OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A large-scale investigation broke out at a body of water in Ottawa County when witnesses spotted a large hole in the ice surrounded by fishing equipment. A fisherman was nowhere to be found.
It began at Eastmanville Bayou on 86th Avenue on Wednesday. When authorities got the call, fire departments and the Sheriff's dive team responded.
Witnesses told police they saw a man walking on the ice when he fell through. He was able to get out of the water and walked back to the parking lot. He then got into his car and left the park.
"Fishing gear was left out on the ice along with several holes. We do have witnesses that did say that they did see an individual go through at one point but was able to get himself out of the water. He was able to get up out of the water get into his vehicle and has left the area," Lt. Nicholas Knott said.
"Ice conditions now are very poor. They're unsafe. This water has been open all year. This is the first ice of the season. And with the heavy snow that's falling on top of the ice, the ice is not safe. It's honeycombing. It looks like it's solid, but stay off the ice please."
First responders used drones and robotic equipment to confirm there was not one in the water, police say.
The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that ice is not safe right now, and to wait to walk on it until it's thicker.
If you have information about this, you're asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office at 1888 738-4000.
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