Coast Guard rescues 5 fishermen stranded on ice in Lake Erie

1/13/2018
BLADE STAFF
In this file photo, ice cracks and is frozen again along the shoreline of Lake Erie in Point Place.
In this file photo, ice cracks and is frozen again along the shoreline of Lake Erie in Point Place.

MONROE — Five fishermen were rescued Friday after they were stranded on floating ice in Lake Erie.

The fishermen managed to use flashlights to signal someone ashore, who then called Monroe County officials for help, according to a media release from the Coast Guard, which was assisted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department among other local agencies.

Officials noted they would not release the fishermen's names, the media release shows.

Coast Guard officials note the increase in temperatures last week has caused ice to melt, brought in heavy fog and resulted in multiple ice rescue cases with one life lost. Anyone considering going on the ice is encouraged to check the weather before heading out, bring signaling and communication equipment — including a flashlight, flares, VHF radio and a personal locator beacon.

"It would have been difficult to find [the five fishermen] if they didn't have flashlights; it enabled them to signal for help and, ultimately, for us to locate them," said Air Station Detroit Aircraft Commander, Lt. Adam Morehouse.