Ice Fishermen Rescue Man after Snowmobile Crashes Through Ice
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.18.13
Three anglers fishing on the ice of Alaska’s Wasilla Lake found themselves in a position to help on Monday, saving the life of one snowmobile driver after he had fallen through the ice. According to the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, officials described the corner of the lake where the accident occurred as problematic due to consistently thin ice.
“That man was a lucky dude,” said Rick Willden, one of the anglers involved in the rescue.
Willden and two friends were fishing from a small ice hut for a few hours before the snowmobile driver arrived. They shared the lake for some time before the anglers noticed that the snowmobile had abruptly disappeared. Fearing the worst, the anglers made a call to the authorities and began walking across the lake to look for breaks in the ice. They eventually spotted the man by his bright yellow hat and moved carefully to help. Willden’s group contained one member with previous military training and another with medical experience. One of the anglers crawled to the edge of the ice and grabbed onto the victim while the others pulled on the rescuer’s legs. The anglers then tried to help warm the man while waiting for an ambulance.
Willden said that the local fire department only took five minutes to arrive on the scene after his call. The snowmobile driver was transported to a nearby hospital with a severe case of hypothermia, but the quick thinking of Willden and his friends likely saved his life.
In addition to checking conditions beforehand, experts advise that anybody looking forward to getting on the ice should not do so alone. A keen sense of caution and the right tools, such as a set of ice claws, could mean the difference between life and death. Falling through the ice can be a frightening experience, and the first minutes are crucial in surviving.
Wildlife and safety officials generally agree that direct rescues by hand, such as in this case, can be risky for non-experienced bystanders. Rope and small boats are generally a good idea, but are not always available.
You can read more ice safety tips here.
