SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Bystanders and rescuers saved a man Friday evening after he fell through thin ice on Yellowknife Bay while dogsledding with seven dogs.
The man sustained non life-threatening injuries but two dogs died in the incident, according to a city news release which did not name him.
The fire division responded to the incident at about 5 p.m., according to the release. On the way to the scene a person flagged them down near the Dettah ice road access at School Draw. The resident pointed to a group of people on the ice waving and yelling, seemingly to indicate they were in distress.
A four-person rescue group, clad in ice rescue gear, crossed the ice to the assist the group.
However, in speaking with them the crew was informed that it was not the group that was in distress but someone else.
At that point, the rescue crew called for backup and then proceeded to the dogsledder's location, which was about 1,000 metres further down the lake.
When rescuers found the man he had already been pulled from the water by a passerby, who later helped transport him by snowmobile to 48 Street where the fire division medical staff took over patient care.
After the man was taken to land, the ice rescue group worked on helping save the dogs.
Bystanders assisted in getting five of the canines to shore while the two that died were transported by ATV. The dogs were released to a friend of the dogsledder.
News/North could not get in touch with officials for more information by press time.
