Over 200 stranded fishermen rescued from giant chunk of ice that broke away in lake

Over 200 fishermen had to be rescued after they were left stranded on a giant chunk of ice that broke away in a lake.

Emergency services rushed to Upper Red Lake in Minnesota on Monday morning after Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received reports of fishermen trapped on the ice.

During the rescue mission, cops urged anyone on the ice chunk to head towards a temporary ice bridge to get to safety.

The Sheriff's Office said: "If you are on the ice and need to evacuate, head towards JR's Corner. There is a temporary ice bridge to get across the open water."

A local company who works at the lake, Northwoods Fish Houses, said there were around 200 people left stranded on the ice after it broke free.

A large portion of the ice, thought to be up to 30 yards of open water, left the fishermen stranded (Northwoods Fish Houses LLC)

Fisherman were rescued hours after reporting to cops they were left stranded on a block of ice (JR's Corner Access)

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a large portion of the ice, thought to be up to 30 yards of open water, stranded the fishermen.

After a mammoth rescue operation the fisherman were eventually rescued at around 2.27pm - hours after being trapped - but fortunately everyone was "off the lake and all safe."

The rescue call came to officers at around 11.34am from worried fishermen.

Police said: "The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders arrived on scene and discovered a large portion of the ice with up to 30 yards of open water stranding the fishermen.

"Several water rescue agencies and vehicles were dispatched to the scene.

The rescue call came to officers at around 11.34am from worried fisherman (Beltrami County Sheriff's Office)

After a mammoth recuse operation the fisherman were eventually rescued (Beltrami County Sheriff's Office)

"After assessing the extent of the open water with visual and drone operations, a narrow spot of the separation was found and a temporary bridge was deployed to evacuate the stranded fishermen.

"At 2:37pm it was determined that everyone requiring evacuation from the ice had been reached and emergency responders cleared the scene. In total, an estimated 200 individuals were evacuated from the ice."

Cops said it is important to check the thickness of the ice before heading out onto the ice as it can be extremely dangerous.

They added: "The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reminds those who are thinking of heading on the ice that early season ice is very unpredictable.

"Extreme caution should be used when heading on the ice and to check the thickness frequently to ensure an adequate amount of ice."