Coast Guard Saves 3 From Capsized Boat on Lake Erie

Three people are safe tonight after their boat capsized near Kelleys Island in Lake Erie Tuesday evening, thanks to a vigilant witness and a coordinated rescue effort. The dramatic rescue unfolded just after 6:30 p.m. when someone heard desperate cries for help coming from the water.

A witness immediately called for help, setting a rescue in motion that would involve local police, fire crews, EMS, and the Coast Guard. Kelleys Island emergency responders arrived first and spotted two people clinging to their overturned vessel about 150 yards from shore.

The Coast Guard Station Marblehead quickly dispatched a 45-foot Response Boat to the scene. Within minutes, rescuers pulled the first two people from the water and brought them to waiting EMS crews on shore.

But the rescue wasn't over. A third person was still missing somewhere in the lake.

The Coast Guard launched a rescue helicopter from Detroit to search the area. From above, the helicopter crew spotted the third person treading water and holding onto a life jacket for dear life.

Coast Guard boat crews reached the exhausted swimmer and brought them safely to shore. All three people were transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Sunny's Take

Petty Officer 1st Class Ashlyn Schmidt, who served as coxswain at Station Marblehead, summed up the rescue with humble pride. "We're just glad to help and save some lives," she said.

But Schmidt also shared the lesson that made all the difference in this story. "Make sure when you go on the water to wear a life jacket, it could save your life!" she emphasized.

That third person clinging to a life jacket proves her point perfectly. While we don't know all the details of what caused the boat to capsize, we do know that life jacket kept someone afloat long enough for help to arrive.

This rescue shows what's possible when someone speaks up, communities respond quickly, and people take basic safety precautions seriously. Three families get to hug their loved ones tonight because of all three.