CATAWBA ISLAND, Ohio– Fourteen people rescued

[Links r Us]

Ninth District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release Date: January 25, 2004

Contact: PA3 Cindy Marshall
(216) 214-4385



14 People rescued after ice breaks away from mainland



CATAWBA ISLAND, Ohio– Fourteen people were stranded on an ice flow about one mile west of the Catawba Island after the ice broke away from the mainland around 5:30 p.m.



Coast Guard Group Detroit received the report via cell phone from one of the men stranded on the ice. With his GPS, the man was able to give his position.



A rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit and an airboat from local authorities brought all 14 people to safety with no medical concerns. The mission was complete in less than two hours.

###

[Links r Us]

14 rescued from Lake Erie near Catawba Island - Morning Journal (http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1699&dept_id=46371&newsid=10866609&PAG=461&rfi=9)

[CritterGitter]

I heard that this happened largely due to high winds. The weather forcast was calling for a severe storm and while it had a bigger impact on southern Ohio it still should have been a concern for these individuals. People need to pay more attention to the weather forcast!!!!!

CG

[Lunker]

Thats right! Theres a bigger storm brewing in right now, I hope no one else gets in trouble. Last year the C.G. was talking about outlawing bigwater icefishing. I hope people dont push it to that.

[XX78]

But did they catch any fish?

[crappiebub]

Hope they have to pay the bill for their Stupidity. I get tired of having my tax money paying for idiots!

[wallydog1]

I was out off catawba saturday.condition's were good.west to
north wind and lite (5 to 15 ).sunday they called for east (25 knot's) I stayed home.any wind that strong thing's can go bad Quick.Fishing was slow I only picked 2 eye's.cracks can open any time on erie.you take a chance anytime you fish erie even in the summer.as far as having to Pay to be rescued I already do every time I pay my federal tax.you can call these guy's stupid or Idiots
but anyone can get into trouble in the out door's.who will determin what is stupid and what we pay.stupid tax dollar's are going for setting up water station's in the desert so people can cross the desert to come here that are not suppose to be here
but thats another thread in sound off.

[Full Choke]

crappiebub
First rescue ought to be FREE!,then maybe $.
We all have been paying. I dont like paying for them to be sitting on their butts. Its what they train for and are there to do and should expect to do(kinda like a fireman). From what I've heard this one wasnt to dangerous for the crew or those on the ice.
Steve R
Have you ever been on the ice on erie?

[zxray]

As I understand it, it is the Coast Gaurds job to rescue people on the water. Thats what they are paid for, thats why we have them. The only real cost of this rescue was the price of fuel used.
I call it a good use of my tax dollars. And poor judgement on thye partr of the fishernen. Ray

[vc1111]

If you ever see the size and quantity of the walleyes from Lake Erie, your judgment make take a brief leave of absence too.:D

[zxray]

I go, but I watch the weather, real close. I have not gotten myself in any trouble on the ice, in 41 years of ice fishing. Knock on wood! Only saying, we need to be cautious out there, and thats what the Coast Gaurd is there for.

[Full Choke]

Vc1111
I was thinking the very same way!

[vc1111]

You are right zxray, I'm only kidding. The ice fishing that we all love is probably one of the most dangerous aspects of the outdoors. Many times the temps alone can be hazardous. Add a little water or an injury of almost any type and you have yourself a situation.

Last year, I got caught in some very high winds. I found myself on a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride" across the ice, as the wind took my Clam fishing shelter and ME for a rather long and unplanned tour of the Lake Misquito. I wasn't hurt, but I had a bit of trouble recovering all my gear which was scattered when the Clam finally flipped over with me in it! I just kept thinking as I flew across the ice, "Man, I hope there's no open water out here anywhere!"

I laughed when it was all over, and it will be a fine entry in my life's Book Of Adventure's, but it wasn't so funny at the time.


:D

[Lundy43123]

I ice fish Erie, and have been for years.

It is a very high risk activity, as such, I accept the responsibilty of my own actions, both physically and finacially.

Many of you say that you pay taxes and should expect to be rescued by the coastgaurd with no additional fees. I disagree with you. When you go out on Erie ice you KNOW that there is a very good chance of problems before you go out. The ice fisherman makes a premediated decision to take that risk and should be responsible for the results.

Should all of the OTHER tax payers that don't ice fish have to pay for ice fisherman that willfully take risks? Do the 14 ice fisherman that were rescued pay enough in taxes to cover this past rescue? I doubt it.

