Shelter Island ice rescue: Cracking ice lands a dog and 2 people in frigid waters before they are saved

A woman and man who fell through ice into frigid waters attempting to save a dog on Shelter Island will live to tell the tale, thanks to a lifesaving rescue by first responders on Tuesday.

Around 9:44 a.m., a woman was walking her dog along Shell Beach when the animal went out onto the ice and fell through into the water near a section of an anchored floating dock about 100 feet offshore, Shelter Island police said.

After contacting 911, the woman crawled out onto the ice to rescue the dog, Shelter Island police said. As she approached, the ice gave way and the woman fell into the water.

Around the same time, the woman's friend arrived at the dock and witnessed her falling into the water. The man then went onto the ice to assist them but also fell through the ice and into the water, police said.

Police, Marine Patrol, Animal Control, Shelter Island EMS, Shelter Island Fire Department and Shelter Island Highway Department personnel converged at the scene.

The two people and the dog were pulled onto a police boat and taken to shore, police said. Police estimated the three were exposed to "frigid" 32-degree water for about 15 to 20 minutes.

At the time of the incident, air temperatures were about 23 degrees and winds were 29 mph.

The man and the woman, residents of the Silver Beach community on Shelter Island, were taken to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport. The man was treated and released and the woman was being held overnight for observation, police said.

The dog is reported to be doing well, authorities said.

Reached at the hospital by phone, the man and the woman said they weren't ready to comment on the incident.

Police advised people to stay off frozen ponds, bays and beaches and to immediately call 911 rather than attempt a rescue if a person or animal falls through the ice.