GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It might be frigid outside, but shipping traffic on Green Bay may contribute to dangerous areas on the ice.
Port of Green Bay officials issued the warning Monday, after 34 people needed to be rescued from an ice floe that broke off from the main shoreline over the weekend.
“The Port’s ability to handle petroleum products during January is a key piece in the current supply chain and important for the economy of Northeast Wisconsin,” Port Director Dean Haen said in a news release. “For those using the bay for ice fishing, snowmobiling or ice boating, please stay clear of the shipping channel and other areas that could be dangerous.”
The U.S. Coast Guard, which handles icebreaking for ships, recommends recreational users plan their activities carefully, dress appropriately, use caution on the ice and stay away from shipping channels.
Before each icebreaking effort, the Coast Guard provides a 72-hour notice on VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, 21 or 23, on the Great Lakes Coast Guard’s Twitter account and on the Brown County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
With a piece of ice separated on Green Bay this past weekend, Owner of Smokey’s on the Bay Jeff Tilkens tells FOX 11 it’s too early to be on the bay.
“Everything has to be frozen tight. Because with the winds, the winds can cause a lot of damage. But people don’t realize what they’re doing out there.”
And it can be tough for first timers out on the ice.
“They have no clue. And when you’re stranded on that ice it’s a scary feeling. It’s really a scary feeling.”
First timers like Shane Nelson and Robert Verhagen, who remained as even keeled as they could during the rescue.
“I figured eventually we’re going to get back to land, we just didn’t know how long it was going to be,” said Nelson.
Tilkens says along with bringing a guide with you out on the ice, there are some other items to bring as well in case a situation arises like the one we saw on the bay on Saturday.
“You should have ice spikes, just in case you fall into the water so you can pull yourself out. Throw rope in case one of your buddies goes in you can throw a rope to pull them in for safety.”
Like the experts always say…no ice should be considered 100 percent safe.
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