Snowmobile Super Highway - But ice under the bridge melts quicker. Lifesaving Rescue On The River
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The snowmobile tracks make it look like the ice is OK. But a snowmobile goes fast and slides over the top. A four wheeler is not the same.
While taking pictures of the ice I spotted the four wheeler heading north toward the Liberty Bridge. I shot a couple of pictures while thinking that there was a lot of water over the ice around the bridge.
When traffic eased I crossed to the north side to get another picture. I noticed two ice fishermen gingerly working their way under the railroad bridge and pointing. They were yelling something but could not be heard over the traffic. It sounded like "lie down and don't move". It was clear there was something wrong under the bridge.
Within moments I heard sirens. A fire engine was approaching from the East and other emergency vehicles were coming from the West. The engine stopped almost center span and the firemen jumped out and yelled to the fishermen. Other rescue vehicles stopped at the foot of the bridge and the firemen sprinted that direction.
I moved toward the center of the span looking through the steel honeycomb of the bridge deck. The first sign of trouble was two tires almost submerged in the ice and water. It took a moment to realize that it must be the four wheeler and it was upside down.
Taking a few more steps I found the two riders. They were sprawled out on the weak ice as the fishermen had advised. Their heads were moving so they seemed OK. One had lost a boot and I could see his bare foot.
Crossing to the south side of the bridge I saw other ice fishermen who had come as close as they dared from the south. They could only stand and watch.
Back on the north side the firemen had reached the waters edge and were suiting up. Taking a long rope they headed for the center, staying well away from the melt water under the bridge. With great care one fireman approached the stranded men and, using the rope, pulled first one then the other to safety.
At the time it seemed longer but the from the time I photographed the 4 wheeler (at 3:21) to the time they were safely in the nearby parking lot(at 3:39) was only 18 minutes. That's pretty fast response time. Makes you really appreciate Bay City's First Responders. GREAT JOB GUYS!
3:21 pm: The view from the south side of the bridge looking East.
The four wheeler would soon come right up this track.
3:22 pm: The ice doesn't look so good under the bridge,
at least as seen from this angle.
3:23 pm: The four wheeler is heading north toward the bridge.
They're about 100 feet from the melted area.
3:24 pm: On the north side two ice fishermen are pointing and yelling something.
It sounds like "Lie down and don't move".
3:29 pm: Someone called 911 and the First Responders are on the scene.
It's just six minute since the four wheeler was heading for the bridge.
3:29 pm: The ice fishermen tell the firemen where to look.
3:31 pm: First view through the bridge deck.
Just the tires are above the ice.
They were gone from sight in another few minutes.
3:32 pm: The driver and passenger are sprawled on the ice a few feet away.
3:33 pm: Fishermen on the south side have come as close as they dare.
But rescue is already on the scene.
3:35 pm: Firemen get suited up on the east bank, north side.
One fireman has already started onto the ice trailing a yellow rope.
3:35 pm: First victim is pulled to solid ice.
3:26 pm: Second victim (missing a shoe) is pulled to safety.
3:37 pm: Carefully heading for shore.
3:37 pm: Almost safe.
3:39 pm: Safely in the nearby parking lot.
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"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers! |
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retdick Says:
On February 12, 2010
at 10:02 AM
Great rescue by our Bay City Fire Department and great photos documenting the rescue by Steve Kent.
Do you suppose anybody will ever use good common sense when on the Saginaw River in winter or summmer? I don't believe so. |
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Chris Cunningham says:
On February 14, 2010
at 10:31 PM
Great photos! I still check in for stories like these every week. ;)
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Geraldine42 Says:
On February 16, 2010
at 09:55 AM
Oh my gosh Stephen, What wonderful pictures! They ARE worth a thousand words.
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trexx0072002 Says:
On February 22, 2010
at 02:44 PM
NICE RESCUE
For all those involved in the rescue: "GREAT JOB EVERYONE". These two lives are priceless and this was a great example of the importance of having "ON HAND" Rescue professionals and also Good Citizenship by those involved. Imagine not having our Fire Department on hand for such a quick response. To the Citizen Helpers GREAT WAY to show what Bay City is all about. Your sense of community sure did shine through. |
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Stephen Kent |
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