Fishermen return to floe after rescue

PORT CLINTON, Ohio - Many of the 134 fishermen rescued from Lake Erie ice returned to the miles-long floe yesterday, using rented airboats to retrieve left-behind snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and other equipment. A few ventured onto the risky ice to fish for walleye.

About 300 fishermen were stationed on stable ice not far from where the crack had opened Saturday, stranding the anglers about 1,000 yards from shore. One fisherman died Saturday after falling into the water.

Fishing guide Pat Chrysler of Put-In-Bay told The Plain Dealer of Cleveland in a telephone call from South Bass Island that he measured that ice at 14 inches.

A Coast Guard helicopter surveyed how much equipment remained on the ice, but fishermen were responsible for recovering their own belongings, said Petty Officer William Mitchell, a Coast Guard spokesman.

Officials said some of the stranded anglers watched from solid ice while private contractors hauled all-terrain vehicles and other equipment off the ice.

Coast Guard and local law enforcement officials said they would like to develop ways to stop people from ice fishing during dangerous conditions.

"You'd have to be crazy to do that," Mitchell said of those who were fishing yesterday. "I would definitely not recommend that at all, especially after what just happened," he said. "You know it's even warmer today."

Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton estimated the cost of the response at $20,000 but said the rescued anglers will not have to cover it.

He called on authorities to reconsider when civil penalties are assessed. Under current policies, a fisherman's name is recorded the first time he is rescued. The second offense leads to an ice safety class, and the third can result in fines.

Bratton said he wants to respect ice fishing culture while finding a way to recoup the county's financial losses and step up regulation.

ASSOCIATED PRESS