(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Marine Unit along with the American Coast Guard responded to an incident on Lake Erie, Ontario.
On Thursday, July 16, 2015 at approximately 7:42 pm, members of the Norfolk County OPP Marine Unit were on patrol on Lake Erie when they observed a large plume of smoke east of the Long Point Lighthouse. Officers immediately attended the area where they located a large boat fire.
Through investigation it was determined a 50 foot sail boat was approximately 3.5 km away from the United States / Canadian border when the operator detected smoke coming from inside the vessel. The operator, a 50-year-old male and resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, attempted to extinguish the fire however was unsuccessful. He was able to safely escape by making his way to a 10 foot Zodiac that was attached to his vessel.
A passing vessel observed the boater in distress and attended the area and provided assistance.
The 50 foot vessel filled with water and sunk in approximately 210 feet of water.
The American Coast Guard attended the area and safely transported the male back to his residence.
“No injuries were reported as a result of this incident and police would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that assisted with this occurrence. We would also like to remind all boating enthusiasts to always wear their life jackets and to prepare for that day out on the water,” comments Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP Detachment.