Woman and dog rescued from partially submerged vehicle on Poplar Lake

A woman and her dog were rescued Monday morning from a partially submerged vehicle at the Poplar Lake landing, about 32 miles up the Gunflint Trail.

At approximately 8:32 a.m., the Cook County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a couple who, while enjoying photography near the landing, discovered a partially submerged vehicle in Poplar Lake. The couple then noticed there was an individual trapped in the car and immediately called 911, according to first responders.

The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department responded to the call and, upon arriving on scene, observed that most of the vehicle was underwater. According to the GTVFD, there was only eight inches of air space remaining at the top of the vehicle.

Submerged vehicle on Poplar Lake | Photo by Sharyl Zeno

One of the first responders to arrive was GTVFD Fire Chief Jim Morrison, who swam out to the vehicle, opened the door, and extracted the individual.

Shortly thereafter, the GTVFD Ambulance arrived on scene. According to first responders, hypothermia was of high concern. The water temperature of Poplar Lake was 54 degrees on Oct. 12.

The North Shore Health Ambulance was called to intercept the GTVFD Ambulance along the Gunflint Trail. The GTVFD Ambulance left the Poplar Lake landing at approximately 9:17 a.m. and transported the women to the South Brule parking lot. She was then transferred to the North Shore Health Ambulance and brought to the hospital. She was later transported to Duluth via life flight for further treatment.

Once first responders extracted the women, GTVFD and EMT Ruth Wagner swam out to the vehicle to rescue the dog, which was huddled in the backseat. Wagner broke the back window and was able to extract the dog at approximately 9:24 a.m.

GTVFD Ruth Wagner rescuing the dog on Poplar Lake | Photo by Sharyl Zeno

WTIP has contacted the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for further information about the incident. Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen said it is currently under investigation and there is no additional information at this time.

It is unknown at this time how long the woman and dog were submerged in the vehicle. It is also unknown how the vehicle became submerged.

WTIP will provide updates to this article as they are made available. 

Kalli Hawkins October 14, 2025