(Penetanguishene, On)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remind all ice surface users especially snowmobilers to stay clear of the open water left behind from ice breaking operations on December 30, 2013 in Midland Bay and it’s approach’s.
On December 30, 2013 shortly after 1:00pm officers were dispatched to a location near Sucker Creek on Midland Point after a resident observed only 2 of 3 snowmobiles that were driving towards the south tip of Beausoleil Island make it across the open water track left by the ships that had departed earlier in the day.
OPP officers along with Simcoe County Paramedic Services and Penetanguishene Fire Services responded to locate and assist the missing snowmobile operator who was later observed lying on the ice near the open water. An area scoot operator attended the area and removed the snowmobile driver declining and avoiding the attending emergency services on shore.
Two of the three snowmobile operators have been identified and spoken to by investigators and found to be safe. They are a male from Penetanguishene and a second male from Tiny Township, both are long-time residents. Although no charges were laid by police in this investigation all involved emergency services personnel strongly urge anyone going out on the ice to do so with caution and check with local sources as No Ice Is Safe Ice!