66 Ice Fishers Rescued After Getting Trapped On Ice Floes In Lake Michigan

A group of 66 ice fishers ended up trapped in the middle of Lake Michigan when three ice floes broke away on Thursday (February 4) morning. The Door County Sheriff's Office said that floes floated away from the shore "due to pressure cracks that had opened between their location and the shoreline."

High winds from an incoming winter storm helped push the ice floes further away from the shore.

With the bad weather bearing down on the area, rescuers from multiple agencies had to work against to clock to bring the fisherman to safety. The U.S. Coast Guard sent two ice rescue teams and used helicopters and airboats to reach the ice floes.

The rescue operation lasted four hours and wrapped up just before the storm began dumping snow in the area. There were no injuries reported.

"Today's success is a direct result of effective training and the long-standing and close relationships with our agency partners in the greater Sturgeon Bay Area," said Cmdr. Bryan Swintek, search and rescue coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan.

Authorities advised anybody who wants to go ice fishing to check the weather beforehand. They also urged ice fishers to dress warmly and ensure they have a reliable means of communication.

Photo: USCG Great Lakes