CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard rescued three people in Lake Erie off of a boat taking on water Saturday afternoon.
At about noon, a watchstander at Coast Guard Station Lorain, Ohio, received notification that a 19-foot recreational boat carrying three people was taking on water North of Vermillion, Ohio, in Lake Erie. All three people were wearing life jackets.
A rescue boatcrew launched from the station aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small. When they arrived on scene, the rescue crew dewatered the recreational boat and towed it to the Vermillion public boat launch. At the boat launch, the rescue crew conducted a post-rescue boarding, finding no violations. The rescue crew determined the vessel was taking on water as a result of a crack in the transom.
There were no reports of injuries or pollution.
“One of the most important things to do before getting back on the water for the first time in spring is to thoroughly inspect your boat inside and out and make sure the boat itself and its equipment are working properly,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Spencer Braid, officer-of-the-day at Station Lorain. “By inspecting equipment such as life jackets and cleaning out the bilge pump, you can decrease unnecessary risks while enjoying the natural beauty of the water.”
The Coast Guard wishes to remind boaters that water temperatures in Lake Erie are still cold enough to cause hypothermia. Current water surface temperatures for Lake Erie are available by clicking here.
Click here for more information on boating safety.
Coast Guard 25-foot file photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen Lehmann.
