A marine rescue ended safely early Saturday morning, after volunteer search and rescue crews and the Canadian Coast Guard located a disabled 29-foot vessel navigating Lake Huron without working equipment or sufficient fuel.
The emergency began at 3:13 a.m. when PointSAR (Search and Rescue) Unit 512 was paged following a marine distress call.
A vessel carrying two passengers, travelling from Port Lambton to Grand Bend, wasn't able to move.
"JRCC (Joint Rescue Coordination Centre) was unable to communicate directly with the vessel and relied on information provided by a shore-based party, who had spoken with those on board after the vessel reportedly ran aground, before their phone battery died," PointSAR said in a Facebook post.
A search area was mapped out based on the vessel’s reported departure time and known shallow areas near Kettle Point.
"Our crew launched from Bridgeview Marina and was supported by CCG Goderich 753 due to the unknown location of the vessel and the size of the search area," PointSAR added. "While transiting near Blue Point, PointSAR located the vessel. The vessel was no longer aground and was underway, with one engine not operational. The crew made contact and confirmed that everyone on board was safe. The vessel had limited fuel, one operational engine, no operational navigation equipment and no working VHF radio. The vessel operator was unable to get his bearings and was unsure of the safest route to Grand Bend."
Due to weather conditions north of Kettle Point and the lack of a suitable safe harbour nearby, a decision was made for CCG to escort the vessel toward Sarnia Yacht Club for eventual repairs and refuelling. PointSAR's volunteer crew returned to base.
The overnight response has prompted rescuers to remind all boaters to inspect their equipment before heading out on the water.
Boaters should always carry a reliable, charged marine VHF radio, verify that all onboard navigation equipment is fully functional, and carry reserve fuel and standard emergency supplies.
