Ice Rescue Underway Along Shoreline from Leith to Cobble Beach After Ice Breaks Beneath Anglers
Emergency crews including firefighters and an Ornge helicopter are responding to an ice rescue along the shoreline from Leith to Cobble Beach after anglers were reportedly stranded on shifting ice.
Updated:
Please see our more recent coverage here:
Multiple witnesses are reporting a large first responder presence at various points along the shoreline, from Leith to Cobble Beach, as an ice rescue mission is unfolding this afternoon.
An unknown number of people who were on the ice fishing appear to have been stranded when the ice broke and began to move.
One witness, who asked not to be named, estimates the anglers are stranded 300-400 feet from the shoreline. They report seeing an Orang helicopter at the scene, in addition to Inter Township and Owen Sound firefighters.
3:15p.m. Update:
The Cobble Beach clubhouse served as a search and rescue operation command centre early this afternoon as first responders from around the region worked to get anglers off ice that had broken free.
The exact number of people involved has not been confirmed.
At least two helicopters and rescue boats combed the waters between Balmy Beach and Cobble Beach during the operation.
3:30 p.m. Update
We have not yet received an official update about the status of the search. However, helicopter activity seems to have dissipated, and fire vehicles have returned to both the Inter Township and Owen Sound fire departments.
The first public warning was issued at 1:12 p.m. today by West Region OPP, who issued an advisory on Facebook:
This story is developing. More information to follow.