Michigan Father And Son Survive Rescue on Dangerous Lake Huron Waters

According to Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson, emergency crews were called around 4 p.m. Saturday after reports of two missing sailboats near Oak Beach. The boats were small, less than 12 feet long, and each was occupied by either the father or the son.

As you can imagine, that's not the kind of call anyone wants to receive. A search quickly got underway involving the Huron County Sheriff's Office, firefighters from Caseville and Port Austin, and even the United States Coast Guard.

Good Samaritans Help Son Reach Shore Near Caseville

Thankfully, the son managed to make it back to shore with help from some good Samaritans who spotted him. The father wasn't as fortunate. He remained in the water until Caseville firefighters located him about an hour later using their fireboat.

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Once back on shore, Thumb EMS treated him for exposure. Fortunately, both men survived and neither suffered serious injuries according to ABC 12.

Life Jackets Credited For Happy Ending in Lake Huron Rescue

Sheriff Hanson says there's one major reason this story had a happy ending: both men were wearing life jackets. It's a reminder that even experienced boaters can get caught off guard on the Great Lakes.

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While conditions near shore may not seem all that bad, things can change quickly once you're farther out. Hanson says strong southerly winds created dangerous conditions along Huron County's northern shoreline Saturday. Wind gusts reached 30 mph, creating currents strong enough to make it nearly impossible for small sailboats, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft to get back to shore.

Sheriff Issues Summer Boating Warning for Michiganders

Water temperatures were still only in the upper 60s, which can become dangerous if you're stranded in the water for an extended period.

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Sheriff Hanson noted that similar incidents have turned deadly in the past and is urging anyone heading out on the water this summer to wear a life jacket and pay close attention to changing weather conditions. As this father and son learned, Lake Huron can go from enjoyable to dangerous in a hurry.