The German army evacuated by helicopter some hundred tourists Wednesday stranded on an ice-locked German island in the Batic sea, a tourist official told AFP.

Ferries had been unable to reach Hiddensee island since Friday, after ice-breakers failed twice to crack ice that was 40 centimetres (15.7 inches) thick in some areas.

The 112 tourists and six dogs were flown to the neighbouring island of Ruegen, whilst another helicopter brought seven tonnes of food supplies and first aid to the thousands living in the island's four villages.

Hiddensee, a car-free island located in the bay of Pomerania, is a popular tourist destination but hotels and hostels have seen a recent drop in reservations due to the severe winter weather.

"Surely we can't stay cut off from the rest of the world until March", said Alfred Langemeier, in charge of a local thermal spa.

Police also reported Wednesday that a man who had lost his way in the dark after venturing out on the frozen North Sea coast at the resort town of St. Peter-Ording was saved by a woman who had spotted him on a webcam.

She alerted the police, who were able to guide the hapless amateur photographer to safety.