THUNDER BAY – NEWS – A swift emergency response by Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) saved a life on Tuesday evening after a person fell into the water near Fisherman’s Wharf on the Current River.
Late-Night Emergency Response
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025, TBFR received a 911 call reporting a person in the water and another attempting a rescue near the popular waterfront area. En route, additional information confirmed there was still one person in distress.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the individual who had initially attempted to help was safely back on shore. TBFR crews quickly located the remaining person in the water and launched a rescue boat while shore crews maintained constant visual contact.
Victim Pulled from Icy Water and Transported to Hospital
“Rescue personnel acted quickly and efficiently,” said Platoon Chief Stephen Vincent of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. “Our team deployed the boat immediately, and the individual was safely removed from the cold water and brought to shore, where Superior North EMS was waiting.”
The patient was assessed on-scene and transported to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for further medical evaluation.
Warning: Stay Clear of Waterways Amid Dangerous Spring Conditions
Platoon Chief Vincent took the opportunity to urge caution around local waterways, especially as spring runoff and changing weather patterns continue to impact safety.
“With recent rainfall, water levels are high and currents are fast-moving,” Vincent warned. “These conditions, combined with unstable ice, make local waterways especially hazardous right now. We strongly advise residents to stay away from the water’s edge and keep off any remaining ice.”
Public Safety Tip:
If you see someone fall through ice or into water, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Call 911 and wait for trained emergency responders who are equipped to handle cold-water rescues safely.
