Coast Guard Rescues Snowmobiler Stranded on Ice Near Mackinac Island

Blizzard conditions made the rescue operation extremely challenging for first responders.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:11pm

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The U.S. Coast Guard worked with the Mackinac Island Fire Department to rescue a snowmobile operator who became stranded on broken ice about a mile off the Michigan island. The rescue call came in around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, and the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw crew was able to pull the person aboard using a rope system after approaching the ice shard. The snowmobile was also recovered.

Why it matters

Mackinac Island is a popular tourist destination, but the surrounding waters can be treacherous, especially during winter storms. This rescue highlights the importance of heeding weather advisories and the dangers of venturing out onto unstable ice, as well as the critical role of the Coast Guard and local first responders in saving lives under extreme conditions.

The details

According to Mackinac Island Fire Chief Jason St. Onge, the snowmobiler had been previously advised by Deputy Fire Chief Larry Rickley not to go out in the elements, as "conditions were worse than a whiteout (if that's possible)." The firefighters had an extremely difficult time reaching the stranded snowmobiler due to waist-deep drifting snow and jagged, difficult-to-traverse ice. The Coast Guard initially said they could not reach the man and would not put Guardsmen on the ice, but the Cutter Mackinaw crew was later able to pull the person aboard using a rope system.

  • The rescue call was placed to Mackinac Island Fire Department around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday.
  • A blizzard warning remains in effect for that part of Northern Michigan until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The players

Mackinac Island Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the rescue call and coordinated with the Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard

The federal agency that ultimately rescued the stranded snowmobiler using the Cutter Mackinaw crew.

Jason St. Onge

The fire chief of the Mackinac Island Fire Department who provided details about the rescue operation.

Larry Rickley

The deputy fire chief of the Mackinac Island Fire Department who had previously advised the snowmobiler not to go out in the dangerous conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Conditions were worse than a whiteout (if that's possible),”

— Jason St. Onge, Fire Chief, Mackinac Island Fire Department

“It should be noted that earlier in the day another individual from off the Island asked if the ice was ok and was advised by the MIFD Chief that he would surely be lost if he attempted to cross in the current conditions.”

— Jason St. Onge, Fire Chief, Mackinac Island Fire Department

What’s next

Given the conditions, the Coast Guard is expected to cut the ice between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace within a matter of days.

The takeaway

This rescue operation underscores the importance of heeding weather advisories and the dangers of venturing out onto unstable ice, especially during severe winter storms. It also highlights the critical role of the Coast Guard and local first responders in saving lives under extreme conditions.