A group of ice fishers are safe and sound Monday after a harrowing day on Lake Winnipeg.
A blizzard and whiteout conditions stranded about 20 people on Lake Winnipeg on Sunday.
It happened at Chalet Beach, in between Matlock and Petersfield.
Caz Ducharme had reeled in a few big catches when he realized it was too late, and his truck wouldn't budge.
"The nervous thing was, how are we going to get out?" said Ducharme. He said had no idea he would spend 6 hours trying to get back on land.
Luckily area outfitter and tour operator Donovan Pearase was nearby -- when he got the call for help. Pearase stepped in and used his track truck to haul everyone to safety.
“I think it was drastic because of the number of people going out individually, he said from Chalet Beach Monday. “There were a lot of people out there totally inexperienced, unprepared for what was happening."
Pearase says he wants people to be prepared before venturing out -- including checking the weather forecast before an ice fishing trip -- and bring a GPS and working cell phone.
"Number one is, you're going in multiple trucks, you don't go out on your own. You have straps, recovery straps, commonly available, and metal shovels, not plastic ones that break in the snow."
Ice fisher Danny Riddle also helped stranded fishers off the ice at Chalet Beach Sunday.
"The weather on the lake can turn in minutes. If you don't notice it from the comfort of a warm shack, you are in lots trouble," said Riddle.
"It's a great sport and people are experienced and lots of newcomers are getting involved," but he said it's important to know your limits and when to get off the ice.
Ducharme admits he didn't check the weather this trip, and probably won't venture out in iffy weather ever again.
"Considering what happened and everything, it was crazy that everyone pulled together and we did it, and got people out, thanks to those people for sure."
RCMP advise people to check weather forecasts, bring enough supplies for a night, and carry a fully-charged cell phone.
