Rescue crews primarily from northern Ohio participated in the annual training drill, held at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Marblehead.
MARBLEHEAD -- U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur observed as the U.S. Coast Guard and hundreds of other emergency rescuers responded to a simulated plane crash in the waters of Lake Erie on Saturday.
Rescue crews primarily from northern Ohio participated in the annual training drill, held at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Marblehead. The fictional scenario saw a commercial airliner split in two, crashing into the ice-covered waters of Lake Erie. Volunteers played the roles of the 50 passengers on board, while rescuers jumped into action to save them.
“Once we get out on the ice we determine which victims are in the most need of help,” said Brandie Smith, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Marblehead Station. Crews used sleds, ropes, and open lines of communication to assist stranded victims in two rescue drills. Smith continued, “If we’re not updated with our training then we wouldn’t know how to get them out of the ice with different techniques, keeping us safe as well as them.”
Congresswoman Kaptur hopes the mass rescue drill will help alert the public to be cautious around the unpredictable conditions around the lakes.
“Probably the most important thing is for people to be responsible in the way that they use the lake,” Kaptur said. “We have far too many accidents.”
“It’s one of the most hazardous environments you can work in,” said Phillip Null, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class. “Bringing all of these agencies together, trying to coordinate the response, keep everyone safe and effectively perform the mission is vital.”
Rescuers also performed “long-shore” rescues with helicopters, and boats for victims stranded more than a half nautical mile off-shore.
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