Duck hunters and dog stranded off St. Joseph Island

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE FIRE SERVICES

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Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services personnel kept busy

During the early hours of September 23, 2012, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services was requested by the OPP to assist in a rescue of three American duck hunters who were stranded in their disabled boat off the coast of St. Joseph Island near Fort St. Joseph.

The U.S. Coast Guard monitored the stranded vessel as they were unable to enter the shallow waters with their boat. 

Fire Services launched their water rescue craft from Sailors Encampment and made contact with the stranded duck hunters at approximately 04:00 hours.

The duck hunters and a dog were then taken to the nearby U.S. Coast Guard craft where they were treated for hypothermia.

Later that morning, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services responded to the 100 block of Churchill Boulevard for a structure fire.

The fire was brought under control by Fire Services personnel within 40 minutes.

The lone occupant of the structure was alerted by a smoke alarm and escaped without injury. 

A responding firefighter was treated for minor injuries at the Sault Area Hospital and released.

The structure received extensive smoke and fire damage.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Remember, only working smoke alarms can save your life! 

Test your smoke alarms monthly. 

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