescue. 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 collaborated despite deteriorating weather conditions to make today’s rescue possible.
Authorities advise caution for anybody participating in winter activities near ice, even though no injuries were recorded this time.
RELATED TOPICS: Michigan Rescues and Accidents
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