2 boaters rescued from ice in Tuscarawas River

NEWCOMERSTOWN (WJER) (Jan. 13, 2025) – Newcomerstown firefighters are reminding everyone to use extreme caution around bodies of water in freezing conditions.
The village fire department was called to the River Street bridge area for two men whose small boat became stuck in ice on the Tuscarawas River shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.
The department responded with boats and cold-water rescue members, along with assistance from the Arrowhead Joint Fire District and the West Lafayette Fire Department.
Firefighters located the men inside the boat and assisted them to shore without incident or injury.
The department says the situation ended with the best result possible but could have very easily had a completely different outcome. Newcomerstown firefighters say you should always let others know your expected location and estimated time back before heading out onto the water.