All 23 People Rescued Near Owen Sound After Ice Drifts for Kilometres Into Georgian Bay
A massive rescue operation on Sunday involving marine, ground, and aviation units and collaboration by regional fire, medical, and police resulted in the successful retrieval of 23 anglers set adrift.
West Region OPP have confirmed that 23 individuals who found themselves stranded on ice that broke away from shore and drifted two kilometres into the bay.
OPP first reported at 1:12 p.m. that “several” people were on the ice near Balmy Beach north of Owen Sound. A media release later clarified the incident began just before noon.
The ice split into several sections as it drifted, causing some victims to become partially submerged in the frigid water.
One witness, who asked not to be named, estimated the anglers were stranded 300-400 feet from the shoreline. They reported seeing an Orang helicopter at the scene.
A command centre was soon set up at the Cobble Beach clubhouse, where first responders from around the region gathered.
Two helicopters involved in the search landed and departed from the Clubhouse lawn while rescue boats used the day dock at the Cobble Lighthouse. A line of ambulances stood ready in the driveway.
Emergency responders including OPP Aviation, OPP Marine Unit, Inter Township Fire Department, Owen Sound Fire Department, Hanover Fire Department, North Bruce Peninsula Fire Department, AirOrnge, Grey County Paramedic Services, Bruce County Paramedic Services, Ministry of Natural Resources, Grey-Bruce OPP, and Wellington County OPP attended the scene.
Grey Bruce OPP confirmed that by 2:30 p.m., all 23 individuals were accounted for and had been brought safely to shore. Despite minor injuries including cases of hypothermia, all are expected to make a full recovery.
Flooding and ice floes have been reported around Grey and Bruce this weekend as temperatures have risen well above zero, and there is open water in Owen Sound harbour.
OPP and the Canadian Coast Guard have issued public warnings this winter advising people to stay off or well clear of Georgian Bay ice because it is unstable and hazardous.
Updated:
A spokesperson for the OPP told Owen Sound Current:
“No ice is safe ice, especially this time of year.
With recent mild temps, and high-water flow, we are strongly encouraging everyone to stay off the ice, stay away from rivers, ponds, due to frigid water temps, high current, and unknown hazards.
This ice is very unstable and varying thicknesses and today was a perfect example of how quickly conditions can change and become life-threatening.”
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