CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard assisted two people back to shore safely after their all-terrain vehicle broke on Lake Erie near Catawba Island, Ohio, Monday night.
At about 8:30 p.m., a watchstander at Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio, responded to a call from the people stating that they were exhausted after being stranded on the ice for hours.
The watchstander contacted Coast Guard Sector Detroit, which issued an urgent marine information broadcast requesting assistance from any mariners in the area.
A rescue crew aboard a 20-foot airboat from Coast Guard Station Marblehead launched, found the people and brought them safely to their vehicle on shore.
Both individuals appeared to be in good health.
The Coast Guard will work with the people to coordinate a salvage plan for their ATV to prevent it from becoming a safety or environmental hazard.
The Coast Guard reminds people to remember the acronym I.C.E. before venturing out on or near ice-covered waterways.
Information — Know the weather and ice conditions, know and tell a trusted person on shore where you are going, and know how to call for help. Never go out alone.
Clothing — Wear the proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wear a waterproof exposure suit and a life jacket.
Equipment — Carry the proper equipment. Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers, which will help you pull yourself out of the ice if you fall through. They are much more effective than bare hands. Carry a whistle or noise maker to alert people that you are in distress. Carry a cellular phone or marine band radio in a waterproof container so that you can call for help if you come across trouble.
Story courtesy of CoastGuardNews.com
