A Tuesday evening outing on Lake Erie turned terrifying off Kelleys Island when a small recreational boat flipped and sank, tossing three men into the water. Rescue crews pulled all three from the lake and rushed them to nearby hospitals, officials said. One of the men survived after treading water for more than four hours before searchers finally spotted him and brought him aboard.
How the rescue unfolded
The distress call came in at about 6:30 p.m., and responders later found the overturned vessel about 150 yards from shore near the Newman Ferry dock, Kelleys Island police chief James Bartus said, according to Cleveland.com. Two men were pulled aboard early in the response while crews kept searching the darkening water for the third boater.
Coast Guard and local crews
A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew from Station Marblehead rescued two of the men and coordinated the search for the third, according to WTVG. A Coast Guard representative told the station the survivors were “awake and alert” and were evaluated by medical personnel once they were back on shore.
Third man found after hours in the water
The third boater was finally located roughly halfway between Kelleys Island and Marblehead after treading water for more than four hours, according to reporting by the Sandusky Register. That outlet reported that TowBoat US and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources joined local responders to help with the search and recovery effort.
Who was on scene
Kelleys Island police and fire crews assisted alongside TowBoat US and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Cleveland.com reported. Officials have not released details about the boat or the identities of the men while the investigation continues.
Safety reminder on a volatile lake
Lake Erie conditions can turn on boaters in a hurry, and hypothermia remains a risk even during the warmer months. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources urges boaters to wear life jackets, file a float plan and stay with the vessel if it remains afloat. ODNR's Lake Erie Islands water-trail guidance also recommends checking NOAA forecasts and local advisories before heading out.
Authorities say the investigation into what caused the capsize is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or video to contact Kelleys Island police. WTVG reported the survivors were taken to hospitals for evaluation and are in stable condition.
