UPDATE:
Beltrami County, Minnesota (KFGO) – Beltrami County Deputies and Kelliher firefighters rescued 35 people stranded on a large ice chunk that broke from the shore of Upper Red Lake shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday.
Authorities on the scene determined because of the distance, they needed to evacuate the people from the ice by airboat.
Initial reports indicated an estimated 40 to 50 people were on the ice and there was 40 to 50 feet of open water separating it from the main ice connected to shore. During the rescue, strong winds pushed the ice chuck further out, about several hundred feet from shore.
No injuries were reported.
Authorities remind those venturing onto the ice that the unseasonably warm weather combined with recent rain has resulted in inconsistent ice conditions.
ORIGINAL:
BELTRAMI COUNTY, MINN. (KFGO) – – Responders have been working to rescue dozens of people stranded on ice on Upper Red Lake.
According to Beltrami County authorities, approximately 40-50 anglers became stranded on ice that broke away from the shore after strong winds caused the ice to shift Sunday evening.
Christopher Muller, Beltrami County Public Information Officer, said Upper Red Lake is a very popular fishing destination and frequently used before ice is stable, and that results in rescues from either falling through the ice or floating on ice that broke away.
Last year, over 200 anglers were rescued after a large ice chunk broke free on Upper Red Lake.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says at least four inches of ice is needed before going out on a lake.
Clear ice is the safest on a lake, and 5 to 7 inches of ice is needed for snowmobiles and small ATVs. The DNR added that 7 to 8 inches is needed for side-by-sides, and 9 to 10 inches is necessary for a small vehicle or SUV to go out on the ice.
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