OPP RESPOND TO VESSEL IN DISTRESS
(Haviland Twp., ON) – At approximately 3:10 pm on Monday, July 23rd, 2012 OPP received a distress cell phone call from a vessel that had lost steering power at the mouth of the Batchewana River and was drifting quickly in 6 foot waves.
The owner had power to two of the three outboard motors but had no steering capability. The couple on board the 40 foot Intrepid from Minneapolis were instructed to anchor down and maintain safety precautions by wearing their life jackets.
There was a strong wind warning on the marine forecast for Eastern Lake Superior and Sault Ste. Marie OPP Marine Unit responded using the 32 foot Thomas B. O’Grady vessel.
The vessel in distress was located by OPP in Horseshoe Bay and towed to Haviland Bay out of the wind and waves.
There were no injuries.
The Auxiliary Coast Guard vessel Argonaut also assisted in the rescue.