‘Mayday’ rescue sees 2 people pulled from chilly Georgian Bay

The CCG Inshore Rescue Boat crew took part in the rescue. From left Chase Tyrrell, Emma Moore (coxswain) and Lyndon Swick of the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat service. The post-secondary students are stationed for the summer at Brebeuf Island. (Coast Guard photo)

PORT McNICOLL — Two people were pulled from cold water in Georgian Bay Friday after a “Mayday” call went out.

Provincial police from the South Georgian Bay OPP detachment said the Canadian Guard rescued two people from the water after a boat capsized late last Friday night on southeastern Georgian Bay.

The say just before 11 p.m. the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton received a call from the OPP indicating a boat was sinking near is Port McNicoll.

The Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Sarnia immediately broadcast “Mayday Relay” messages across the marine airwaves.

JRCC Trenton tasked the Coast Guard’s inshore rescue boat from Brebeuf Island, as well as the CCGS Samuel Risley and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat, CGA Thunder Spirit of Penetanguishene.

Within 15 minutes the inshore rescue boat crew arrived in the search area.

With the aid of the CCGS Samuel Risley’s spotlight they located the pair in the water clinging to debris from their boat. Neither was wearing a life jacket. The individuals were recovered into the Coast Guard’s fast rescue craft. They were safely transferred to County of Simcoe Paramedics waiting on shore, where they were evaluated for hypothermia.

Police said the waterways still remain very cold at this time of year and take much longer to warm up compared to the air.

The coast guard urges boaters to make sure they have enough approved life-jackets on board the vessel for every passenger, and that they’re easily accessible. Don’t store them underneath a seat or below deck.

Better yet, wear them. Donning a life-jacket is much harder once you’re in the water, especially if you’re injured.

The names of those rescued are not being released.

CCG Inshore Rescue Boat crew is attached. From left to right, Chase Tyrrell, Emma Moore (coxswain) and Lyndon Swick of the Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat service. These post-secondary students are stationed for the summer at Brebeuf Island.