Coast Guard Rescues Two Stranded On Island In Saginaw Bay

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard rescued two people who became stranded on Channel Island in Saginaw Bay Sunday evening.

The names and hometowns of the rescued are not being released and there is no Coast Guard imagery available.

At 9 p.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Detroit received a report of two individuals stranded on Channel Island who were unable to make way in their inflatable paddle craft due to strong currents in the area.

A rescue boatcrew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat –Medium launched from Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, in Essexville, Mich.

The boatcrew rescued the two individuals and transported them to the Coast Guard station where they were treated for mild hypothermia by emergency medical services and released in good condition.

The inflatable paddle craft was left on the island to be recovered later.

“These two paddlers were extremely fortunate, especially given the frigid water temperatures,” said Chief Petty Officer Thomas Sims, executive petty officer at Station Saginaw River.

“With boating season ramping up and the change in seasons, it is imperative that boaters plan ahead and dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. We are ready to respond 24/7, but as fast as the Coast Guard is, cold water and hypothermia can be even faster.”