ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Clair Shores rescued a 66-year-old male ice fisherman who fell off of a dock into waste-deep water one-half mile from the station near Miller Marina, Tuesday, at approximately 5:45 p.m.
“He was cold and wet, having trouble pulling himself out, so I got in the water and lifted his legs,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class John Milan.
Milan and two of his crewmembers slid the man’s legs in a thermal capsule and wrapped him in blankets to prevent hypothermia.
Apparently, the man fell in the water from the dock after ice fishing and had been in the water for approximately 15 minutes.
With the station’s number programmed in his cell phone, he called the station for help.
The Coast Guard would like to remind citizens to be aware of the dangerous conditions of Great Lakes ice and to observe the following:
I – Intelligence (research the weather, know the area, leave word with family/friends)
C – Clothing (wear an exposure suit or clothing that can help protect you if you fall in the water)
E – Equipment (cell phones, screwdrivers to help you climb out of the water, or a radio to call for help, etc.)
