(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Marine Unit along with the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boats and helicopter responded to the area of Lake Erie, Turkey Point, Ontario.
On Monday, June 29, 2013 at approximately 8:50 p.m., the Norfolk County OPP Marine Unit was contacted after a vessel and 4 occupants failed to return to shore.
Through investigation it was determined that a 16ft bowrider vessel had been rented from Turkey Point Powersports at approximately 5:15 p.m. and the occupants had failed to return to shore. As a result, the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boats from Long Point, Port Dover and the Canadian Coast Guard helicopter from Trenton, Ontario were brought in to search for the overdue vessel and occupants.
At approximately 10:40 p.m., members on board the Canadian Coast Guard helicopter observed a flare sighting and subsequently located the vessel east of Turkey Point with three adults and one child. The vessel was towed back to the Turkey Point Marina with no injuries being reported as a result of this incident. Police continue to stress the importance of having all required safety equipment in good working order and knowing where it is and how to operate it.
“This is a great example of team work by law enforcement partners that enabled a quick response to rescue four individuals. All four people had their life jackets on and we want to thank everyone for planning ahead and making their safety a priority”, comments Sergeant Jim Millson, Norfolk County OPP Marine Unit.