In a dramatic turn of events, 122 anglers found themselves in peril on Upper Red Lake when the ice floe they were on detached from the shore. The incident, which unfolded just before 5 p.m., prompted an urgent distress call to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. This signaled the start of a tense rescue operation.
Emergency responders, coordinating from a resort on the lake’s southeastern shore, quickly sprang into action. They employed airboats in a carefully orchestrated effort to reach the stranded individuals. The situation was fraught with danger, evidenced by an earlier attempt by bystanders to rescue the anglers using a canoe, which led to four people temporarily falling into the icy waters.
This rescue was a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration during emergencies. The operation saw multiple agencies, including the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Kelliher Fire and Rescue, and Blackduck Ambulance, working in unison. Their coordinated efforts ensured that all the anglers were brought to safety without any reported injuries.
The incident highlights the unpredictability of ice conditions and the inherent risks associated with ice fishing. It also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the value of swift, coordinated responses by rescue agencies.
As the community reflects on this near-tragedy, the successful outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and capability of emergency response teams. It’s a story of quick thinking, bravery, and community spirit prevailing against the odds.
