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None Injured in WI Point Boating Mishap

07/28/2014

Emergency responders were called to Wisconsin Point on Saturday afternoon July 26 at 5:19pm on a report of a sinking boat and 8 people in the water.

On arrival, an 18ft fiberglass Stingray boat was observed near the shore sitting very low in the water.  All persons aboard, 3 adults and 5 children ages 8 through 11, were safe and accounted for onshore.

The boat owner and operator, Daniel Summers, 43, Duluth, stated he had been travelling along Wisconsin Point when he saw a large chunk of wood in the water.  He stated he swerved at the last moment but was unable to avoid striking the object, which turned out to be a railroad tie. The impact tossed at least two of the children out of the boat. The boat was full of water after impact, believed to be from the side of the boat dropping below the waterline from the force of impact. The occupants and boat were able to make it to shore.

The boat was towed by the Sheriff’s Office Zodiac to Rice’s Point and loaded on the owner’s trailer.  Minor damage and two small holes through the fiberglass were observed on the underside.

All occupants on board were wearing life jackets and no injuries were reported.   The Sheriff’s Office encourages all persons to wear their life jackets while on the water.

Also responding to this incident was the Superior Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance and the US Coast Guard.