Cuyuna Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Wow ! Powerful article. Really glad for the good outcome.This is such a bad season for accidents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extreme600 Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Taken from www.northbaynipissing.com Newspaper on line article. Well worth a read for everyone involved with a Club groomer driver tells of his narrow escape from icy water Submitted Photo Bob Belanger of Callander counts himself fortunate after escaping from this groomer. Almaguin News By Rob Learn Bob Belanger takes a lot of pride in being safe when it comes to ice. For more than a decade now, the volunteer with the South Shore/Restoule Snowmobile Club has personally managed the trail system connecting to the North Bay system. Where the trail crosses water he doesn’t take risks. He walks out, cuts through with a chainsaw, and measures. It’s an attention to detail that’s kept him safe, that is until this past Sunday when the groomer he was driving broke through a pond he had already marked as being thick enough and had crossed just an hour before. “It should teach other people who have to cross ice you can’t be too careful. Even very, very careful isn’t careful enough sometimes. I’m very fortunate that I’m able to tell people that,” Belanger said Monday, still shaken by his narrow escape from 20-feet of frozen-over water. "Even very, very careful isn’t careful enough sometimes." Belanger was driving the 1999 Bombardier BR180 with a Mogul Master groomer on the D Trail between Highway 17 and Trout Lake Road, having waited for quite some time to take the big machine across, regularly testing the five or six ponds the trail crosses for his magic number of 16 inches. “I had already crossed and turned back when I broke through,” Belanger said. He turned back shortly after 3 p.m. from where the South Shore/Restoule trails meet up with North Bay. He estimates the pond is about 500 yards across but the groomer was only about 50 feet out when trouble struck, and quickly. “I felt the back of the machine break through, it tilted back… I tried to throttle it to get it back up on the ice but it was too late,” Belanger said. What happened next, Belanger says, is a blur. The big machine went down in about 20 feet of water. His first instinct, and the right one, was to find the latch for the escape hatch in the roof of the groomer for him to get out. “I could see something that was sort of yellow and I couldn’t see much else. I was really looking for that latch and I found it pretty quickly.” He managed to get it open just in time. “The cab filled up so fast I think it was full by the time I found the latch.” Without the rush of water and wearing snow pants, winter boots, but no coat, all he had to do was swim out. “Your body just fits through. It’s tight but I was OK,” Belanger said. “…I had to swim for the surface.” He remembers popping out and clutching onto some large chunks of ice to stay afloat. After struggling in the water for a very short while, Belanger says he clung to the ice, realizing he couldn’t get out of the water on his own. Fortunately two snowmobilers were right behind him and able to free him from the hole that had swallowed up the big piece of equipment. “They were very quick getting a rope and getting me out of the water,” Belanger said. By the time he was out, two more snowmobilers had arrived and were able to call 911 while Belanger was transported to the Mr. Gas station on Highway 17 just a few kilometres from the Highway 11 interchange. Paramedics took him to hospital and he was thoroughly evaluated for any physical trauma and given a clean bill of health even though he was in the frigid water for up to five minutes. Back at home in Callander with his wife Barb, he is still in disbelief on Monday that all his safety precautions weren’t enough to prevent the accident. “I go physically walk them and measure them until we get 16 inches of ice,” Belanger says. So seriously does he take the job that he always makes a point of making the first run crossing the ponds, to make sure he’s not putting anyone else in danger. Aside from what could have gone wrong, he and Barb are wondering about how to reach out to the two men, one from Akron, Ohio, the other Kemptville near Ottawa, who pulled him to safety on Sunday. “I don’t know how I could possibly thank them. They saved my life.” Rob Learn is the News Editor of the Almaguin News, Parry Sound North Star and Parry Sound Beacon Star. He can be reached at rlearn@metrolandnorthmedia.com . Follow him on Twitter and Facebook Nice article. Glad the guy is okay now. Nice to hear. Great post Brian. Please tell the groomer guy that we THANK him for all he does. I hope these guys who rescued him are on OC. Is the post on Facebook also?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Interesting story about the NY fellows who were instrumental in rescue. They corresponded with me in advance of their annual trip here and last Thursday they wondered whether to come or not. I gave them the positives and negatives and left it up to them to decide. They left Akron, NY Friday at 7 and I gave them some loops to try. On Sunday afternoon I got an email from them relating how they were following the groomer on D trail heading to Travelodge Airport and just before SSR 711 turn the groomer and drag went down in front of them and they told me very humbly how they got him out and onto Mr. Gas at Highway 17. I posted this on Facebook to warn others of the situation and 24 hours later there were 79,560 views and I deleted everything because of some negative comments. They were anxious to know about Bob's condition, etc. I passed their names and contact info onto SS-RSC and their President responded accordingly. Another local Sledder also helped them and called 911 from the scene so the ambulance was dispatched to Mr. Gas quickly. I think they headed back today which would have been a difficult drive as my son and family from Kitchener got caught in the white outs and stoppage for big accident this p.m. I thought the interview with Bob was courageous to do and I published it to show that he did everything one should and still almost came within minutes of being lost forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-crz- Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 I thought the interview with Bob was courageous to do and I published it to show that he did everything one should and still almost came within minutes of being lost forever. I couldn't agree more. I am so thankful to see some positive comments regarding this situation. Our club has been in contact with all involved with Bob's rescue, and a large portion of our volunteers got to meet one of the gentlemen from NY on Thursday and thank him personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PISTON LAKE CRUISER Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Interesting story about the NY fellows who were instrumental in rescue. They corresponded with me in advance of their annual trip here and last Thursday they wondered whether to come or not. I gave them the positives and negatives and left it up to them to decide. They left Akron, NY Friday at 7 and I gave them some loops to try. On Sunday afternoon I got an email from them relating how they were following the groomer on D trail heading to Travelodge Airport and just before SSR 711 turn the groomer and drag went down in front of them and they told me very humbly how they got