CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Three men were rescued, and one of them died after a boat ran aground on rocks near Starve Island in Lake Erie Saturday morning, according to the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes District.
The Great Lakes District said the Coast Guard Sector Detroit watchstanders were alerted about a boat with three men aboard running aground on rocks near Starve Island at 3 a.m. by Ottawa County.
The county issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched the Coast Guard Station Marblehead Response Boat-Medium crew five minutes later.
The Coast Guard Air Station Detroit launched a helicopter at 3:42 a.m.
The Great Lakes District said crews from the Station Marblehead arrived at the scene at 3:41 a.m. and pulled two of the men from the water at 4:20 a.m.
One of the two men was unconscious, and the second was reported to have major injuries, according to the Great Lakes District.
The helicopter crews located and rescued the third man, who was reported to have no injuries.
The Coast Guard said the three men were transported to hospitals in Cleveland and Port Clinton for medical care.
One of the men died at 6:20 a.m.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life in this incident,” said Lt. j.g. Samuel Rodriguez, Coast Guard Sector Detroit public affairs officer. “While we’re grateful our crews were able to bring two people to safety, this tragedy serves as an important reminder that conditions on the water can change quickly. We encourage all mariners to wear a properly fitted life jacket, monitor weather and water conditions, and carry reliable communication equipment every time they get underway.”
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