Owner Falls Overboard, Boat Crashes

Two Traverse City men were rescued from Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay last Monday night after their boat crashed into an Elmwood Township breakwall, the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office says.

According to the sheriff’s office, the men, a 60-year-old and 59-year-old, had been out boating in Grand Traverse Bay throughout the day on the boat, which was relatively new to them. 

Man Overboard—Twice!

While en route back to shore, the driver of the vessel had leaned over the side of the boat to check the exhaust when he lost his balance and fell overboard. His companion saw this happen and had made an attempt to save him causing him to fall overboard also.

The boat was still under power when it crashed, but no occupants from the vessel could immediately be located by sheriff and fire department personnel on scene. 

Shortly after arriving, officers heard screams for help coming from the water towards the east. A Good Samaritan boat with additional fire personnel immediately headed in that direction. The men were soon located and rescued.

After an on-scene investigation, the 60-year-old was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Leelanau County Jail for Boating while Intoxicated.

He reportedly said it was a sobering experience.