200 Fisherman Rescued After Ice Breaks Free On Upper Red Lake

Photo: Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office

RED LAKE, MN (KDLM) – Around 200 people fishing on Upper Red Lake were rescued Monday after a large sheet of ice broke free from the main shoreline, according to authorities.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office said the separation happened around 11:30 am on Monday, November 28th  with roughly 30 yards of open water stranding people in the southeast portion of the lake.

With rescuers determining several groups on the ice were likely unaware of the unfolding emergency, the county sent an emergency alert notification to cell phones to provide GPS coordinates of the evacuation bridge.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system allowed for notifications to be sent to phones not enrolled in the local notification system, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The rescue effort concluded around 2:30 p.m., with the Sheriff’s Office estimating 200 individuals were evacuated from the ice.

Airboats, water rescue boats, ATVs, drones, and a temporary bridge were all deployed as part of the operation.

“The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reminds those who are thinking of heading on the ice that early season ice is very unpredictable,” the agency shared in a press release. “Extreme caution should be used when heading on the ice and to check the thickness frequently to ensure an adequate amount of ice.”

Kelliher Fire and Rescue, Red Lake Nation Fire, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota State Patrol, Blackduck Ambulance, Lake of the Woods Sheriff’s Office, and local resorts assisted with Monday’s rescue.

At least four inches of new, clear ice is needed to support a person. Snowmobiles need five to seven inches of ice. At least seven or eight inches of ice is necessary for a side-by-side, or ATVs and cars need between nine and 12 inches of ice. For trucks, 13 to 17 inches of ice is required, and at least 20 inches is needed for a heavy-duty truck and a fish house.

Other tips for staying safe around cold water and on the ice include wearing a foam life jacket or flotation suit, carrying ice picks, rope, an ice chisel, and tape measure to check the ice thickness at regular intervals, using the buddy system and letting someone know about plans and an expected return time. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says to bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon and ask about conditions and known hazards with local experts before heading out.