him out and onto Mr. Gas at Highway 17. I posted this on Facebook to warn others of the situation and 24 hours later there were 79,560 views and I deleted everything because of some negative comments. They were anxious to know about Bob's condition, etc. I passed their names and contact info onto SS-RSC and their President responded accordingly. Another local Sledder also helped them and called 911 from the scene so the ambulance was dispatched to Mr. Gas quickly. I think they headed back today which would have been a difficult drive as my son and family from Kitchener got caught in the white outs and stoppage for big accident this p.m. I thought the interview with Bob was courageous to do and I published it to show that he did everything one should and still almost came within minutes of being lost forever. If your FB post makes 1 person think twice about marginal ice travel then it was worth doing Brian. Sc--w the negativity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extreme600 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 I think they headed back today which would have been a difficult drive as my son and family from Kitchener got caught in the white outs and stoppage for big accident this p.m. Brian we went back home yesterday also in that beautiful storm. Whiteouts everywhere. Just had to drive slow and be careful. We left at 9am and arrived home at around 5pm with one lunch stop (1hr) and drop off sleds (1/2hour). Took about 2 hours longer than usual due to weather. It was bad all the way home except Toronto was clear. LOL Thankfully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Cochrane yesterday posted on Snowmobile Trail Grooming Facebook page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Techdenis007 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Ice is crappy everywhere. I won't touch a lake this year. Trail crossings on the rivers up here bother me less than the lakes, usually the reverse is the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livin' on the b103 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 That is hard to look at, is the operator OK?? Is this a different sunk groomer than the one originally posted? Livin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobills Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Ya it's a private groomer. It was used for roads up there. Yes the guy is ok thank God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sledjunk Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Thanks for the explanation. I thought it was another OFSC groomer down. Happy the operator is OK! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Here's some further info. Operator is ok. Privately owned machine voluntarily be used on the lake in Cochrane, Ontario for winter carnival. Operator turned machine off and escape out window in time. Close to shore and excavator removed it 3 hours later. Never assume ice is safe unless you check it yourself with 18 chainsaw bar. If you draw water stay off is my experience. Only about 10 inches of ice where this BR 350 went through the ice. He had already gone once over area and was just backing up when it broke though. Machine is in shop now drying out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PISTON LAKE CRUISER Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Glad the operator is safe. We need more cold then snow and less sinking groomers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreezerBurnt Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 even out here, they usually groom a 30+km trail across the big lake(Lake Winnipeg) and as of last week the decision was made it will NOT be groomed this season. This is a 1st in many many years, the risk is just too high this year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
signfan Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 An idea on when and how the club will have the unit removed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 Whic An idea on when and how the club will have the unit removed? the SS-RSC groomer on D trail is scheduled to be removed next week by Lafond Recovery and Towing of Sturgeon Falls. They apparently are building ice now and will be using a lifting apparatus that is equipped with pontoons as well. I will post pictures when work starts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwilburn Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 Whic the SS-RSC groomer on D trail is scheduled to be removed next week by Lafond Recovery and Towing of Sturgeon Falls. They apparently are building ice now and will be using a lifting apparatus that is equipped with pontoons as well. I will post pictures when work starts. Is that section of trail still open (or is there a way around it)? We're coming up next week - wouldn't mind seeing that job! We had guys riding sleds on our lake down here... open water under the bridges just days before. I would think the ice was 5 inches max. Just plain stupid. No I've been known to ride some lakes in September on the sled - I wear shorts and a PFD. Smoothest trail you'll ever find! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 There is a trail adjacent to work site on D between Trout Lake and SSR 711. Heading over tomorrow to check it out. Apparently they have been pumping water to build up ice thickness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grover_yyz Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 They have a frame contraption around the hole. A diver was down the hole to disconnect the drag. I took a picture but no computer to offload so I will post once I have computer access. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Just returned from the site. Their rig is capable of lifting 11,000 pounds. Diver went down about 2:30. Unfortunately the Groomer and drag are sunk into mud in a V shape which makes the disconnect difficult. Waiting on another diver with cutting torches. Total crew of around 10 - 12, including Hydratech amphibious tracked machine. Snowmobiles allowed to proceed except when lifting operation or moving operation is underway. I took photos and will post them shortly. likely will continue tomorrow. I think they will be successful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pembroke Stratos 285XL Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Thanks for the update, I feel horrible for the SSR club, but I sure am thankful the groomer is alone down there, this ordeal was very close to being much worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Few photos They say they can lift 11,000 pounds BR around 7,000 but stuck in mud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Doo Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Thanks for the photo's. Hope they are successful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledguy74 Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 That look like quite the operation. Kudos to all involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbakernbay Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Wow ! Powerful article. Really glad for the good outcome.This is such a bad season for accidents. The Groomer Operator was at the site today and I complimented him on his courage in doing an interview so soon after the trauma. He told me how careful he was in checking ice depth all along his route with the chain saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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