Two duck hunters were rescued off Wild Fowl Bay after their boat was swamped by strong winds, leaving one stranded offshore. Both declined further medical treatment.
Hunters Saved After Boat Swamps Two Miles Offshore
Two Michigan duck hunters faced harrowing conditions on Wild Fowl Bay this morning after their 14-foot boat was swamped by high waves from a strong east/southeast wind. The incident occurred around 10 a.m., approximately two miles northwest of Bay Port, in McKinley Township. The hunters, a 64-year-old man from Fenton and a 31-year-old from Kalamazoo, were equipped with life jackets but found themselves in a precarious situation when their vessel submerged, though it continued to float partially.
According to the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, one of the hunters remained with the partially submerged boat while the other attempted to swim back to shore. The Fairhaven Township Fire Department was the first to respond, mobilizing with assistance from Caseville Fire Department and Huron County deputies. Caseville Fire deployed the sheriff’s rescue airboat and their large rescue Zodiac boat. However, before the specialized equipment arrived, Fairhaven firemen secured a private airboat to expedite the rescue.
Swift Response Leads to Quick Rescue
The private airboat reached the distressed hunters and safely brought them back to shore, where they were met by a Scheurer Ambulance team. Both men, exposed to water temperatures in the mid-to-upper 40s, were evaluated on-site but declined further medical treatment. The rescue operation was completed within 90 minutes, with all emergency personnel safely clearing the scene.
Preparedness and Coordination Praised
The incident highlights the value of rapid emergency coordination and underscores the dangers of rough conditions on Michigan waters. Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson and local responders emphasized the importance of life jackets and quick action in ensuring a successful outcome. This swift and well-coordinated rescue serves as a reminder of both the risks involved in outdoor activities and the vital role of local emergency services.
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