A couple who capsized their jet ski Aug. 7 on Lake Erie, were rescued and returned to shore safely by Vermilion Police Department Marine Patrol Unit.
At 2:20 p.m., the Vermilion Police Department received a phone call from a resident from the area of Edgewater Drive and Erie Road who reported “an overturned PWC (jet ski) on Lake Erie with the two occupants in the water,” according to a news release.
The Vermilion Marine Patrol Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard both responded to the scene.
Vermilion Marine Patrol Unit officers located the jet ski with the man and woman hanging on it about a half mile offshore, the release stated.
“The riders had been able to right the (jet ski), but were unable to pull themselves back onto it,” the release stated.
The couple also could not reach their phone and the other safety gear stowed onboard the jet ski, according to the release.
“The riders were safely pulled from the water by the responding VPD MPU (Vermilion Police Department Marine Patrol Unit) officers,” the release stated.
The couple then was transported back to the Vermilion harbor and medically cleared by the awaiting LifeCare Ambulance paramedics, the release stated.
The U.S. Coast Guard Station’s Lorain boat also arrived on scene to assist and brought the jet ski back to shore, the release stated.
“Once again, the waters of Lake Erie quickly changed from 1-2 foot waves to 3 foot to -5-foot waves, catching the riders off guard,” according to the release.
Police determined a large wave capsized the jet ski, throwing the riders into the water, the release stated.
Police also noted the incident is the second successful search and rescue mission for the Vermilion Police Department Marine Patrol Unit in less than a month.
The first incident occurred July 11, the release stated.
“Please make sure to thoroughly plan any outings out onto Lake Erie; check the weather, check your safety gear, let someone know your plans, and most of all don’t take chances,” police advised.
