The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 55-year-old snowmobiler stranded on unstable ice near Mackinac Island, Michigan, during blizzard conditions on Sunday. The man became lost while operating his snowmobile in the Straits of Mackinac, which separates Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 55-year-old snowmobiler stranded on unstable ice near Mackinac Island, Michigan, during blizzard conditions. The man became lost while operating his snowmobile and was spotted about a mile off the island's west shore.
- A multi-agency rescue effort involved the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw and local first responders.
- Blizzard conditions with deep drifting snow, jagged ice, and limited visibility complicated the rescue.
- The man received medical care onboard the cutter and was reported to be in stable condition.
- The Coast Guard is expected to cut the ice between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace within days.
Aerial rescue attempts were initially unsuccessful due to unfavorable conditions, so the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw was diverted to the scene. The cutter coordinated with local first responders as crews worked to pinpoint the snowmobiler's location about a mile off the island's west shore.
The rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the Mackinac Island Fire Department (MIFD). Fire Chief Jason St. Onge reported that conditions were treacherous, with deep drifting snow, jagged ice, and extremely limited visibility. The man had been previously advised not to venture onto the ice but attempted to cross anyway.
As the Mackinaw approached, the cutter spotted the man and deployed an ice rescue team. The team rescued both the individual and his snowmobile, bringing them aboard the cutter. The snowmobiler received first-level medical care onboard and was reported to be in stable condition.
The Coast Guard is expected to cut the ice between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace within days due to the dangerous conditions. According to CBS News, it took MIFD members almost 40 minutes to walk 2,000 feet back to shore due to the extreme conditions.
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