Fairview Township, PA – Today at approximately 12:15 PM, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake Shore Fire Department, and Lake City Fire Company were dispatched for a reported vessel in distress. First responders were looking for a 16-foot boat, black and gray, with three souls on board. Additionally, units were advised that all individuals were wearing life vests. PA Fish Commission made initial contact with the vessel in distress and advised that they were under power. However, moments later, the vessel engine reported cut out and the boat was still taking on water. PA Fish and Boat made the decision to have the three souls evacuate their boat on to the PA Fish and Boat Commission vessel where they were then transferred to Walnut Creek Access. Before Fish and Boat departed, Lake Shore and Lake City personnel remained with the boat.

Soon after, U.S. Coast Guard Station Erie along with a vessel from the US Border Patrol arrived on scene. Due to the emergency of a vessel actively taking on water, crews worked collectively to come up with a plan to bring the vessel back to shore. The Coast Guard and Lake City personnel utilized mobile water pumps to pump water out of the boat to keep it afloat. Soon after, the US Coast Guard towed the vessel back to Walnut Creek Access. Both Lake City and Lake Shore Fire Department personnel assisted Coast Guard with rigging and transporting the boat back to the access. Once at the visitors dock, Coast Guard and fire personnel assisted in securing the boat and then helping the individuals get it onto a trailer.

This successful operation showcased the excellent collaboration and effort by all entities involved.