Lessons learned

JERUSALEM TOWNSHIP (AP) - Many of the 134 fishermen who made it safely off a miles-long ice floe in western Lake Erie returned Sunday to the scene of the massive rescue operation, bringing rented air boats with them to retrieve snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment.

A few ice fishermen still ventured into risky areas to fish for walleye, despite Saturday's rescue effort that included the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire departments and volunteers. A 65-year-old Ohio man died Saturday when he fell into the water while searching with others for a link to the shoreline.

Four helicopters were sent from Coast Guard stations in Detroit and in Traverse City and St. Clair Shores, Mich.

Rescue authorities didn't participate in Sunday's property recovery efforts. Officials said some of the stranded anglers watched from solid ice while private contractors did the work.

Coast Guard and local law enforcement officials met with reporters Sunday morning, saying they would like to develop ways to stop fishermen from going on the ice during dangerous conditions.

A number of officials said Saturday's efforts went smoothly, partly because agencies have undergone several post-9/11 emergency training together.

Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton called for authorities to reconsider when it assesses civil penalties for stranded ice fishermen.

He said Sunday that he wants to respect ice fishing culture while finding a way to recoup the county's financial losses and step up regulation.

Bratton on Saturday estimated the cost of the response at $20,000. But he said the rescued anglers wouldn't be told to cover the cost of the rescue effort.

"We're not looking to send you a bill at this point," said Harold Stanton, the fire chief in Lucas County's Jerusalem Township. "We're not looking to arrest you."

By current policies, a fisherman's name is recorded the first time he's rescued. The second strike leads to an ice safety class, and the third can result in civil action and fines.

Many more people might have been stranded Saturday if veteran fishermen hadn't heeded weather warnings about warming temperatures and strong winds, area fishing guide Pat Chrysler said.

Temperatures Sunday remained warmer than they had been the past few weeks.