Vergennes Fire Technical Rescue Team Assists in Lake Champlain Ice Rescue
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentMedia release detailing the February 3, 2026 ice water rescue on Lake Champlain.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentTechnical rescue personnel prepare equipment on the frozen shoreline.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentRescue teams navigate unstable ice conditions during coordinated operations.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentResponders deploy specialized rescue boats onto the ice.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentVergennes Fire Technical Rescue equipment staged for mutual aid response.
February 3, 2026 — The Vergennes Fire Department Technical Rescue Team was dispatched at 12:13 p.m. as mutual aid to Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services for an ice water rescue on Lake Champlain after shifting ice conditions stranded five ice skaters. Crews responded with specialized equipment and worked alongside multiple agencies to safely access and remove the individuals after the ice broke apart. The incident was resolved without reported injuries, officials said, crediting strong teamwork and coordinated interagency collaboration for the successful outcome. Assisting agencies included Shelburne Communications Center, Vermont State Police, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, United States Coast Guard Station Burlington, and Shelburne Fire Department. Authorities reminded the public that winter ice conditions can change rapidly due to temperature fluctuations, currents, and shoreline factors, urging caution when recreating on frozen waterways.
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