 Rescue Squad Searches for Lost Boater
(Pierre, SD) June 1, 2002 The Pierre Fire
Department (PFD) Rescue Squad was called to action about 1:35 am today.
Owners of a boat normally docked in a slip at Downs Marina became lost
while returning to the marina from the Bad River area. It was becoming dark as they made their way back toward the
marina and they missed the entrance from the main channel to the Hipple Lake
area. They became stuck in an area with only about one foot of
water around 10 pm the evening of May 31. They
finally called for help from a cell phone about 1:35 am and the PFD Rescue Squad
was alerted. At this point they were unable to determine their location
except to say that they could see the airport lights and some highway traffic. Squad members launched B-1, their medium size rescue
boat. Since there were few clues as
to the location of the stranded boat, the Squad searched from the mouth of the
Bad River downstream. Another crew was sent to the Farm Island area to await
further information. The Squad was initially able to talk to the stranded people
by cell phone but their batteries soon began to die and contact was lost. A telephone call to dispatch from a resident along Highway
34 indicated they had heard a horn and could see lights from a boat in their
area. A ground crew was sent to the
area to get a more exact location. The stranded vessel was finally located.
However, the water was too shallow for B-1 to enter the area.
Several tries were made and it was decided to try another method. The Avon, a shallow water inflatable boat with a 9.9
hp engine, was taken to the river and launched at a point near the Girl Scout
Cabin. They were able to maneuver
to the stranded boat. The PFD crew
helped the owner get their boat to the riverbank and secure it.
They then took the boater to their ground vehicle so they could return
home. PFD Rescue crews returned to Pierre and serviced and fueled
their equipment before returning home. The
entire operation ended about 5:30 am as dawn began to break. Boaters are reminded to plan ahead to their return as they
go out. They should allow plenty of
time to return to their launch point before dark unless they are intimately
familiar with the river area. Efforts
should be made to constantly assess their location so they do not become lost.
All persons should wear life vests while on board. The Rescue Squad is an auxiliary company of the Pierre Fire Department. All members volunteer their time to provide fire and rescue service to the citizens of Pierre and surrounding areas.
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