First responders perform multiple water rescues off Ohio’s Lake Erie coast

By Heather Chapin
The Morning Journal

LORAIN, Ohio — Several people were rescued by area safety service personnel across Lorain and Erie counties’ Lake Erie shores.

Vermilion Police Department Marine Patrol Unit had a very busy day on July 6 while patrolling the waterways, according to the department.

The first call came in when a 19-foot powerboat was sinking in the Vermilion River, a news release stated.

The boat had been out on Lake Erie and was operating too close to shore just off of Sherod Park when it struck a boulder which damaged the vessel’s propeller and motor, stated the release.

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The boat’s operator was able to drive the boat back to the river while the Marine Patrol Unit assisted by towing it up the river.

Parsons Marina then stepped in to lift the boat out of the water using a boat hoist.

“None of the seven occupants on board were injured,” the release stated.

During the second call of the day, the Marine Patrol Unit responded to the area of the shoreline near Crystal Cove and Morton Drive for a woman who was operating a Jet Ski and had fallen off the personal watercraft.

The woman was unable to get back on the vessel bringing the police department, Vermilion Township Fire Department and an outside agency who assisted her to shore where she was aided by area residents until the Vermilion Fire Department arrived.

“The female was shaken up, but otherwise unharmed,” the release stated.

During a third call, the Marine Patrol Unit sought out an unconscious female who was reported to be a passenger on a 42-foot sailboat.

The unit arrived on scene and the Marine Patrol officer was able to board the vessel to render first aid to the woman while the vessel was towed back to the Vermilion River.

Police officers and Lifecare EMS met the Marine Patrol Officer and sailboat at Waterworks docks. The woman was then helped off the boat and examined by paramedics.

On July 6, at 8:32 a.m., Sheffield Lake Fire Department rescued two people who were in the water as their boat was in the process of sinking approximately a half-mile offshore at Shell Cove Park, according to a news release from that department.

The firefighters found the pair at 8:48 a.m., the release noted.

“The boaters were outfitted with life vests and returned to shore without injury,” the release stated.

Safety crews from Avon Lake Fire, Lorain Police and the United States Coast Guard assisted with the rescue.

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