Trapped on Sea Ice

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.