NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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MOOSONEE – At approximately 8:40 a.m. on December 22, 2015 the Moosonee Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a male on the ice on Moose River.
The OPP notified both Moosonee Fire Department and Moose Factory Fire and Rescue.
The man could been seen from shore slowly walking and testing the ice depths in front of him moving from Moose Factory to Moosonee.
After approximately an hour the man made his way within 20 feet of shore before turning around and walking back to his snowmobile located on an island towards Moose Factory.
The man would not communicate with the OPP or the Fire Department despite their efforts.
Emergency services stood by until it could be determined that he made it off of the ice safely.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) in Moose Factory made contact with the man and spoke to him regarding ice safety.
During this incident, resources from the Moosonee OPP, the Moose Factory NAPS, the Moosonee Fire Department and the Moose Factory Fire and Rescue were utilized.
The Moosonee OPP would like to take this opportunity to ask that all citizens of both Moosonee and Moose Factory take extra caution during this unseasonal winter.
Although normally at this point in the year the ice is safe, the Moose River is in a steady state of change.
Only four days prior the majority of Moose River was open and flowing.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends that ice be at least 15 cm to walk on, and 25 cm for snowmobiles.
There are many other factors that affect ice safety specifically the current and tide of Moose River.
Although the ice may be deep enough one day, changes to the safety of the ice can be rapid.
Please remember that when you enter onto ice where the thickness is unknown, you not only put yourself in danger, but also the Emergency Services that respond in danger as well.
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