Provincial police say 23 people were rescued after a piece of ice they were standing on separated from shore in Georgian Bay Sunday.
In a post to social media, Ontario Provincial Police said officers responded to reports of several people stranded on ice near Balmy Beach, north of Owen Sound, Ont., shortly before 12 p.m.
In an update to social media, the OPP said the winds and current moved the ice shelf approximately two kilometres away from shore. In a news release Sunday afternoon, provincial police said the ice shelf split into several sections, causing some victims to become partially submerged in the frigid water.
The OPP added everyone was safely airlifted back to shore by approximately 2:30 p.m. and minor injuries, including hypothermia, were reported.
“This became a life-threatening situation for several of the people due to hypothermia,” provincial police said. “All are expected to make a full recovery.”
The OPP said its officers and aviation team, alongside fire crews, paramedics, the Ministry of Natural Resources and air ambulance service Ornge, were able to execute the rescue mission. Two helicopters picked up and transported all 23 people to safety, provincial police added.
“Great teamwork and a quick response by all involved,” provincial police said.
OPP Prov. Const. Craig Soldan told CBC Toronto Sunday afternoon the 23 people stranded were groups of ice fishermen.
“The ice was not stable enough. Obviously they didn’t expect that and this quickly became an emergency situation,” he said.
Soldan said those who were submerged in the slushy and icy water were the first to be rescued.
“We were advising them just to stay low and spread themselves out so that they wouldn’t fall through any further as they awaited rescue,” he said. “Even after 10 minutes of being cold and wet, it’s a scary situation.”
Ice fishing is a popular sport and lakes have been covered with solid ice, making it favourable conditions, Soldan said. However, recent mild and fluctuating temperatures, combined with quick melting and strong currents from river inlets, have made the ice less stable than it once was.
“No ice is safe ice,” he said. “We’re recommending, strongly encouraging that everyone just stay off the ice. … The ice cannot be trusted right now.”
In its release, the OPP said the Cobble Beach Golf Course opened its facility to allow for aviation units and triage response.
The public was asked to stay off the ice and avoid the area while emergency crews responded.
