Stranded Snowmobiler ‘safe and warm’ after snowmobile falls through ice

Snowmobile through ice - FILE IMAGE.

Officials confirmed Saturday morning that a snowmobiler is ‘safe and warm’ after he was stranded on an island in Lake Joseph on Friday.

According to the Muskoka Lakes fire department, emergency services responded to reports at around 2:15 p.m. of a male that rescued himself on Charity Island after his snowmobile fell through the ice.

The snowmobiler reportedly told emergency crews that he was on the island but required assistance getting back to the mainland.

Officials say rescue teams from Foots Bay, Bala and Port Carling then assembled at a Hamills Point Road address to assess the ice and make their way to the stranded snowmobiler, who was dressed in a floater suit. He was located and brought back to paramedics for assessment.

“The first smart move was, by the patient, calling 911 for help early and staying in place. Made the difference,” said Ryan Murrell, chief of the Muskoka Lakes fire department, in a social media post. “Our ice water rescue team is so well-trained, this rescue was textbook. I am so proud of their efforts”.

Murell confirmed to CTV News that the 68-year-old man was not taken to hospital and that the ice conditions were unpredictable, surprisingly unstable and not suitable for snowmobiles.

Ice users are reminded to check conditions, plan their trip and tell another person where they intend to go.

Ice picks, floater coats and survival kits are also strongly recommended for those who intend to travel on ice.