Tower: 6 Rescued After Snowmobiles Break Through Ice

Tower, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Six people were rescued Sunday. Their snowmobiles went through the ice on Lake Vermilion.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the report came in at about 6:22 p.m. The call placed the scene near Tavern on the Bay.

What happened on the lake

Officials said several snowmobiles got into trouble on a marked trail. A pressure ridge had formed along that route. The first report said multiple machines went through the ice.

Four adults and two juveniles were involved in the incident. Officials did not release the riders’ names. All six reached solid ice again. They did so on their own and with help.

Authorities stated that patrons and employees at the tavern assisted the group. The riders were near the ridge when the ice gave way. Pressure ridges can create weak spots. They can also hide in open water.

Rescue response and medical checks

Emergency medical services and fire crews were sent to the lake. The St. Louis County Rescue Squad also responded. Crews checked all six people for injuries.

Five of the six were taken to area hospitals. Officials said the reason was exposure to cold. No other injuries were reported Sunday night.

Officials said two of the four snowmobiles remained at the location. Recovery plans were not released. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was also at the scene.

Ice safety reminder

The Minnesota DNR warns that ice is never fully safe. Conditions can change within hours. The agency also notes that pressure ridges are hard to spot.

The DNR urges riders to slow down on unfamiliar trails. Riders should watch for cracks and ridges. The agency also suggests planning a safe route.

Voyageurs National Park also warns that marked crossings can change fast. It urges people to judge conditions for themselves. See the park’s winter safety guidance.

The sheriff’s office asked riders to use caution on area lakes. Officials also asked people to ride responsibly. Anyone heading onto the ice should tell someone their plan.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.