On March 31, 2024, at approximately 7:30 am, Selkirk Area RCMP received a report that two people were stranded on Lake Winnipeg after their vehicle went through the ice.
Officers attended immediately. To locate the individuals, police spoke to them via cell phone and had them watch for the emergency lights on the RCMP vehicle. Officers had to use extreme caution while travelling over the ice due to the thin ice and open water in some places. When the individuals saw the police lights, they carefully walked towards the officers, as the ice was too thin where they were located for officers to drive to them. Both people made it safely to police and were transported to Selkirk. They were both physically uninjured.
A 41-year-old male and 40-year-old female from Ste. Anne, Manitoba had been travelling on Lake Winnipeg in their SUV to their regular ice fishing spot. Without warning, their vehicle went through the thin ice.
"We want to remind everyone that with warming temperatures and uncertain ice thickness, it is not safe to be out on the ice at this time, especially not in a vehicle," said Corporal Chris Kabernick of the Selkirk Area RCMP. "Not only are you putting your own life in danger, but the lives of the first responders who come to assist you. Stay off the ice."
The vehicle was recovered by a tow company.