City Subscriptions

At 21:32 this evening, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a possible jumper on the Blatnik Bridge. While en route we received information of no one on the bridge. Crews slowed the response and confirmed there was no one on the bridge. A U.S. Coast Guard crew was underneath the bridge and began walking on the ice to ensure no one had jumped. Superior Fire responded from their station and began walking towards the Duluth side. We were able to locate the individual standing on rafters under the bridge decking. Duluth Fire crews, with the assistance of Superior Fire department set up for a high angle rescue to make contact with the individual. Two Duluth Firefighters were able to gain the trust of the patient and were allowed to secure a harness around the patient. The patient was brought back to the top side of the bridge and transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance to a local hospital. 

This was a multi-agency response with crews from Duluth Fire Department, Superior Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Duluth and Superior Police Departments, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Douglas County Sheriff, and Duluth Public Works. The bridge was shut down to all traffic for approximately ninety minutes, and has since reopened. There is no further information as to the condition of the patient.