Cleveland Coast Guard crews have busy Saturday with multiple rescues

CLEVELAND - The rescue boatcrews at Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor have had a busy Saturday with multiple rescues.

The first incident happened around 11:30 a.m. A Coast Guard rescue boatcrew was patrolling in Cleveland Harbor during the Dragon Boat races when a boat participating in the race capsized, sending all 20 people aboard into the water. The rescue boatcrew was able to rescue three people, while the other 17 people were able to swim safely to shore. The three people rescued by the crew were taken to a dock at Shooter’s Bar and Grill where EMS was waiting. The three people were assessed and then released without injuries. All of the people in the water were wearing life jackets at the time.

"The people on the boat were not expecting to capsize, but dangerous situations can come unexpectedly, so it was good that they were wearing life jackets,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Julia Kinney.

The second incident happened around 12:35 p.m., when a boater reported that another boat nearby with two people on board was sinking after it struck the breakwall in Cleveland Harbor. A rescue boatcrew brought the two people on board the rescue boat and towed their boat to 72nd Street Marina. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

“It is important to always contact the Coast Guard at the first sign of an emergency situation,” said Officer Kinney, “This particular situation shows how a disabled boat can turn into a sinking boat fast.”