Three fishermen were pulled to safety Sunday after their older bass boat began taking on water in the middle of Lake St. Clair. A nearby charter captain and his clients reached the men before the vessel disappeared beneath the waves.
According to FOX 2 Detroit, Captain Zach Gaza was musky fishing in the lake’s southern channel near the Detroit River when he spotted one of the fishermen signaling for help. Gaza ordered his group to head straight toward the distressed boat, which was an older 17-foot fiberglass bass boat.
The fishermen had been traveling with the wind, but the situation changed when they turned into 3- to 4-foot waves, causing the boat to take on water. Gaza and his charter clients used their slightly larger boat to bring all three men aboard, while a tow boat later salvaged the sinking vessel.
Another Lake St. Clair Boat Rescue Came In April
The close call follows another rescue on Lake St. Clair earlier this year. WXYZ reported in April that three boaters were rescued after a small jon boat took on water and capsized roughly a quarter-mile from shore.
Gaza told FOX 2 Detroit that he has worked as a musky charter captain for about five years and occasionally encounters dangerous situations on the lake. He said the risk is worth it for a big fish at times, but not when it could keep people from returning home safely.
Michigan DNR Urges Boaters To Prepare For Rough Water
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns that Great Lakes boaters can encounter high waves and dangerous currents, even during otherwise pleasant outings. The agency recommends wearing properly fitted life jackets, checking vessels before departure, carrying a marine radio or cellphone and leaving a float plan with someone on shore.