Everyone complains about taxes but are the first ones to have their hand out looking for freebies.

I'll pay my own way, won't ask you to pay for my hobbies, but don't ask me to pay for yours.

Idividual responsibilty for your own actions, anyone believe in this anymore?

Kim

[snag]

vc1111, i agree with the if you go on erie and get into some big eyes it can be addicting but when you hear of what happened last sunday it changes your tune. i went out years ago hiked out about a mile or so,found a few holes made before i got there, a few spots of blood was on the ice on the edge of the hole so i figured this is a good spot as any,stayed there till around two pm started at eight am,ended up with a limit the biggest a nine and a half pounder. thought about this weekend making the trip again,but with this weather changing so much,lighting,thunder and rain last nite,i think i,ll stay on the small water this weekend.plus those guys on erie on sunday had to leave there gear behind when they got rescued.salvage rights apply here? he he. safe icen to all..

[CritterGitter]

Good point Snag! Anytime you need to be rescued out on Lake Erie, all your gear is left behind. In a way that is a relatively hefty fee or price to pay. If you have a shanty, 4 wheeler or snowmobile then you can be held liable for illegal dumping(serious fine). That is unless you find someone with an ice breaker boat to take you out to retrieve it.

To some degree I do agree with Lundy about individual responsibility for our actions. However, this should be kept in perspective. The rescuers are not sitting at home, "on call." They are on site and ready for work. If there is no rescue or task that needs done, they still get paid your tax dollars. This little mission on Sunday might have cost a $100 in gas if that. Lake Erie is a public resource and while you may not wish to take advantage of it during the winter there are others who do.

CG

[wallydog1]

I might not have paid enough in taxe's but considering I am the only one in my family that ice fish's and I have never got that ride in the orange chopper and the coastgaurd rescue's people around the world with no charge why should sportsman have to pay.looking for a free ride is B.S.that is what we have emergency
service's for.who can totally predict mother nature and if you make a mistake which we all do. who determin's the risk level that
trigger's payment. that's like if you have a house fire you pay tax for the fire service to be ready .then pay a service call if they have to respond.can't pay for the call they don't come .well let's hire someone to determin if bad judgment was envolved and make a pay scale to make it fair.why not discourage people from calling for help so when they do have a search they spend even more money (my money and your money)no let's just have the free Resue service go to people that do not pay anything to maintain these service's around the world.

[XX78]

I read in the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that the rescue mission cost over $16,000. The story said that not everyone on the slab was fishing. Some snowmobilers were rescued apparently on the same slab of ice by an airboat. They were able to take their sleds with them. The fisherman had to abbandon their equipment, poles, shantys, and even a ATV. The owner of the ATV said he was going out with an air boat to retrieve his shantys and quad today if possible.

[vc1111]

I think Erie is a fascinating place.

I know it has the potential to swallow you with the waves and the ice fishing can be treacherous as this thread indicates, but I still find the place irresistable.

It is beautiful in the spring with its own particular smell and the water is so clear and fresh looking. Steelhead, fantastic walleye, smallmouth bigger than you could ever dream about...

I have not iced fished up there, I live closer to the central basin and the ice tends to pile and stack because of the winds.

But oh the spring fishin'

If it were 30 minutes closer to where I live, I'd be divorced!:D

[Links r Us]

:(
'Someone's going to get killed ...'

P-I-B chief: ATV riders irresponsible
By RICK NEALE, and JASON FREED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CATAWBA ISLAND -- When the ice started cracking Sunday night between Catawba Island and Put-in-Bay, Jack Stables listened to the reports of stranded fishermen crackling in over the radio.

"I was waiting for a body count," he said.

Stables, the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport manager, and a variety of other local agencies pitched in to rescue 14 trapped anglers from crumbling Lake Erie ice floes. Winds were clocked at 30 knots and temperatures were down in the teens -- "very dangerous" conditions, Stables said.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hoisted three groups off the ice, totaling 10 people, and deposited them at Catawba Island State Park. Three of the strandees were picked up by an airboat piloted by Put-in-Bay resident Todd Blumensaadt.

No injuries were reported.

Put-in-Bay Fire Chief Mark Wilhelm said irresponsible ATV riders were lucky to escape the treacherous ice with their lives Sunday. He said a small band of riders motored from the mainland to Put-in-Bay -- and a 4-year-old child was riding on the back of one of the vehicles.

