Coast Guard rescues man in Lake Michigan after boat becomes disabled

Photo Courtesy: Petty Officer 3rd Class Keith Fruncillo. A man was rescued in Lake Michigan after his boat became disabled and started taking on water Tuesday morning.

SAULT STE. MARIE — A man was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after his vessel was adrift and taking on water in Lake Michigan.

A watchstander at the Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie command center received a call just before 11:30 Tuesday morning from the owner of a 16-foot commercial fishing vessel stating his boat was disabled. The vessel was adrift about three miles northwest of Cross Village.

A boat crew from the Coast Guard Station in St. Ignace was launched to rescue the man shore side, along with Tribal Conservation Officers. The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, which was conducting aids to navigation operations about 20 miles away from the scene, was diverted to the incident.

The Mackinaw arrived on scene around 1:30, shortly after a boat crew was launched aboard the cutter’s small boat. The man and the disabled vessel were towed into the Cross Village boat ramp.

The name of the man is not being released.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure a safe outing, including making sure you have a marine radio to call for help. Don’t rely on a cell phone since you may not get coverage away from shore. Also, wear a life jacket at all times, check the weather forecast before venturing out, and wear the proper clothing to stay dry and warm, and to prevent hypothermia.