2023-Jan-25
Bodies Recovered From Ostler Lake and Six Mile Lake After Snowmobilers Fall Through Ice
Two snowmobilers are dead following two separate incidents on Georgian Bay area waterways this week. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, West Parry Sound OPP responded to a missing person call on Oastler Lake after a snowmobiler did not return to a planned location. After a search, snowmobile tracks were found leading to open water. The deceased is a 29-year old female from Sudbury.
On January 22, 2023 at 10:45 a.m. a cottager observed two parties in distress and called the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to report the incident. Members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the OPP, OPP Aviation Services, Georgian Bay Fire Department, Simcoe County and Muskoka Region Paramedics rushed to the scene to take over rescue attempts from local residents who were trying to help the snowmobilers. A 59 year-old Toronto man was removed from the cold water and was transported to a local hospital. The body of a 58 year-old Scarborough man was located after a more than 24-hour search.
Let’s Avoid More Fatalities!
Close to 40% of OPP-investigated snowmobile fatalities have occurred on frozen lakes and rivers over the past 10 years. The late onset of cold temperatures and lack of snow in many parts of Ontario this year have set a particularly dangerous stage for snowmobilers. Snowmobilers are urged to avoid all frozen waterways at all times, but if you must travel on the ice remember no ice is 100% safe. Always verify the ice conditions and never ride on ice that is less than 25 centimetres thick.
Driving too fast for the conditions and alcohol/drug-impairment are also big factors in snowmobile fatalities. The conscious choice to include these risky behaviours on a ride make snowmobilers their own worst enemy when tragedy strikes.
The lack of snow means the majority of OFSC trails are still unavailable. Check for trail status updates on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide when planning your ride.
GBA has more snowmobile safety tips here.