THUNDER BAY --- Two men had to be rescued after a near drowning incident at a popular swimming spot near Trowbridge Park.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue said the initial call came in around 6 p.m. on Thursday, reporting the first drowning victim was unresponsive. Crews rushed to Solder's Hole through dense bush to the cliff line and were informed by witnesses about his location.
Firefighters descended into the gorge, where they located the man in a state of shock. Witnesses, who helped pull the men from the water and performed CPR, told fire crews the victim's friend jumped into the water to try to save him, but like his friend, he too was not a strong swimmer.
Both men were treated on scene.
Highly trained rope technicians, with the aid of an all-terrain vehicle equipped with a rescue basket and first-aid supplied, along with a high-angle rescue trailer, made their way through Centennial Park trails until they spotted the first crew and victim. The patient was tied off and escorted across the river, then taken safely up the steep slope. He was then transported to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for further treatment.
The second victim was also placed in an ambulance after being escorted up the side of the gorge.
Four pumper trucks were put into use at the scene of the incident, which required multiple personnel to be successful. Two four-wheel drive trucks were also dispatched, along with the all-terrain vehicle and the HART rescue trailer.
