Pair of water emergencies reported on Clearwater Lake

Two seperate water emergencies were reported on Clearwater Lake within an hour of each other. Gunflint Trail Search and Rescue, Gunflint Ambulance, and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department were all paged to respond.

The first emergency, reported at 2:05 p.m. was for a capsized canoe. The reporting party was unable to see whether the canoists had resurfaced, but said they appeared to be wearing life jackets. Emergency responders began arricing on the scene by 2:17 p.m.

Responders reported that they were able to make contact with the canoeists, who had made it onto the shore. Responders assisted them in returning to Clearwater Lodge, where they were staying, and provided first aid for minor injuries.

At 2:45 p.m., a second water emergency was reported on another part of Clearwater Lake near the Mountain Portage. The call was for a solo canoeist who had also capsized and was concerned about hypothermia. Emergency responders received permission from the U.S. Forest Service to use one of their boats to reach the canoeist.

By 3:10 p.m. responders had located the canoeist and made contact. Responders reported that the canoeist was cold but otherwise in stable condition.

This is an ongoing situation. WTIP will provide updates as they become available.

Kirsten Wisniewski May 15, 2026