Thompson RCMP are reporting that two individuals were recently rescued after their snowmobile had fallen through the ice near the Miles Hart Bridge in Thompson, Manitoba.
On January 1, 2025, at approximately 9:05pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a snowmobile that had fallen through the ice. Officers responded immediately, along with Thompson Fire and Rescue.
Police say that they were able to locate the two occupants of the snowmobile after they were advised by a RCMP Telecommunications operator to turn on their cell phone lights. A 20-year-old male, along with a 16-year-old female, were then seen on pieces of ice with water around them, approximately 20 to 30 feet from the shore line.
Members noted that the snowmobile was partially submerged in the water and that the male had already fallen into the river when he tried walking on the ice. Fortunately he had been able to pull himself to safety.
Officers were able to throw their jackets to the stranded victims. A raft was then brought down to the scene through difficult terrain to assist in the rescue.
“This was a very dangerous, and challenging rescue given the freezing temperatures and time of night it occurred,” said Superintendent Paul Peddle, Manitoba North District Commander. “The officers responded quickly, along with Thompson Fire, and were all able to work together to bring both occupants to land safely for the best possible outcome.”
RCMP report that there were no injuries in this incident, and both individuals were taken to hospital as a precaution and later released. It was noted that the temperature at the time of rescue was -21 degrees Celsius, with a windchill of -28.
