Photo by Photo Submitted
FIREFIGHTERS TO THE RESCUE – Whitehorse firefighters prepare to assist the boat (background) stuck in pack ice on Schwatka Lake just after 6 p.m. Sunday. Photo courtesy Whitehorse Protective Services
Firefighters rescue stranded boater
A motorboat found itself on ice Sunday evening at Schwatka Lake ... and not in a good way.
A motorboat found itself on ice Sunday evening at Schwatka Lake ... and not in a good way.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the Whitehorse Fire Department responded to Schwatka Lake for a report of a boat stuck in ice.
“Upon arrival and investigation, it was determined that a boat was stuck in ice with people on board,” the fire department said.
“The ice had shifted and trapped the boat. Firefighters crossed open water with an inflatable craft and proceeded to break up the ice using pike poles.
“Once enough ice had been broken, the boat was able to move and motor through to open water.”
The incident is a reminder that water conditions can be variable this time of year, the department noted.
Other boaters were seen on the lake afterward, including a kayaker, who had some difficulty negotiating a landing with the ice in the way.
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Comments (4)
Up 8 Down 0
SH on May 13, 2021 at 11:56 am
Patti, I wouldn't assume that these folks were being brainless. Accidents can happen when reasonable risks are taken. Their people likely didn't know the ice was there until they were on top of it, as floating ice can be submerged or hard to see in open water.
Up 19 Down 1
Average Joe on May 11, 2021 at 2:44 pm
@ Ice swimmer. If you read the caption it says Whitehorse Firefighters not James Patterson and his team this is actually the City Of Whitehorse Fire Department. Good job City of Whitehorse Fire Department. Keep up the exceptional work that you provide to the Citizens of Whitehorse.
Up 13 Down 11
Patti Eyre on May 11, 2021 at 8:19 am
I’m all for outdoor recreation, but please use your brain, that’s why god gave us one each!
Up 6 Down 17
Ice swimmer on May 10, 2021 at 11:02 pm
Good to see James Patterson’s boys are using their ice skills! Well done!