BROWN CO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Crews carried out three separate ice rescues Thursday, saving nine people who had become stranded on the ice.
The first rescue occurred in the town of Scott near Point Comfort Lane. Lt. Jason McAuly of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office said the three individuals were ice fishing when south winds pushed a chunk of the ice away from shore. Crews used a fire department ice boat to rescue them.
According to the New Franken Fire Chief Ryan DeBroux, as this rescue was ending, crews received reports of four people floating at Bay Shore Park in New Franken. A Coast Guard boat returning to quarters from the first call brought them to shore.
DeBroux said a third rescue was then initiated for two people at Red River Park, who were trapped after ice broke off. A Brown County air boat and New Franken Fire crews removed the individuals from the ice nearly one mile out.
DeBroux emphasized that the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, New Franken Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard all work together.
McAuly says the recent warm temperatures have made ice conditions risky.
“It’s very dangerous. It’s obviously at your own risk. When we go out and save people, all your equipment gets left behind. You’ve got to pay, a lot of times, a significant amount of money, and it puts a lot of people at risk here, including the first responders.”
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