Photo/Craig McMorris
Photo/Craig McMorrisBAY COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -
A rescue boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, in Bay City, Mich., rescued two men after their 17-foot Bayliner capsized in Saginaw Bay about two miles offshore of Linwood, Friday morning.
Watchstanders at Station Saginaw received a report from the local 911 dispatcher of two fishermen who were attempting to retrieve fish. The reporting source who called 911 stated they saw the vessel begin to take on water from the stern, and then capsize.
Within 10 minutes of the initial call, rescue crews from Station Saginaw River were on scene with the capsized vessel. Crews found the two men, who had climbed back on to the overturned vessel. Coast Guard Sector Detroit issued an urgent marine information broadcast, alerting marines of the two people in the water.
"One man had a life jacket on, and the other was holding on to a type IV throwable rescue ring," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Stephenson, a boat crewman from Station Saginaw River. "A good lesson to learn from during this case is that fishermen need to be aware of the environmental factors while fishing. Personal safety gear should always be ready, as you never know when distress could come."
The Coast Guard boatcrew transported both individuals ashore, where they were met by Linwood Fire Department members who treated them for mild hypothermia.
Their names are not being released.
Crewmembers from Aids to Navigation Team Saginaw River, observed the vessel nearly 95% underwater. They marked the vessel as a hazard to navigation and have since issued a broadcast for safety in the area.
Local commercial salvage plans to dewater the vessel and tow it back to the mainland this evening.
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