Rescuers Pluck Man and Woman from Frigid Waters of North Suburban Lake

Two people were rescued from the shallow depths of a north suburban lake Saturday after falling through ice softened by unseasonably warm temperatures.

Authorities say a man and a woman both plunged through the ice of Lake Linden in the town of Lindenhurst near the Wisconsin border about 2:45 p.m.

The two were plucked from the shallow water by a specialized ice water rescue crew from the nearby Lake Villa Fire Department within minutes of rescuers arriving on the scene, said fire department shift commander Bill Chebny.

The man fell through the ice while he was ice fishing. The woman fell through when she ventured out onto the semi-frozen surface to throw the man a rope ladder, authorities said.

Emergency crews were able to talk throughout the ordeal with the man and the woman, who were trapped in water that was about chest-deep, said Commander John Mars of the Lindenhurst police department

“Police were able to speak to the gentleman and lady to assure them the fire department was on way,” Mars said.

The woman was treated on the scene and released, Mars said. The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he is recovering.