US Coast Guard Saves Five from Capsized Boat

A US Coast Guard boat crew rescued five people from the St. Lawrence Seaway near Cape Vincent, New York, after their boat hit a large wake and capsized Saturday evening.

Just before 9:30 p.m., while returning to base from a patrol, a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Alexandria Bay, New York, aboard a 25-foot response boat, saw a 19-foot pleasure craft hit a large wake and capsize resulting in five people being thrown into the water.

The response boat crew rescued all five people from the water and a good Samaritan assisted in towing the capsized boat back to shore. None of the five people were wearing a life jacket.

There were no reports of any injuries or pollution.

“It is important for boaters to be mindful of their wake at all times, especially while in restricted waterways, ” said Mike Baron, the recreational boating safety specialist for the Coast Guard 9th District in Cleveland. “A large wake can cause damage to the shoreline and other vessels.”

The Coast Guard also urges boaters to wear their life jackets at all times while underway.

“This accident highlights how unpredictable conditions can be on the water, and how quickly passengers can be caught off guard,” said Baron.

[mappress]
Press Release, July 14, 2014; Image: Wikimedia