ON THIN ICE
Catawba Island rescue – 18 people saved after getting stranded on ice floe that broke away while they were snowmobiling
A MASS rescue took place near Catawba Island in Lake Erie on Sunday.
The Coast Guard rescued 18 people after ice broke away while they were snowmobiling.
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, none of the rescued needed medical attention.
The agency said in a press release that a Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Detroit and an airboat from Station Marblehead and a good Samaritan worked together to help rescue the 18 people from the ice.
"The helicopter hoisted seven people from the floe, four others were rescued by the Coast Guard airboat, and the remaining seven were rescued and
transported to shore by a Good Samaritan who also had an airboat on scene," read the statement.
The Coast Guard urged those who take part in recreational opportunities on the ice "to take precautions, not chances."
Just days ago, the US Coast Guard was dispatched to help another seven people who were in need of rescue due to ice floe in the area.
Authorities warned people of the dangers after the Tuesday incident.
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"Please exercise extreme caution as the winds out of the south are causing areas of ice to break free," the Coast Guard said in a statement.
"If you are headed onto the ice ensure you are prepared and monitor the weather closely. Remember no ice is safe ice."
After that incident, three people were rescued by airboat and four were airlifted by Air Station Detroit personnel.
Authorities reminded anyone planning to go out on the ice to wear bright colors and a life jacket for safety.
The Coast Guard could not immediately be reached for an update on Sunday's rescue.
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