Three people rescued as boat sinks

KINGSVILLE – Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a vessel in distress off Kingsville on Lake Erie on Friday, June 18 around 12:45 p.m.

The operator of the 29-foot vessel was fighting strong winds and waves and noticed that it was taking on water. The three adult occupants onboard soon realized the boat was beginning to sink and they ended up in the water. All three were wearing lifejackets.

A call was placed to 911 from witnesses onshore and the OPP marine unit and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Trenton) were engaged. Prior to the OPP marine unit or JRCC Trenton-deployed units arriving on scene, a civilian vessel made its way out to the three parties and assisted with their rescue. All parties were accounted for and no injuries were sustained in the incident.

The OPP would like to remind all boaters the importance of the use of properly functioning fitted and approved lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs).

Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.