Pittsfield Firefighters Rescue Ice Fisherman From Onota Lake
A fisherman in an ice hut on Onota Lake on Saturday.
The Fire Department responded to the report of a fisherman falling through the ice about 7:45 a.m. At first, it was reported he was able to get out of the water but then fell through again trying to make it shore.
The Berkshire County Dive Team was put on standby as firefighters and police arrived at the scene.
Two fishermen were spotted about 100 yards off the boat launch at Burbank Park, with one in the water.
Firefighters donned cold-water rescue suits and set out to rescue the distressed individual. As rescuers neared the fisherman, a section of ice shelf broke off and they entered the water as well on the ice sled.
The fisherman was secured to the ice sled and was removed from the water.
Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said the rescue was a manpower intensive operation taking place on an unstable and unpredictable ice surface.
The fisherman was alert and orientated when pulled from the lack but was taken by County Ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center to be treated for hypothermia. He was expected to make a full recovery.
A firefighter was also taken to BMC with hypothermia because his cold-water suit failed. He is expected to
make a full recovery as well.
Despite the frigid temperatures, bodies of water may not have thick enough ice to support people and vehicles. A pickup truck went through the ice on Pontoosuc Lake last month. Two children died in Albany, N.Y., last month trying to walk across Washington Park Lake; and a man and his dog had to be rescued in Wellesley on Sunday. And a moose was rescued in Indian Lake, N.Y., last week.
The Fire Department offered some warnings to consider before venturing onto a frozen lake or pond:
- Fluctuating temperatures and flowing waters degrade ice conditions. Ice should always be considered as potentially dangerous.
- Newly frozen ice is stronger than old ice. For example, 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
- The State Environmental Police reminds everyone that on state-owned properties a minimum ice thickness of 5 inches is required for recreation vehicle operation upon authorized frozen waterways. Also, local cities and towns may place different restrictions as allowing motorized vehicles on frozen waterways. When in doubt, check with local authorities.
- Never venture onto the ice alone and let someone know if you are going onto the ice.
Tags: onota, water rescue,
