(THUNDER BAY, ON) On Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at approximately 9:50 a.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Communications Centre (PCC) received a call advising of three people stranded on an island on Athelstane Lake.
The three individuals were camping on the island when a storm struck early Tuesday morning. The strong winds and rain during the storm caused their boat to drift away, leaving the people stranded on the island.
The Thunder Bay OPP Marine Unit attended Athelstane Lake, and were boating on very rough waters during the very windy conditions yesterday. The Marine Unit officer located and rescued the stranded campers. The campers’ boat was located swamped on shore; water was bailed from the boat and towed back to the boat launch. There were no injuries reported.
Amazingly, the campers were able to obtain cell phone service considering their remote location. Another popular item being utilized by boaters and campers is the GPS Satellite Locator System. The GPS Satellite Locator System utilizes an emergency beacon and may also feature a type and send message feature allowing messages to be created from the device that are delivered over the satellite network to emergency personnel or personal contacts.
Always take the time to plan for the unexpected or an emergency, especially if travelling to remote areas. Advise people of your destination, method of travel and your anticipated expected time of return