Mounties rescue three from sinking boat off Flowerpot Island, Tobermory

On Thursday August 11, 2011, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET) and the Sarnia Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) rescued three occupants from a capsized boat near Flowerpot Island, Tobermory, Ontario.

 

At approximately 2:45pm the Sarnia RCMP vessel and police officers participating in a Joint Marine Enforcement campaign in the area were alerted by the operator of a local tour boat, about a dangerously overloaded boat. The RCMP encountered the small boat shortly after the boat set out on the waters. The RCMP vessel approached the boat and the officers observed that the three occupants were not wearing life jackets and the boat was overloaded with personal items. Waves at the time ranged from two to four feet in height. The small boat began to take on water from the stern. Direction was given to the boat operator to return to calmer waters.

 

Once in calmer waters the RCMP vessel approached the boat. The small boat continued to take on water and quickly capsized. One occupant was able to board the RCMP vessel before the boat capsized. The other two occupants were quickly recovered from the water. No injuries were sustained and the occupants were transferred to the Canadian Coast Guard Vessel, the Isle Rouge, to dry off and warm up. The victims and their belongings were transported safely back to Tobermory. The boat was later salvaged by the owners.