Dozens Rescued From Floating Ice That Separated From Shore In Wisconsin

More than 30 people have been rescued from a floating chunk of ice that separated from the shore in Wisconsin. The public has already been warned to stay away from the ice.

Authorities in Brown County, Wis., learned that multiple individuals were left stranded on a large chunk of ice at around 10:17 a.m. Saturday, reported CNN. The people were trapped on the ice after it separated from the shoreline off of Point Comfort in Green Bay. Although initial reports said 27 people were rescued from the floating ice, it was later confirmed that about 34 had to be saved, according to WLUK.

It appears barge traffic caused the ice to weaken "along the east shore of the Bay," Brown County Sheriff's Office noted in a Facebook post. The rescue team took multiple trips and the ice moved each time responders came back for another batch of people, Lt. John Bain of the Brown County Sheriff's Office said. By the time the rescue was over, the ice was already a mile away from the shore.

"Although the chunk of ice remained fairly stable, its condition was deteriorating rapidly (and) cracking up as it moved with the open water pounding at the edge of it," the sheriff's office noted.

The rescue was over within two hours, and no one was reported to be injured or in need of medical attention.

The sheriff's office shared some of the pictures from the rescue, calling it an "extremely dangerous situation." It also warned people to avoid the ice for recreational use.

"Please continue to avoid the ice along the east shore as it has been compromised by barge traffic," it wrote in a tweet.

There is no "sure answer" as to when the ice is safe, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources noted, adding that there is "no such thing as 100% safe ice." The agency said one cannot determine the strength of ice simply by considering factors such as age, appearance or thickness.

People have to remember some important safety tips like dressing warmly in layers and not going alone. It's also important to be familiar with the area they are exploring and avoid traveling at night or when visibility is reduced. One should also carry a cell phone in a waterproof case and bring safety gear such as ice claws, a life jacket and rope.