(KINGSVILLE, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit, along with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) responded to a distress call from the occupants of a twenty four foot Yamaha jet boat on July 30, 2016 at 10:05 p.m. in the waters of Lake Erie near Cedar Beach, Kingsville.
The vessel, occupied by twelve people, was returning from Put-In-Bay between two weather systems, when they reportedly had mechanical issues and began to take on water at a rapid rate.
The OPP’s newest vessel, the Chris D. Lewis responded quickly and located the pleasure craft just prior to it sinking. All twelve members were taken aboard the OPP vessel and the jet boat was towed back to the Canadian Coast Guard base in Amherstburg. Upon arrival, the OPP were assisted by the Mark 7, an inflatable rescue vessel from the coast guard base.
All persons on board were cold and wet but sustained no injuries.