(Storm Lake)– Here’s proof as to just how dangerous ice conditions are getting on area lakes.
The Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office says three men fell through the ice on Storm Lake Tuesday evening.
Sheriff Gary Launderville says his office received a 911 call shortly after 8:00 p.m. Tuesday regarding three men that had been ice fishing on the west side of Storm Lake that had fallen through the ice about 400 yards from shore.
Prior to rescue crews and other authorities arriving, one of the three men was able to pull himself back up onto the ice. He removed his coveralls and used them as a rope to pull the other two out of the water.
Authorities say the three men fell through the ice a second time as they were trying to get back to shore. The three were able to pull themselves back up onto the ice and were assisted to shore by two other nearby ice fishermen.
The three men were transported to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake where they were treated for hypothermia. They’re identified as Brian Origer and Dale Berger of Carroll and Michael Berger of Westside.
Officials say ice thickness this time of year can vary a lot over a very short distance.
Launderville is urging everyone to stay off Storm Lake to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