"Someone chewed them out and fortunately they left their four-wheelers at the island and flew back," he said. "Someone's going to get killed out there."

Wilhelm said three snowmobilers got stuck while they were marking a three-mile ice trail from Put-in-Bay to Catawba Island using old Christmas trees. Pat Chrysler, a licensed Put-in-Bay ice guide, said the trio were islanders John Dodge, Bill Neff and Chris Ladd.

Wilhelm said they were rescued by airboat about three miles west of Catawba Island.

"People don't use their heads. Four different agencies were toned out for the rescue yesterday," he said. "Tens of thousands of dollars, that rescue mission is going to cost the taxpayers.

"We're risking our lives out there."

Dodge and Neff were featured Thursday in a News Herald story about the Catawba-to-South Bass ice crossing. That story included a list of Ohio Department of Natural Resources safety tips, describing use of snowmobiles and vehicles on ice as "extremely dangerous."

Scott Cichoracki is a petty officer at U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit. He said the helicopter picked up two people 3 miles northwest of Catawba Island at 6:23 p.m.; four people 2 miles due west of Catawba Island at 6:37 p.m.; and four people 3.5 miles northwest of Catawba Island at 6:52 p.m.

Identities of the 10 anglers rescued by the helicopter were unavailable. But one was Kevin McBroom of Brimfield, who was likely hoisted from the ice during the 6:37 p.m. mission.

McBroom ventured onto the lake from the mainland with five fellow fishermen, driving a quartet of four-wheelers. But he ended up trapped on an ice floe with three companions about 400 yards wide and a mile long. It was his first Lake Erie ice fishing experience in the area.

"It was pretty scary. I'll tell you what, those (Coast Guard) guys kicked butt," he said. "They were so professional it wasn't even funny."

McBroom said his group had to abandon its ATVs and equipment on the ice. The items were retrieved and returned to Port Clinton Monday afternoon.

"It was an experience. It was my first time up here. It was kind of spooky," McBroom said. "You could see the ice heaving up."

Chrysler estimated 20 people or more were actually out on the ice during Sunday's break-up, but some were "self-rescues" who reached land without help.

Joe Kostura, who runs a commercial airboat service between Put-in-Bay and the mainland, said at least 10 inches of "good ice" still encase the waters near South Bass-Rattlesnake-Green islands. Ice fishermen there are reporting no problems, as opposed to the Catawba Island channel.

Contact staff writer Rick Neale at 419-734-7506 or rneale@fremont.gannett.com

Email this story

Originally published Tuesday, January 27, 2004

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/news/stories/20040127/localnews/303132.html

[snag]

good article links, i read the clev. article,yesterday about the rescue,i did see the part on the 16,000 dollar price tag.you,ll probaly never stop anyone from going out there,especially when they know the coast guard will come and get them,with cell phones and a gps. one fellow from bellvue area said it was his second rescue, i wouldn,t brag about it. i,ll stick to small water this year.

[Links r Us]

Anglers stranded on Lake Erie ice put others at risk

EDITORIALS
We'll say it again:

The Lake Erie ice is never really safe, and people proved it again this weekend.

And people who venture out on the lake when conditions are particularly dangerous, as they were with increasing winds Sunday, are putting others as well as themselves at risk. And costing the taxpayers money.

Rescue workers had to take 14 trapped anglers from crumbling Lake Erie ice floes Sunday evening as winds gusted beyond 30 knots and temperatures dropped into the teens.

Others also ventured out onto the lake in vehicles despite the treacherous conditions as winds put pressure on the ice and under-ice currents increased, greatly increasing the risk of the ice breaking up and stranding them or, worse, dumping them in the frigid waters.

Four different agencies were called to help people on the ice Sunday, and that means that rescue workers from four different agencies were put at risk themselves because people didn't use common sense.

Maybe it's time to take a look at charging people for such rescues. Maybe that will curtail senseless activity such as the ATV rider who went from the mainland to Put-in-Bay with a 4-year-old child as a passenger.

It's certainly time for people to follow some good advice.

Most important, anyone new to ice fishing should seek out a licensed ice-fishing guide who will be more aware of the potential dangers. A list of certified guides is available by calling the ODNR Division of Wildlife's Sandusky Office at 419-625-8062. Bait shops can also provide input as to safer areas for ice fishing or experts who can help you.


Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or float coat. Life vests provide protection from hypothermia as well as flotation.

Avoid alcoholic beverages, which slow reaction time and increase the threat of hypothermia.

