Snowmobiler seriously injured following major ice rescue: OPP

Rescue crews off Present Island near Midland, Ont. on Mon., Feb. 16, 2026. (Southern Georgian Bay OPP)

A woman, 54, reportedly fell off her snowmobile after the track detached, causing the sled to come to an abrupt stop near Present Island on Georgian Bay on Monday afternoon.

OPP officers said they received reports of a snowmobiler who had been injured near the island, several kilometres from the closest shore.

Multiple rescue teams needed to contribute considering the remote location and hazardous ice conditions.

Police say Penetanguishene Fire Services responded with their ARGO unit, an all-terrain type of vehicle used in rescue efforts. Joining them were members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP using marine snow vehicles to get to the injured woman. In addition, Midland Fire Services and Simcoe County Paramedic Services helped in the rescue.

Responders managed to retrieve the woman from the ice and transport her back to land in Midland where she was taken to the hospital by paramedics.

Authorities remind snowmobilers to carry a charged cell phone, to share travel plans with someone else before leaving, pack emergency supplies and location sharing tools like the What3Words app.