Downstate Couple Rescued from Ice

A couple from Hartland, Michigan were rescued after falling through thin ice at the Upper Entrance to the Portage Canal Friday afternoon. Rescue crews from Coast Guard Station Portage, the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department and local first responders were called out at about 1:35 after receiving a notice that the two were in the water. Officials say both were able to pull themselves from the water back up onto the ice, but were trapped near the breakwall. The man was about 25 feet from shore, and was rescued by local first responders. The woman was about 150 yards from shore, and was brought to safety by Coast Guard rescue team members. The Sheriff’s Department indicated that she had suffered a back injury. The Coast Guard reported that she was taken to UP Health System Portage, where she was listed in stable condition. The rescue effort took about 40 minutes. The names of the two victims have not been released.

This year’s inconsistent winter weather has left ice in many areas unsafe. Officials urge you to use extreme caution when traveling on the ice.