Don't drive a vehicle onto the ice.
Email this story

Originally published Wednesday, January 28, 2004

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/news/stories/20040128/opinion/309312.html

[eyetracker]

Great job on the articles Links, We all have to know our limitations. I know I wouldn't want to put a rescuers life in danger. That would be hard to live with if it turned bad. Look on the bright side warm water is coming soon.

[BIRDHUNT]

HOPE ALL YOU "TAXPAYERS" READ 'LINKS R US'S' POST ON -NEVER GO WITH THE FLOE!!!

[Links r Us]

Ninth District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release Date: February 6, 2004

Contact: Chief Jeff Hall
(216) 902-6020



SIX RESCUED FROM BREAKAWAY ICE

PORT CLINTON, Ohio - Six people were lifted to safety last night after they were left stranded on the ice near Catawba Island, Ohio.

The initial report, via cell phone, was received at 6:45 p.m. by Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio, stating several people were caught out on the ice three miles west of Catawba, unable to return to shore due to an un-crossable break in the ice.

Coast Guard personnel from Station Marblehead and a helicopter crew from Air Station Detroit responded to the caller’s position. The helicopter crew made three trips to safely lift the six people and take them to the Port Clinton, Ohio airport. All six were in good condition.

Fisherman are reminded once again with warming temperatures and strong wind, ice can separate leaving them stranded on without any means to get back to shore. This is the third time in as many weeks that cellular phones have been used to notify the Coast Guard of people in distress on breakaway ice.

[BIRDHUNT]

HERE WE GO AGAIN.............BUT WHO CARES, THEY PAY TAXES!!!

[wallydog1]

.Just Paid uncle sam 10,000 dollar's in federal tax. AT about 1200.00 Dollars per Rescue.I do Beleive that would cover a ride.

[BIRDHUNT]

Wallydog1------
No comment.......your 1/27 post says it all!!!!!

[wallydog1]

Birdhunt,
we just do not have the same opinion's.I'm not trying to slam you.we are just posting what we think.would rather be trading some fishing info. looking at the weather reports everyone needs to pay real attention . Condition's are not good enough to leave the mainland from catawba this weekend that we probably agree.

[Links r Us]

6 pulled from ice on lake

By JASON FREED
Staff writer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CATAWBA ISLAND -- Six people, all believed to be ice fishermen, were rescued from the cracking ice of Lake Erie about 4 miles northwest of Catawba Island State Park on Thursday, Coast Guard officials say.

Three separate groups of two people, who did not venture on to the ice together but ended up together, found themselves stranded when "changing weather conditions" caused a massive crack in the ice, the Coast Guard said.

Petty Officer Paul Gimple at the Marblehead station of the U.S. Coast Guard said his department first spoke with the stranded fisherman at 5:45 p.m.

He said the fisherman had gone out on the ice earlier in the day, and somehow had gotten lost while returning to the mainland.

When the Coast Guard spoke with the caller, he reported he was on the

south side of a 50-to-100-foot wide crack with three other people. He said he could see at least two other people, who appeared lost, and two vehicles on the other side of the crack.

The Marblehead station contacted the Detroit Group of the U.S. Coast Guard, who dispatched a helicopter rescue team.

The helicopter arrived at the scene close to an hour and a half after the initial call, just after 7 p.m. Gimple said it made a wide arch to look for more stranded people, did not find any, any deployed a rescue swimmer to the ice to begin the rescue.

Gimple said the fisherman were harnessed and loaded into the helicopter one-by-one. Because of weight limitations, he said, the helicopter made three trips to the Ottawa County Regional Airport to return all six people to mainland safely.

The last group was delivered just before 8 p.m., and a Coast Guard vehicle took them all to Kelley's Island State Park where there vehicles were parked.

"Everything ran very smoothly," Gimple said.

He said a total of four 4-wheelers belonging to the group were left on the ice.

"As far as I know they're still out there," he said. "That's the sole responsibility of the owner."

Gimple said Dairy Air out of Put-in-Bay had seen the crack forming earlier in the day and had photographed it. He said it grew substantially larger as night fell.

He said it doesn't have to get above freezing temperatures for a crack to form.

Luckily there were no injuries and no one fell into the water, Gimple said.

"Any time there is an ice rescue it is a potentially dangerous situation," he said.

Email this story
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/news/stories/20040206/localnews/367110.html

[spyder]

Hey Birdhunt. Got this off the USCG website. Looks to me like our taxes pay for rescuing stranded ice fishermen and a lot more.

