The stranded operators assisted the air crew in locating them by wearing bright colored outerwear, being prepared with proper communication equipment to call for help.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Cristina Silva.
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dillon Grimsley, Coast Guard Great Lakes District
DETROIT — A Coast Guard Air Station Detroit MH-65E Dolphin aircrew conducted the rescue of two men, Canadian citizens, on Lake St. Clair after they were stranded on an ice floe approximately 1 nautical mile north of Belle River, Ontario, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
The Coast Guard Great Lakes District warchstanders received the initial request from Joint Rescue Coordination Center Trenton of the two males, who were riding their all-terrain vehicle, which became stuck on Lake St. Clair, and at 4:07 p.m.
Sector Detroit deployed a Coast Guard MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, to assists.
The Air Station Detroit MH-65E Dolphin SRR Helicopter aircrew arrived on scene and deployed the rescue swimmer to assists the individuals. Both were assessed and safely hoisted up to the rescue helicopter.
The MH-65 Dolphin aircrew transported the 61-year-old and 65-year-old males to Windsor Airport in Ontario, Canada, to awaiting emergency medical services (EMS) for further evaluation.
“We are grateful for the collaborative effort on both sides of the border to bring the survivors home safely,” said Lt. Cristina Silva, MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander assigned to Air Station Detroit Feb. 25, 2026 Lt. Cristina Silva. “The key factors to make this a successful rescue were the cold weather gear they were wearing and the access to communication in their time of need. This was a team effort, and I’d like to commend the crews involved in this multi-agency search and rescue case.”
–USCG–
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