Rescues in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie
DETROIT— U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents assigned to the Erie Marine unit along with U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Detroit Border Patrol Station rescued five individuals from the water over the weekend in two separate incidents.
The first incident began on July 8, at approximately 7:00 p.m., when AMO Marine Interdiction agents from the Erie Marine Unit were conducting a marine patrol inside Presque Isle Bay in Erie, PA. While on patrol, the Agents observed a vessel underway that appeared to be trying to retrieve a person in the water. As the Agents approached the distressed swimmer, another passenger from the vessel jumped into the water to try assist. Upon witnessing the two individuals struggling to stay afloat, the AMO vessel crew pulled alongside for a direct pickup of the two individuals in the water. The vessel and passengers were escorted back to the dock with no injuries.
patrols Lake St. Clair
“If it wasn’t for the quick action of these Marine Interdiction agents and Border Patrol agents the outcome could have been much worse,” said Brandon Snader Director, Marine Operations at the Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch. “Boaters should remember to follow the Coast Guards carriage requirements as it relates to lifejackets and throwable devices.”
The second incident began on July 9, at approximately 5:32 p.m., when U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Detroit Station Marine Unit were conducting a marine patrol on Lake St. Clair. While patrolling near St. Clair Shores, the crew observed three people in the water drifting away from their vessel frantically waiving their hands. The Agents quickly maneuvered their Border Patrol vessel towards the group of people and deployed both a rescue-line bag and life-ring successfully pulling the individuals out of the water. All three individuals were offered medical attention, but declined. The individuals were subsequently transported back to their vessel.
“This is a testament to the selfless service and professionalism our agents show each and every day,” said Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison. “This is another great example of how we protect the people of the United States.”