After 9-11, I watched the Coast Guard patrol the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, and the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico until I left three months ago. Tropical storms are the only thing that slows them down as far as I know. I saw some pretty impressively armed cruisers tooling around the 9 and 12 mile rigs off Galveston.

"The U.S. Coast Guard is one of five branches of the US Armed Forces, and falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard is the country's oldest continuous seagoing service with responsibilities including Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Aids to Navigation (ATON), Icebreaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness. In order to accomplish these missions the Coast Guard's 38,000 active-duty men and women, 8,000 Reservists, and 35,000 Auxiliarists serve in a variety of job fields ranging from operation specialists and small-boat operators and maintenance specialists to electronic technicians and aviation mechanics. The Coast Guard, during an average day, will:


Conduct 109 Search and Rescue Cases
Save 10 lives Assist 192 people in distress
Protect $2,791,841 in property
Launch 396 small boat missions
Launch 164 aircraft missions, logging 324 hours
Board 144 vessels
Seize 169 pounds of marijuana and 306 pounds of cocaine worth
$9,589,000
Interdict and rescue 14 illegal migrants
Board 100 large vessels for port safety checks
Respond to 20 oil or hazardous chemical spills totaling 2,800 gallons
Service 135 aids to navigation"

[BIRDHUNT]

spyder


What is your point??

[marcbodi]

Hi,
To pay or not to pay.I am sure if the guy waiting to get picked up sees the Copter coming and it crashes and kills all on board it won't bother him because it was their job to save him because he is stupid.We can't forget we put the Coastguard guys in danger every time they take the Copter up.

[spyder]

I guess I just take exception with your attitude towards Wallydogs comment that "if he ever needs a ride back off the ice, it's already been paid for by his taxes". You've thrown out several one-liner's since then with "tax related" comments.

Seems to me that you forget, or chose to ignore, that it is just part of the Coast Guard's job. Always was and always will be.

Bottom line, watch the weather forecast, know what the winds will do to the ice and you'll make it back without a problem. It's not all that different than going out on Lake Erie during thunderstorm season, or the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane season. The unpredictable does happen. Nature is a mother. There's too much grey area to cast judgment on people for being stranded on the ice.

[Voyageur II]

I am glad that the coast guard does save people, but people must take responsiblity for their own safety. I have ventured out many times on foot and I will not push it depending on weather. I keep a hand held weather radio with me for updates and watch the skies much like I do when I am boating. I refuse to allow myself to take a 4 wheeler out as it is too much temptation to go out beyond what may be reasonable for a safe return. If you want to go far, spend the inexpensive fee to fish with a guide. If you do not want to use a guide, you must be reponsible for your own safe return. I personally am going to the expense of buying a hovercraft to get me out to the fish, but I realize I am much more fortunate than others. It's just like boating on Lake Erie. Would you take a 14' jon boat out 5 miles with high winds in the forecast? There have been many foolesh fishermen rescued (and some not) on this water, summer or winter does not make a difference, this lake demands respect!

[BIRDHUNT]

Spyder---Your 'bottom line' is absolutely correct!! I just don't like the bragging I hear from some who have put CG and volunteer firemen lives in danger.

[spyder]

I understand that, but I didn't see anyone on this board bragging about going out in unsafe or questionable conditions.

[Links r Us]

Ice woes continue for anglers ... 02/08/04 (http://www.cleveland.com/outdoors/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/10762362549322.xml)

[wallydog1]

I have to say.The Guy on the first rescue that said that it was his second time rescued and he was heading back the next day to retreive his gear.I did not think he was concerned with the risk's.
That mind set will cause unneeded rescue's.I myself would not want to see an accident that would cause harm to anyone trying
rescue me because I made a bad choice of judgment.If there's anyone that reads these post's and decide's to make better choice's about when they should go out then these post's did accomplish something.just for the record I have never had to be rescued but won't say that it will not happen to me.I know I look at all the report's before I go and keep a close eye on condition's when I'm out.everyone need's to do the same.This year is one of the worst for wind condition's.

[Links r Us]

;)
Between Ice and a Hard Place

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/15/magazine/15LIVES.html?

[Voyageur II]

Hey Kim, very well put. I tried to express my similar opinion on WC and got blasted by a few. Oh well, can't please everyone. I guess my wording or my approach could have been different. Are you the same Lundy that posts on a few of the other sites? If so, seems we fish the same areas in the summer. Just wanted to say, well put!!