CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard rescued eight people after the vessel they were aboard began taking on water on the southwest side of Muskegon Lake in Muskegon, Michigan, Sunday afternoon.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m., the watchstander at Coast Guard Station Muskegon received a call over VHF-FM channel 16 from a good Samaritan stating that a 30-foot vessel with eight people aboard was taking on water in Muskegon Lake.
A boat crew from Station Muskegon was launched aboard a 45-foot response boat. Once on-scene, the rescue crew brought all eight people aboard the response boat and prepared the vessel for a side tow, rigged for a quick release.
A Coast Guard engineer boarded the sinking vessel and secured a water intake hose, which was the source of the leak. The crew dewatered the vessel and towed it to the Muskegon Yacht Club.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to have their vessels inspected thoroughly before getting underway for the first time this year. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers vessel safety inspections free of charge.
It is also important for boaters to make sure they have the proper safety gear that is in good and working condition. VHF-FM radios, for example, are the best way to call for help in the event of an emergency. In addition to the Coast Guard receiving your distress call, other mariners in the area who are tuned to channel 16 can also hear your call for assistance.
