UPDATE:
The body of a snowmobiler was recovered late this afternoon from Lake Simcoe near The Narrows.
Two snowmobilers, riding on the same machine, plunged into the icy waters of The Narrows at about 4:30 a.m. this morning.
Firefighters from Ramara Township and Orillia were able to rescue one of the snowmobilers, but the other male could not be located.
The OPP’s underwater search and recovery unit and the OPP helicopter were called to help locate the missing man.
The snowmobiler who was rescued this morning was taken to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. He is being treated for hypothermia.
No other details have been released.
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People were woken by screams for help this morning as two snowmobilers plunged through the open waters of The Narrows.
Firefighters from Ramara Township and Orillia were able to rescue one of the snowmobilers, but the other is still missing.
“Two snowmobilers ventured out and went into the open water at The Narrows at about 4:30 a.m.,” said Orillia OPP Const. Martin Hill.
“Multiple callers called 911 saying they heard a male screaming for help,” he said.
The OPP’s underwater search and recovery unit and the OPP helicopter are on the scene in an effort to locate the other snowmobiler.
OPP officers and firefighters are also on scene to assist in the effort.
The waters at The Narrows typically do not freeze, creating a hazard for snowmobilers.
“As we always say, no ice is safe ice,” said Hill, noting extra caution is needed during darkness, when a snowmobile driver can only see a few feet in front of the vehicle.
No other details about the incident or those involved are available at this time, Hill said.
