Valentines Day Rescue: Two rescued with their dog after their vehicle crashes through the ice on Huron Bay in Skanee, MI – A rescuer was also injured

URGENT URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-14-18 – 1 p.m. ET

Vehicle drops through Lake Superior Ice about half a mile from shore – Occupants rescued, one first responder slips and badly injures hip

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Skanee, MI) – A man, woman and their dog are safe, however a rescuer has been injured, in a dramatic ice rescue on Huron Bay after their vehicle fell through the ice in Skanee, MI.

67-year-old Clyde Francis Selden, Jr. of Skanee, MI and 59-year-old Silvia Froschin of Baraga, MI were hauling a trailer with fishing equipment. Both are Baraga County residents with more addresses in L’Anse and Baraga.

The submerged vehicle was about a half a mile offshore from Witz’s Marina & Campsite that’s located 16 miles northeast of L’Anse, MI in small town of Skanee, MI.

The first word came in sounded ominous “vehicle through the ice with two souls” on board. Then both victims made it to the roof of their vehicle, which was reportedly a Geo Tracker, with a 4-by-6 trailer with lots of fishing equipment. Initial reports indicated the vehicle was pulling a snowmobile trailer, but there were no snowmobiles involved.

One of the victim then got back onto the ice. A snowmobile and a 4-by-4 went to the scene as other  emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. Then word – both were safe and being brought to shore along with their dog – and a hurt rescuer.

Responding rescuers likely got a lump in their throat when the terrible info came that one of theirs was hurt. One rescuer on the scene may have broken her hip during the event. The victims were all wet and extremely cold but did not sustain life-threatening injuries although broken hips can be extremely painful with a long recovery.

Among those responding to the incident were Michigan State Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Department, Arvon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Baraga Fire Department, and the L’Anse Fire Department.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a chopper – however it was not needed as the rescue happened quickly once the emergency personnel reached the scene.

Bays on Lake Superior are particularly dangerous for unstable ice – as four snowmobilers were lucky not to died when their sleds recently went through the ice on Munising Bay. Shifting currents, winds and warmer temps can make ice travel treacherous. Walking today is even bad due to ice left from melting snow.