(LAKE HURON, ON) – The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit is urging boaters to ensure SAFETY is their number one priority when out on the lake this boating season. This warning comes following a successful rescue mission this past weekend by the Huron OPP Marine Unit & the Canadian Coast Guard.
Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2018 Huron OPP received a 9-1-1 call about a small sailboat that had capsized in Lake Huron north of Bayfield approximately 2 kilometres from shore. (See Attached Photo)
Three London residents, all between the ages of 19 to 24 plunged into the frigid water when their sailboat capsized. The strong winds and heavy wave activity on Lake Huron simply overpowered the inexperienced and ill-prepared sail-boaters. There was no safety equipment on board the vessel nor were any of them wearing life jackets or personal floatation devices.
Fortunately, the OPP Marine Unit was in the area and was able to locate the small boat within 10 minutes. Upon arriving on scene officers located the three men all submerged in the water attempting to hold onto the overturned hull of the sailboat. Officers were able to pull out the panicked and exhausted males from the water into safety.
Members from the Canadian Coast Guard arrived on scene a few minutes later and were able to transport the males safely to shore whereupon they subsequently received treatment for hypothermia and exhaustion.
We are very fortunate these young males survived this life and death situation. It very easily could have been a tragedy. I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared before you set sail. The best protection you can give yourself on the water is to wear your lifejacket!”
Sergeant Andrew MacIsaac