Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
(216) 902-6020
| Ninth District External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Video Release |
Date: January 27, 2009 Contact: Ninth Coast Guard |
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U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit rescues three in Saginaw Bay, Mich. CLEVELAND - A U.S. Coast Guard helciopter crew from Air Station Detroit, Mich. rescued three stranded ice fishermen in Saginaw Bay, Mich., at approximately 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 after a crack in the ice prevented them from returning to shore. CLICK HERE to see video of the rescue from the HH-65 Dolphin helicopter's hoist camera. “We picked up one individual on the first hoist, ferried him to shore, and then went and picked up the other two,” said Lt. Brian Ward, co-pilot of the rescue helicopter. “All three appeared to be wearing survival suits.” All three were transported to shore with no apparent injuries. An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched after a Good Samaritan saw the crack preventing the men from return to shore and called 911. The Ninth Coast Guard District would like to remind the Great Lakes public to take charge of their safety this ice fishing season as temperatures remain mild throughout the Great Lakes. Because Great Lakes ice is dangerous and unpredictable, the Coast Guard advises people to remember the following: I - Intelligence - check the weather and ice conditions, know where you are going and know how to call for help/assistance. C - Clothing - wear the proper anti-exposure clothes with multiple layers. If possible, wear a dry suit to prevent hypothermia, which can occur within minutes after falling through the ice. E - Equipment - have the proper equipment such as a marine band radio, life jackets and screw drivers. Recreational ice fisherman are encouraged to: Use the buddy system: NEVER go out on the ice alone. Dress in bright colors; and wear an anti-exposure suit that is waterproof, including a personal flotation device (PFD). Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers for self-rescue. They are much more effective than using your hands. Carry a whistle or noise-making device to alert people that you are in distress such as a cell phone or a VHF-FM radio. Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges and slushy areas, which signify thinner ice. For further media inquiries, contact the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 216-902-6020.
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