BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. — Authorities confirm emergency crews have now rescued dozens of people stranded on an ice chunk that broke off from the shore of Upper Red Lake.
At approximately 4:50 p.m. Sunday, officials were notified that several people were stranded on the ice that broke away due to strong winds. Initial reports said it was 40-50 people, but that number was later revised to 35 people who were on the breakaway chunk that had floated about 40-50 feet from shore. Emergency responders used an airboat to get everyone back to shore safely by 8 p.m. Sunday.
"The ice sheet that broke off, we estimated about 100 yards away from the main body," Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs said Monday. "So there was open water about 100 yards between the main portion of ice and the upper portion."
Riggs said they're equipped to handle this each year, and happens more often than reported to law enforcement.
"When we first start making ice when people stand on it, we see it more often than not on Upper Red Lake because of the geographical size of the lake and its inability to freeze over completely," Riggs said. "We'll see probably two to three events that get reported to us. A lot of times the local resorts up there, as part of the fee that you go out on the lake is for them to assist you should you need assistance."
Riggs said no injuries were reported.
Several resources were needed for Sunday night's rescue, including the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Kelliher Fire Department, Kelliher First Responders, Blackduck Ambulance, Bemidji Ambulance, Bemidji Fire Department, the Minnesota State Patrol and area resorts.
Officials said it's common for responders to get called to the lake because it is such a popular fishing destination, and it's often used before the ice is stable. Last year, 200 people were rescued from a broken piece of ice on the lake.
"Especially during this time of the year because of the frequency of use and we do involve ambulance crews, several fire departments, DNR and law enforcement, in general, it does eat up a considerable amount of time and resources," Riggs said.
Officials are urging people to be cautious of the ice on lakes and rivers because of the unseasonably warm weather and recent rain. Experts recommend the ice be at least four inches thick before walking on it or standing but add that "ice can never be considered 100% safe. "
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