CLEVELAND – A Coast Guard rescue boatcrew responded to the scene of a collision between two personal watercraft and rescued two people in Lake Erie near Edgewater Beach, here, Saturday evening.
Rescued were Walter Unczik, a 25-year-old male who reportedly suffered a broken arm and Francis Blair, a 23-year-old-female who reportedly suffered head trauma and contusions.
The two individuals were wearing life jackets.
The Coast Guard was notified at 8:55 p.m. by bystander on land who reported the collision between the two watercraft. Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, had a rescue crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium on scene within four minutes.
Matthew Gabel, an EMT with Rural/Metro Ambulance services, was on the beach and witnessed the collision and swam out to assist the victims before the boatcrew’s arrival.
“Both individuals having their life jackets on at the time helped them stay afloat even with their injuries,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Dale Veverka, coxswain of the Coast Guard’s 45-foot RB-M. “Wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water is one of the most important things boaters can do to keep themselves safe.”
After recovering the people from the water, the crew of the 45-foot RB-Me transported the two victims to Edgewater Marina, where they were transferred to local EMS for medical treatment.
