The Huronia West/Collingwood joint OPP Marine unit successfully rescued two individuals stranded on the water after their vessel sank on Georgian Bay.
On Sunday June 20, 2021, at 6:20 p.m. officers responded to a 9-1-1 distress call from a concerned citizen on land near Georgian Manor Drive reporting an air horn was heard repeatedly from the Bay and it appeared that a vessel was sinking.
The OPP Marine Unit arrived on scene approximately one kilometre out from shore within minutes of the original 9-1-1 call. Vessel debris were located along with a male and female in the water. It was then confirmed that their vessel had sunk. Both individuals were uninjured and were safely transported back to shore.
The initial police investigation revealed that the 14 foot vessel had lost power and started taking on water through the heavy waves crashing over top.
The OPP would like to remind the public of the importance of having the prescribed safety equipment on board a vessel to utilize during an emergency situation, including a life jacket or PFD for all occupants. In this case, if the operator failed to have a proper sound signalling device, the situation may have become tragic.
