At 1:05 PM on Monday, January 15, Chester County 911 dispatched units to the Struble Lake Recreation Area on Morgantown Road in Honey Brook Township for a Water Rescue. Wagontown was dispatched for the Boat as part of the initial response. As units were responding, 911 advised the responding units that a subject fell through the ice, but was now out of the water and on top of the ice. Several subjects were reported to be on the ice trying to rescue the man that fell through the ice.

Chief 33 (Robb) and units arrived to find multiple subjects up to 13 still on the ice who were determined to be either involved in the rescue, or just ice fishing. Chief Robb then established the Struble Command. He then requested a second Ice Rescue Team from Lancaster 39 (Garden Spot) to assist based on the number of people on the ice.

The subject that had fallen through the ice was brought to shore by the bystanders and was evaluated by EMS. Fortunately, he was not injured; just in need of dry clothes and some warmth.

Crews then worked to remove all the subjects from the ice, as the ice was not only cracking in many spots, but also outright melting in other spots. The Ice rescue team from 35 then deployed to check the Ice Wind sled to see if anyone else was there or if the craft could be recovered. Boat 39-1 launched in support, in case our crews needed assistance. No other persons were found and unfortunately, the overturned vessel was not able to be recovered by crews and was abandoned for the time being.

With great teamwork and organization this incident was cleared with all civilians and first responders, the scene was turned over to the Chester County Park Rangers, and all Fire & EMS units cleared the scene.

Photos borrowed from HBEEMS and other sources