CLEVELAND – The U.S. Coast Guard, along with multiple international, federal, state and local agencies, assisted 545 people and saved five lives during the “unofficial” Port Huron, Mich., Float Down, between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., August 15, 2010.
In addition to the lives saved and people assisted, responders provided two medical transports, issued two district court violations and kept seven commercial vessels from entering the safety zone established to protect those participating in the Float Down.
“Without the tremendous interagency efforts by international, federal, local and state agencies, there would have been many lives lost today during the Port Huron Float Down,” said Capt. Jeff Ogden, Commanding Officer at Coast Guard Sector Detroit.
Assets and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, City of Marysville Police and Fire Departments, City of Port Huron Police and Fire Departments, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Ira Township Fire Department, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Ontario Provincial Police participated in the operation.
A total of 30 vessels were on scene during the Float Down.
Tri Hospitals provided Emergency Medical Services during the event.
The Coast Guard works closely with other international, federal, state and local agencies to provide its life-saving services to those recreating on the Great Lakes.
