Dramatic Ice-Water Rescue in MANITOWANING BAY

Is anyone coming to get me? I'm getting cooooold.
The two boats caught in the ice
The Ice Water Rescue Team getting ready
Here they go

Those left on shore are responsible for the ropes attached
to each rescuer

The ice is so broken up they have to crawl on their bellies
this photo shows them resting.

They arrive at the boat and attach a rope to the boat

then get inside with the boater The people on shore are now pulling the rope to

bring the boat and men back to shore

The rescue was completed just as it was beginning to get dark

One afternoon last week at about 4 o'clock the local Fire Dept was notified - their assistance was required as a man was trapped in the ice in Manitowaning Bay with his boat. I can read your mind - I had the same question, "It is January so why would anyone be out in a boat on Manitowaning Bay this time of year?"

Well it seems this man was having trouble with his water line - because the water levels have been so low it has caused many of the private water lines to freeze; the mild weather and high winds also caused the ice to break up bringing more havoc. While he was working on the line the wind caught his 14 foot aluminum boat and took it out from shore, he borrowed a neighbours boat and went after it. Fortunately the neighbour stayed on shore and watched. Soon the drifting ice encircled the two boats causing the man to be trapped, the 9 hp motor was not able to move him. The neighbour put in the call for help, attending the scene were the local Fire Dept, the OPP and the Little Current Fire Dept. who have the training and proper gear for Ice Water Rescue.

The IWR Team did a fine job, the man and one boat was rescued and brought back to shore just as it was getting dark.