2 Ice Fishermen Plunge Into Frigid Waters After Walking On 'Weakened' Ice: Authorities

Two men were rescued from the Fox River in Port Barrington on Wednesday after the ice they were walking on gave way beneath them.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. in the 400 block of Riverside Lane in Port Barrington, where the Wauconda Fire District received a call for a water rescue, according to

Crews from the Island Lake-based Station 2 arrived within five minutes and found the two men, who were about 50 feet from the shore, calling for help. The fishermen had been walking onto the ice to fish when it cracked, according to the news release.

Firefighters were able to rescue both men from the frigid waters within six minutes of their arrival. The victims were assessed on-site and transported in stable condition to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington for treatment of injuries sustained due to cold exposure.

The Wauconda Fire District is urging the public to avoid venturing onto ice-covered lakes and rivers, as recent temperature fluctuations have weakened ice conditions, even when the surface may appear solid.

The fire district reminds residents that no ice is ever completely safe and encourages everyone to call 9-1-1 in case of emergencies.