LAKE SHORE — A snowmobiler went through the ice underneath a bridge near Zorbaz on Gull Lake on Sunday, March 6.
“Some snowmobilers from out of the area were snowmobiling along — followed some tracks underneath the bridge and didn’t know where they were going,” Nisswa Assistant Fire Chief Joe Hall said. “They were in about 10 to 11 feet of water.”
The incident occurred under the Cass County Highway 77 (Interlachen Road) bridge at about 4:20 p.m. when temperatures were forecast in the high 20s or low 30s in the region.
“I know the weather’s been decent where it could be possible where someone could go in,” said Matt Wright, a manager at Zorbaz, a popular waterfront eatery.
Hall said of the group of snowmobiling party, “They weren't from the area. I think they were from southern Minnesota.”
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There are signs posted within the vicinity warning people of thin ice, according to Lake Shore Police Sgt. Mike Heldt.
“The channel, there — underneath that bridge — has got, basically, a current, so the water or the ice is always really thin,” Heldt said.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and North Memorial Health also responded to the incident in addition to the Lake Shore Police Department and the Nisswa Fire Department.
The channel, there — underneath that bridge — has got, basically, a current, so the water or the ice is always really thin.
“He was out of the water within a minute or so,” Heldt said of the snowmobiler. “But he was taken to Brainerd, Essentia (Health) — probably just being treated for hypothermia.”
Hall said the snowmobile involved in the incident was still underwater as of Sunday evening.
“But I’m glad he’s OK — that’s the main thing,” Heldt said.
FRANK LEE may be reached at 218-855-5863 or at frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL .
