DRPS and a civilian assisted a boater in distress on Lake Ontario Sunday.
On Sunday, June 24, 2018 at approximately 7:40 p.m., a call came in regarding a boater in distress on Lake Ontario, about 500 meters from the Whitby marina. The operator of the boat suffered an engine malfunction and a fire broke out in the engine compartment. Smoke was seen from witnesses on shore, along with the boater’s distress signal.
When police arrived, a boater at the marina offered the use of his vessel to allow officers to access the boater in distress quickly. They arrived to find the fire had been put out and the boater was towed back to shore using the civilian boat.
In this incident this boater was prepared, however police would like to remind other boaters to make sure they are prepared before heading out on the water:
As the Canada Day long weekend approaches, take a look at our Marine Unit safety video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKjlEuRNm1c
Visit the Transport Canada website for more safety guides and regulations here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm