MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Officials in and around Mackinac Island have this word of warning for residents: “Do us all a favor and stay off the ice.”
U.S. Coast Guard members rescued a 55-year-old snowmobiler on Monday after he became stranded on an ice floe near Mackinac Island during a blizzard. The rescue happened as high winds caused an ice bridge to break apart.
NEW: U.S. Coast Guard rescues a snowmobiler who was stranded on the ice in white-out conditions a mile from land in Lake Huron.
The Mackinac Island Fire Department says if the Cutter Mackinaw crew had not already been in the area, the man would not have made it.
“It was… pic.twitter.com/KgjCMZAvlB
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 16, 2026
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In addition, Mackinac Island Fire Chief Jason St. Onge said another person asked about the safety of the ice earlier in the day. He posted the details in a press release.
“[That person] was advised by the Mackinac Island Fire Chief that he would surely be lost if he attempted to cross in the current conditions.” St. Onge added, “The ice is no joke, not an inland lake or a mill pond, conditions can and do change by the minute. Not one entity endorses the ice nor is anyone in charge of its safety or security. Each and every trip is CROSS AT YOUR OWN RISK. In this particular case it was cross at the First Responders risk.”