Lost snowmobiler found stranded on ice

By Dean Murray

Incredible scenes saw the rescue of a lost snowmobile driver stranded on ice.

A US Coast Guard (USCG) ship had to assist when blizzard conditions meant a helicopter rescue was too risky.

The cutter Mackinaw rescued the 55-year-old male near Mackinac Island, Michigan, on Sunday, March 15. He is reported as being in stable condition.

It is believed the individual was transiting Lake Huron when they became lost.

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The USCG said: "The individual was determined to be lost and located approximately one mile west of Sunset Rock while operating a snowmobile, which was recovered by the cutter after the rescue.

"Upon receiving notification, Sector Northern Great Lakes altered the Mackinaw’s course to the individual’s last known position and coordinated with the local fire department and its first responder personnel to gather information.

"Due to blizzard conditions, aerial rescue attempts were unfavourable and unsuccessful."

Mackinaw reported a sighting of the individual and deployed its ice rescue team. The team rescued the individual and their snowmobile, bringing them both aboard the cutter. Once aboard, the individual was administered first-level medical care, making his condition stable.

“Today’s response was a phenomenal team effort in saving a person in distress,” said Lt. William Erekson, assistant operations officer assigned to the Mackinaw. “All hands played a pivotal role, to include a challenging ice rescue deployment in harsh weather, seamless ship-wide execution, and superb coordination with Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes; this case is a powerful reminder that when lives are on the line, the Coast Guard stands ready to respond.”