Man Dies in Iceboat Crash on Bay of Quinte

A 78-year-old man from Ameliasburgh, Ontario, has died following a tragic iceboat crash on the Bay of Quinte, despite receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from witnesses and paramedics.

According to CBC News, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when the ice sailing craft struck a pressure crack in the ice, causing a sudden and violent stop. You can read the full original report here:
👉 Man dies in ice boat crash on Bay of Quinte

What Happened on the Ice

Ontario Provincial Police say the crash happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. near Rednersville Road in Ameliasburgh, just south of Belleville. A witness told police the iceboat struck a pressure crack, jamming the front blade and bringing the vessel to an abrupt halt.

Iceboats are similar to sailboats but are fitted with skis or skates instead of a traditional hull, allowing them to glide at high speeds across frozen waterways. When ice conditions are unstable, these crafts can become extremely dangerous.

CPR Efforts and Emergency Response

A nearby witness responded quickly by putting on a flotation suit and venturing onto the ice to assist the injured pilot. CPR was immediately started, and other bystanders helped bring the man safely to shore. Paramedics later arrived and continued resuscitation efforts.

Despite these life-saving attempts, the man was pronounced dead. Police confirmed the incident is not considered suspicious, and an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Ice Safety Reminder from Police

Prince Edward County OPP are reminding residents to carefully monitor ice and weather conditions before venturing out. Fluctuating temperatures can result in uneven ice thickness, increasing the risk of pressure cracks and sudden ice failure.

Why CPR Training Still Matters

Although this incident ended tragically, it underscores the importance of immediate bystander action during emergencies. Early CPR can significantly improve survival chances during cardiac or traumatic events while waiting for emergency responders.

If you want to be prepared to respond in emergencies, consider enrolling in CPR and AED training through Winnipeg First Aid:

For additional guidance on CPR and first aid techniques, explore these trusted resources:

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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