Two people trapped on bluff found hanging on to icy roots, Michigan officials say

Firefighters rescued two people in icy Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 27, after they were trapped along a steep bluff, officials say.

The rescue happened at Empire Bluff Trail in Glen Lake, a popular tourism destination in northern Michigan.

Glen Lake firefighters say they received reports around 6:15 p.m. of two people trapped on the side of the bluff about 200 yards from the boardwalk. Both were clinging to roots of the bluff, which firefighters say was covered in ice.

One of the individuals was 20 feet below the top of the bluff, and the other was 150 feet below the first person, according to fire department officials.

Two firefighters rappelled down the bluff to rescue the two individuals, who were pulled up with rope rescue equipment. Both were uninjured.

The fire department warned people about the hazards of hiking the trail while it’s icy.

“Once you are below the top, it’s nearly impossible to climb up without the proper equipment,” officials said. “Please enjoy the views of the trails by staying on designated trails.”

This story was originally published March 1, 2022 at 11:36 AM with the headline "Two people trapped on bluff found hanging on to icy roots, Michigan officials say."