A snowmachiner was trapped on a quickly moving floe of sea ice in Nome, Alaska due to a strong winter wind. The man was later rescued by a helicopter. The sea ice is important for subsistence hunting, fishing, and crabbing for Nome residents, and open water will limit access to these resources. In a separate incident, a helicopter pilot sent to rescue two stranded hunters in Nunavut had to be rescued himself after falling into icy water.

Observation: A strong winter wind broke off the sea ice in front of Nome right at the beach and then it moved offshore. A snowmachiner was trapped on the quickly moving floe and he was rescued later by a helicopter. Nome residents use the sea ice for subsistence hunting, fishing, and crabbing. Open water in front of Nome will mean limited access to winter subsistence resources.

Media:

The Nome Nugget (2013-01-03) – Crabber rescued from sea ice - no injuries sustained - A Bering Air helicopter was flown to rescue a stranded crab fisherman on drifting sea ice Sunday afternoon.

CBC News (2013-01-09) – Nunavut hunters pull helicopter pilot from icy water - A helicopter pilot sent to rescue two Nunavut hunters stranded on the ice ended up having to get rescued as well in western Hudson Bay.