US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Fisherman recounts harrowing helicopter rescue from drifting ice on Georgian Bay
A late-season ice shelf broke away due to warming, stranding 23 ice fishers who were airlifted to safety by OPP and emergency crews with some treated for hypothermia.
- On March 8, 2026, Ontario Provincial Police received several distress calls just before noon after an ice shelf separated near Cobble Beach and left 23 people stranded in Georgian Bay.
- Warming temperatures and shifting winds pushed the ice about two to four kilometres from shore, causing it to split; police warned late-season ice conditions can deteriorate quickly.
- A multi-agency response including firefighters, paramedics and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre coordinated helicopter runs from Cobble Beach Golf Course, with two OPP helicopters making multiple trips while AirOrnge was on standby.
- Minor injuries included hypothermia, and police said rescued people are expected to recover; OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said the operation required 'significant resources' and placed first responders at 'considerable risk'.
- Social media users debated whether anglers should pay rescue costs, and Kevin Fox, ice fisher from Penetanguishene, said he'd accept a bill because rescuers saved his life and warned 'No ice is safe ice'.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
8 Articles
8 Articles
More than 20 men want to fish on an ice sheet in Canada. What they don't notice is that the huge piece of ice they sit on is drifting away from the mainland. Suddenly the fishing trip becomes a question of life and death.
'That ain't good': Fisherman recounts harrowing helicopter rescue from drifting ice on Georgian Bay
As Ontario fisherman Kevin Fox filmed himself running across the ice in Georgian Bay near Owen Sound, Ont., Sunday afternoon, he realized the severity of his situation as it became clear that he and several others could no longer get back to shore.
·Canada
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Left
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Left
72% Left
L 72%
14%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
