Vehicle Falls Through Ice at Suamico River Boat Launch in Brown County, Wisconsin

On Thursday afternoon, a concerning incident unfolded at the Suamico River Boat Launch when a vehicle and its driver broke through the frozen river surface. The emergency occurred just before 1:30 p.m. when the driver attempted to navigate onto the ice from the boat launch area near the river's mouth. Thanks to the quick response of nearby residents, the driver was able to escape the partially submerged vehicle and make it safely to shore. The Suamico Fire Department, led by Chief Joe Bertler, promptly responded to the scene after receiving the emergency call. Remarkably, despite the harrowing nature of the incident, no injuries were reported. The event has prompted local fire officials to issue urgent warnings about the unpredictable nature of ice conditions, particularly given the recent warm weather patterns that have affected the stability of frozen waterways in the region.

Location and Infrastructure - The Suamico River Boat Launch serves as a vital access point to the Suamico River, located in Brown County, Wisconsin. The launch area is situated near the river's mouth, where it meets the waters of Green Bay, making it a popular destination for both recreational boating and ice fishing during winter months. This location presents unique challenges during transitional weather periods, as the confluence of river and bay waters can create varying ice thicknesses and unstable conditions. The boat launch facility typically provides direct access to the water for vessels during warmer months, but winter transforms this area into a potentially hazardous zone where water depths and ice conditions can vary significantly within short distances.

Legal Rights and Considerations - In Wisconsin, incidents involving vehicles breaking through ice may fall under various liability considerations. Property owners and operators of recreational facilities generally maintain certain duties of care, though state recreational immunity laws (Wis. Stat. § 895.52) often provide protection for landowners in recreational contexts. Insurance considerations for such incidents typically involve comprehensive auto coverage, which may cover damage to vehicles from ice breakthrough incidents. Victims of ice-related accidents generally have three years under Wisconsin's statute of limitations to pursue personal injury claims, though property damage claims must be filed within six years. Potential compensation could include vehicle recovery costs, property damage, medical expenses if injuries occurred, and other related damages. However, comparative negligence laws may affect recovery if the driver's actions contributed to the incident. An experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources: Brown County Sheriff's Department: Emergency Response Suamico Fire Department: Ice Safety Information Wisconsin DNR: Winter Recreation Safety Guidelines Brown County Emergency Management Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Winter Driving Resources Green Bay Area Trauma Support Services Wisconsin State Legislature: Recreational Use Statute Database Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Ice Safety Guidelines