When anglers throw a line in the lake the last thing they expect to fish out of the water is a snowmobiler.
But that's what happened on December 26, shortly after 1:30 p.m., on Vance Bay on Lake Huron near the town of Spanish say OPP.
"The 23-year-old snowmobiler was in the water for approximately 15 minutes before being rescued by a friend and two other civilians fishing in the area," said Constable Bev Gauthier.
The person was transported to a local hospital in Blind River for hypothermia treatment.
The Ministry of Environment was notified of the snowmobile resting on the lake bed in approximately 30 to 40 feet of water.
The OPP is warning snowmobilers that recent and current mild conditions have not helped with ice conditions, and not taking the necessary precautions can quickly result in tragedy.
"No ice is 'safe ice'.," says Gauthier. "Underlying water currents or air pockets can create thin ice, even in the coldest temperatures. Snowmobilers can't see this until it's too late."
Members from the East Algoma OPP, Algoma District Paramedic Services, and the Spanish Fire Department responded to the report of a person that went through the ice.
For further information on safe snowmobiling and trails in Ontario see the OFSC or OPP websites at: www.ofsc.on.ca or www.opp.ca