Windsor

Coast Guard rescues anglers after boat capsized on Lake St. Clair

The fishermen recognized the boat was going over, while on the northeastern part of the lake, and called 911 for help just moments before, according to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Two fisherman competing in Mitchell's Bay bass tournament managed to call for help before the boat overturned

Canadian Coast Guard rescuers pulled two fishermen from the waters of Lake St. Clair on Friday after the men's boat capsized during the Mitchell's Bay bass tournament. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Two anglers competing in the Mitchell's Bay bass tournament were rescued from the waters of Lake St. Clair after their boat capsized Friday morning. 

The fishermen recognized the boat was going over, while on the northeastern part of the lake, and called 911 for help just moments before they ended up in the water, according to the Canadian Coast Guard.  

Rescuers in a helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard were in the area for a training exercise when they heard the distress call. They were first to arrive, followed shortly by their Canadian counterparts in an inshore rescue boat.

The boat crew pulled the two men from the water and transferred them to a Chatham-Kent marine police vessel.

Coast Guard auxiliary and Windsor police also sent marine units to assist.

Both men were wearing life jackets, which rescuers largely attribute to their survival. 

Corrections

  • An earlier version of this story incorrectly indicated the two men were rescued from the Detroit River near downtown Windsor.
    Jul 07, 2017 6:19 PM ET