WINDSOR

Dozens rescued after Lake Erie ice floe break

CTV Windsor Published Saturday, March 9, 2019 4:47PM EST Last Updated Monday, March 11, 2019 1:22PM EDT

Ice fishermen walk to land after being stuck on an ice floe that broke free from land north of Catawaba Island on March 9, 2019. Some 46 people were rescued by Coast Guard and local agencies via airboats and approximately 100 people were able to walk across ice-bridges or swimming in the water. (Source: U.S. Coast Guard)

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The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies plucked 46 ice fishermen from Lake Erie after an ice floe broke free near Catawaba Island, Saturday morning.

Catawaba Island is located southwest of Pelee Island.

About 100 other people either swam or walked to safety on ice bridges that were still connected to the floe, the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard was called in about 8:15 a.m. and launched two 20-foot Special Purpose Craft–airboats, two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Detroit, and two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters to respond to the mass rescue. Local agencies also used airboats.

As temperatures begin to rise, the Coast Guard strongly urges people to stay off the ice.