WASKISH TOWNSHIP — Thirty-five anglers on Upper Red Lake have been rescued after being stranded on a large piece of ice that broke away from shore on Sunday evening.

At around 4:50 p.m., Kelliher Fire and Rescue officials and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources received a report that numerous people had become stranded on an ice chunk that detached from shore on Upper Red Lake.

According to Beltrami County Chief Deputy Jarrett Walton, initial reports indicated an estimated 40-50 people were stranded and the ice had approximately 40-50 feet of open water separating it from the main ice connected to shore.

“Strong winds caused the ice to shift,” Beltrami County Public Information Officer Chris Muller said in a release. “Upper Red Lake is a very popular fishing destination, frequently utilized before ice is stable resulting in the need to rescue people either from falling through the ice or floating on ice floats.”

A similar incident happened last year on Upper Red Lake in late November when more than 200 anglers were rescued from an ice float.

Beltrami County deputies and several other emergency responders arrived on the scene and determined that due to the size of the separation, an airboat would be needed to evacuate people from the ice.

According to officials, the ice on that portion of the lake was estimated to be about 10 inches thick — which is double what the DNR recommends for people heading out onto the ice on foot. However, 40 mph winds sent the ice floating out into open waters. During the rescue, strong winds continued to push the ice chunk and the separation grew to a couple hundred feet.

Shortly after 8 p.m., all 35 anglers needing to be evacuated from the ice were on shore. There were no injuries reported and no one fell into the water.

“We thank all of the many dedicated emergency responders who yet again assisted fishermen stranded on Upper Red Lake,” the release added.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Minnesota DNR Conservation Officers, Kelliher Fire and Rescue, Blackduck Ambulance, Bemidji Ambulance, Bemidji Fire Department, the Minnesota State Patrol and area resorts.

Brad Dokken column: When you’re out on the ice, use common sense

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reminds those who venture on the ice that the unseasonably warm weather combined with recent rain has resulted in inconsistent ice conditions.

“At least 4 inches of clear new ice is recommended for walking. Ice can never be considered 100% safe. If you become stranded on the ice, call for help,” the release said. “We would rather have trained responders assist than someone falling in the water.”

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