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Ice Fishing Equipment Prompts Rescue Response On Saginaw Bay
Russ Survance
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:28:03 EST
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Sebewaing-area authorities launched a search operation Monday evening after fishermen reported finding an abandoned ice shanty and snowmobile more than three miles offshore on Saginaw Bay.
The incident began around 9:15 p.m. when Pigeon-area anglers contacted Sebewaing Police about the unattended equipment they discovered while returning from their fishing trip. Concerned that someone might be in distress, they alerted authorities to the tent-style shanty and snowmobile with fishing gear.
Multiple agencies responded to Sebewaing Harbor, including Huron County Sheriff's deputies, a Tuscola County deputy, and Caseville firefighters who transported a rescue airboat. Search crews located the equipment 5.8 miles offshore along an established ice trail.
Through snowmobile registration records, deputies traced the vehicle's ownership from the Caro area to its current owner in Unionville. Authorities confirmed the owner was safe - snowmobile had simply broken down, prompting him to leave it behind.
Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson emphasized that the fishermen were right to report their concerns given the circumstances. He urged ice anglers who must abandon equipment to notify 911 dispatchers in the jurisdiction where they're fishing. Hanson also recommended that anyone discovering similar situations report immediately from the scene to provide registration numbers and precise location details.
