PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fisherman was hauled of the icy waters of Onota Lake on Tuesday morning. 

 

The Fire Department responded to the report of a fisherman falling through the ice about 7:45 a.m. At first, it was reported he was able to get out of the water but then fell through again trying to make it shore. 

 

The Berkshire County Dive Team was put on standby as firefighters and police arrived at the scene. 

 

Two fishermen were spotted about 100 yards off the boat launch at Burbank Park, with one in the water. 

 

Firefighters donned cold-water rescue suits and set out to rescue the distressed individual. As rescuers neared the fisherman, a section of ice shelf broke off and they entered the water as well on the ice sled.

 

The fisherman was secured to the ice sled and was removed from the water.

 

Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said the rescue was a manpower intensive operation taking place on an unstable and unpredictable ice surface.