A man from St. Louis County, Minnesota, was safely rescued on Thanksgiving Day after becoming stranded overnight when his snowmobile got stuck in a swamp. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began the night before Thanksgiving, when the 55-year-old man was riding his snowmobile roughly five miles northwest of Meadowlands. While traveling through the area, he drove into a swampy section of land where the snowmobile became stuck in the soft, wet ground. With little daylight left and no way to free the vehicle, the man had no choice but to leave it behind and search for shelter.
Fortunately, he located a remote cabin in the area and was able to spend the night there. Although the cabin provided basic refuge from the cold, he remained without reliable means of transportation and had limited contact with the outside world. Knowing he would need help eventually, the man contacted a friend and informed them of the situation. He explained that he planned to walk toward a nearby road early the next morning, hoping to meet up with the friend or at least get to a safer, more accessible location.
The two agreed on a specific timeframe for when he expected to reach the road. However, as the morning went on and the man did not show up as planned, the friend became worried about his safety. With temperatures cold and the terrain difficult to navigate, waiting any longer could have put the man in greater danger. Realizing the situation could become more serious, the friend made the decision to call 911 and report him overdue.
St. Louis County deputies and rescue personnel received the emergency call around 12:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Specialized teams were quickly sent out to search for the man, using the last known location from his snowmobile outing as a starting point. The rescue crews worked their way through the wooded and swampy environment, following clues and checking likely paths he might have taken on foot.
After searching the area, the teams eventually found the man between 1.5 and 2 miles from the trailhead where he had originally started his snowmobile ride. While he was wet, cold, and understandably tired from the long trek, authorities reported that he was in good physical condition. He did not appear to have any serious injuries and was able to walk with rescuers.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that although this situation ended safely, it could have been much worse. They used the incident as a reminder to the public that early winter conditions can be deceptive. Many lakes, ponds, and swampy areas may appear frozen at first glance, but temperatures have not been consistently cold enough for safe ice travel. Even experienced snowmobilers and outdoor enthusiasts can misjudge the stability of frozen surfaces during this time of year.
Authorities encouraged anyone spending time outdoors to be extra cautious, especially when traveling in remote or unfamiliar areas. They recommended checking weather and trail conditions in advance, informing someone of your planned route, and carrying proper equipment in case of emergencies. The sheriff’s office also stressed the importance of avoiding early-season ice altogether, as it remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Thanks to quick thinking from the stranded man’s friend, a prompt 911 call, and a coordinated effort from rescue teams, the situation ended with everyone safe. The sheriff’s office expressed appreciation for the teamwork involved and reminded residents to prioritize safety during winter activities.
