Four very lucky locals rescued - canoe swamps near Gros Cap

OPP NEWS RELEASE

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Four people overboard

Three local citizens save their lives

DENNIS TWP, ON – On May 18, 2012. at approximately 7:20 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP officers and Marine Unit received a call from a female advising that four people canoeing in front of their residence on Lake Superior (Gros Cap area) were now in the water and their canoe appeared swamped.

Mr. Patrick Leonard (a retired OPP officer) and his niece, Leanna Frappier, grabbed their 12-foot aluminum boat and life jackets and headed out onto Lake Superior.

The engine of their aluminum boat was down, so they paddled out towards the distressed canoeists.  

Christine Michaud, who initially saw the canoeists in the water, remained on the phone keeping the OPP Communication Centre abreast of what was happening.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Leonard came upon a 16-foot swamped canoe, with two males (ages 20 and 21) and two females (both age 17) in the water. 

It is estimated that the canoeists were in the frigid 50 degree water for more than half an hour.

The two females were lifted into the boat. 

The two males hung on to the rear of the boat as Mr. Leonard and Ms. Frappier paddled back to shore.  

While returning to shore the two males could not hold on any longer and they too had to be lifted into the 16-foot aluminum boat.

All six returned to shore safely.

The canoeists suffered mild hypothermia and were attended to by paramedics at the scene.

There were no life jackets on board the canoe.

If not for the efforts of Christine Michaud observing the distressed canoeists and the quick action of Patrick Leonard and Leanna Frappier, this incident would have had a tragic ending.

The OPP commend these citizens for saving the lives of these four people.

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To read today's City Police beat report, click here.