Windsurfer surfs off in the dark after two-hour joint rescue operation

Never go windsurfing on a windy November day, especially just before dark.

A Sault waterfront resident spotted a man who had fallen from his windsurfing board on the St. Marys River late Tuesday afternoon, Sault Fire Services platoon chief Jim Beach told SooToday.

The windsurfer appeared to be having difficulty getting back up and Sault Fire Services were called out for a rescue effort shortly after 5 p.m.

A Fire Services crew went out on the river on an airboat to search for the man.

Sault, Michigan police and the Canadian Coast Guard also received calls regarding the windsurfer.

Sault, Ontario police sent a cruiser and observed from the shore.

The man was eventually spotted windsurfing by Fire Services near the Sugar Island Ferry dock.

"The last time I saw him he appeared to be fine, he was standing up and surfing across the river," Beach said.

The search and rescue operation ended around 7 p.m.