CATAWBA ISLAND, Ohio — The 18 individuals who were stranded on an ice floe on Lake Erie early Sunday have been rescued, United States Coast Guard officials have confirmed.
"Final number rescued from ice floe near #CatawbaIsland in #LakeErie today was 18; none needed medical attention," U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes wrote in a tweet.
The incident began around 1 p.m. when the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes tweeted out that members with Station Marblehead were actively working to rescue the group who floated off on the water while snowmobiling.
A Coast Guard helicopter just happened to be flying over Lake Erie and spotted the group, according to officials. The helicopter was able to pick up seven of the 18 individuals, while the rest of the group was rescued by a Coast Guard airboat and a good samaritan.
According to the United States Coast Guard Great Lakes via a post on Twitter, "Mass rescue of 20 people underway with @USCG Station Marblehead airboat and Air Station Detroit helicopter near #CatawbaIsland in #LakeErie. Ice floe broke away while people were snowmobiling, etc. Good Samaritan with airboat also assisting."
A video posted to the social media app Sunday afternoon by Emerson Young shows rescuers working against an iced-over Lake Erie in an attempt to rescue the group.
This is a developing story. Check back with 3News as we receive more information.
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