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An Ontonagon man has recovered from only minor injuries after falling through the ice on Lake Gogebic. On Wednesday Michigan DNR Conservation Officers and Bergland Volunteer Firefighters responded to a report of a man who had fallen through the weakened ice of Lake Gogebic near Merriweather in Bergland Township.
At about 4:30 pm sixty-three-year-old, Paul Boehm was seen by lakefront homeowner Sue Barrette, yelling and crawling on ice, breaking through multiple times. After notifying first responders, barrette attempted an unsuccessful rescue with a paddle board, reassuring Boehm help was on the way. MSP troopers who arrived on the scene also attempted an unsuccessful rescue with a flotation device and line, observing that Boehm was about 100 yards offshore.
A final successful attempt by Bergland firefighters used a rowboat pulled over the ice before rescuing Boehm from the frigid waters. DNR estimates water temperatures on Wednesday were in the low 50s. Boehm was transported to Apripus Ironwood Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and hypothermia conditions. He was released by the hospital at 10:30 pm Wednesday.
Michigan DNR, MSP troopers, Bergland Volunteer Fire Department and Bergland Township Fire, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife, Sonco Ambulance, Beacon Ambulance, and a resident were involved in the ice rescue.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds ice fishermen that the lack of cold streaks this winter and minimal ice coverage are unsafe, especially as the region moves into spring. Learn more about the rescue here.
