Four Rescued From Sinking Boat In Saginaw Bay

CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard rescued four people in Saginaw Bay from a boat taking on water Tuesday night.

The names and hometowns of the rescued are not being released, and there is no Coast Guard imagery.

At 7:45 p.m., a watchstander at Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, in Essexville, Mich., received notification that a 24-foot recreational boat carrying four people was taking on water near Channel Island in Saginaw Bay. The owner stated they began taking on water when several large waves entered the boat. The boat's bilge pump was not working properly and the boat was sinking.

A rescue boatcrew launched from the station aboard a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water. The rescue crew dewatered the recreational boat and towed it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources boat ramp near the entrance to Saginaw Bay.

“One of the most important things to do before getting back on the water for the first time in spring is to thoroughly inspect the boat inside and out and make sure the boat itself and equipment works properly,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Reed, officer-of-the-day at Station Saginaw River. “By inspecting equipment such as life jackets and cleaning out the bilge pump, you can decrease unnecessary risks while enjoying the natural beauty of the water.”

The Coast Guard wishes to remind boaters that water temperatures around Saginaw Bay are still cold enough to cause hypothermia.