Man dies in ice boat incident on bay

A 78-year-old male from Ameliasburgh lost his life in an ice boaing incident Tuesday afternoon on the Bay of Quinte.

Prince Edward OPP and emergency services were called to the scene at about 3:40 p.m. Jan. 15 on the Bay of Quinte near Rednersville Road in Ameliasburgh.

“Prince Edward Fire and EMS were on scene working on a male who was brought to shore by local residents who witnessed the event,” said PEC OPP Cst. Patrick Menard. “One witness stated they observed an ice boat on the bay and it appeared to have struck a pressure crack, causing the front blade to jam, stopping the boat immediately.”

Menard said the witness put on a floater suit and proceeded out on the ice to help.

“CPR was started and with the help of other witnesses, the pilot of the iceboat was brought to shore where paramedics took over.”

A post mortem will be conducted by the coroner to verify the cause of death. The incident, Menard said, is not considered suspicious.

“With this being the second ice incident within three days, Prince Edward County OPP is reminding everyone that with the recent fluctuating temperatures ice can vary in thickness and strength from area to area. Keep an eye on ice and snow conditions before venturing out on the ice.”