Helicopter rescue saves man stranded on ice near Amherst Island

By Brett Bullen

BELLEVILLE – A Canadian Forces Base Trenton rescue team had to be called on Saturday after a man became trapped on a piece of floating ice in Lake Ontario near Amherst Island, off Kingston.

A helicopter was used to rescue the 33-year-old man without injury, according to the Napanee-based Loyalist OPP.

The man was on the ice when a chunk broke free and began floating away from shore.

OPP spokeswoman Const. Shannon Cork told QNews Tuesday she could not provide any more information on the man’s identity, where he was from, or what he was doing on the ice. 

The OPP are reminding people looking to venture out onto the ice to remember a few safety guidelines:

• Check the weather. Do not go out on warm or stormy days.
• Do not travel on ice if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
• Do not travel on ice alone or in the dark – always have a buddy with you.
• Always let someone know your destination and time of return.
• Children should be accompanied by an adult when out on the ice.
• Carry a small survival kit that includes ice picks, rope, a lighter, waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter, a pocket knife, a compass and a whistle.