Video: N.Y. Deputies' Infrared Tech Helps Rescue Stranded Fishermen
What to know
- Two ice fishermen were rescued Sunday after drifting about a mile offshore on Lake Erie in upstate New York when a sheet of ice separated, prompting a joint operation involving the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
- A sheriff's office aviation crew used infrared technology to locate the stranded men, and rescuers reached them using a skiff rescue boat and helicopter support.
- Sheriff John Garcia said the rescue showed the value of interagency coordination, year‑round training and new aviation equipment, as swimming back to shore would have been extremely dangerous.
Two ice fishermen were rescued in Upstate New York after getting stranded approximately a mile offshore.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office said it assisted the U.S. Coast Guard with a search and rescue operation Sunday on Lake Erie. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit aircrew used infrared technology to locate two individuals who were unable to return to shore after a sheet of ice separated around 6:30 p.m.
A U.S. Coast Guard Ice Rescue Team transported a skiff rescue boat across the ice and extracted one of the two fishermen and their supplies from the scene, Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia said.
An Erie County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Technician was dropped onto the ice to assist with the rescue. They returned to Air 1 with the second fisherman, who was flown to Sturgeon Point Marina to be observed by Evans Fire Department personnel.
“This search and rescue operation highlights the importance of year-round training and teamwork,” said Sheriff Garcia. “The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, U.S. Coast Guard and Evans Fire Department demonstrated seamless cooperation throughout the process, resulting in a successful rescue. It also emphasizes the value of investing in our equipment and technology. No police drone can evacuate a stranded individual to safety. Thanks to the recent purchase of two new helicopters, our Aviation Unit will stand ready to respond for decades to come.”
According to WGRZ, the ice shifted approximately 25 feet near Sturgeon Point, making it impossible for the fisherman to leap over and get back to shore. Swimming would have been “extremely dangerous,” according to Erie County Sheriff’s Lt. Chris Schreiber, who served as the Search and Rescue Technician aboard the Air 1 helicopter used in the rescue.
The fishermen were not identified.
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