U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 2 Canadians Stranded on Ice Floe

The men were riding an ATV when it became stranded one nautical mile north of Belle River, Ontario.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two Canadian men, ages 61 and 65, who became stranded on an ice floe on Lake St. Clair. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Selfridge Air National Guard Base was dispatched and a rescue swimmer was lowered to the men, who were then hoisted up to the helicopter. Both men were taken to Windsor Airport in Ontario, where they received medical assistance and were reported to be in good health.

Why it matters

This rescue highlights the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard's cross-border cooperation and preparedness for cold-weather emergencies on the Great Lakes. As climate change impacts ice conditions, such rescues may become more common in the region.

The details

The two Canadian men, ages 61 and 65, were riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on Lake St. Clair when their vehicle became stranded about one nautical mile north of Belle River, Ontario. The U.S. Coast Guard's MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Selfridge Air National Guard Base was dispatched just after 4 p.m. to rescue the men. A rescue swimmer was lowered to the ice floe and the two men were then hoisted up to the helicopter. They were taken to Windsor Airport in Ontario, where they received medical assistance and were reported to be in good health.

  • The U.S. Coast Guard was dispatched just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection agency of the United States.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base

A United States Air Force base located in Harrison Township, Michigan, near the city of Mount Clemens. It is home to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard.

Edmund Bizorik

The rescue swimmer who was lowered to the ice floe to evaluate the two Canadian men.

Lt. Cristina Silva

The helicopter aircraft commander assigned to Air Station Detroit who oversaw the rescue operation.

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What they’re saying

“They were both talking to me pretty well. They knew exactly what was going on. They were just happy just to get picked up and get off that ice floe.”

— Edmund Bizorik, Rescue Swimmer (CBC)

“The key factors to make this a successful rescue were the cold-weather gear (the two men) were wearing and the access to communication in their time of need. This was a team effort and I'd like to commend the crews involved in this multi-agency search-and-rescue case.”

— Lt. Cristina Silva, Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Air Station Detroit (U.S. Coast Guard)

What’s next

The U.S. Coast Guard will continue to monitor ice conditions on the Great Lakes and be prepared to respond to any future emergencies involving stranded individuals.

The takeaway

This rescue demonstrates the vital role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in keeping the Great Lakes region safe, even across international borders. As climate change impacts ice conditions, such rescues may become more common, underscoring the importance of cross-border cooperation and preparedness for cold-weather emergencies.