PORT HURON, Mich. – A couple from Croswell nearly sunk an 18-foot Sea Ray boat Saturday when the boat hit a rope attached to a buoy in Lake Huron and started taking on water, according to police.
Witnesses reported seeing two flares on Lake Huron near Fisher Road.
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Authorities say the boat was traveling northbound in about 15 feet of water at around 11:40 p.m. when it hit the rope, which significantly damaged the outdrive. The 35-year-old man operating the boat got in touch with the Coast Guard on his marine radio and used his GPS to relay his location. He and his 31-year-old wife, the only other person on board, used oars to paddle toward shore.
The boat had already made it safely to shore and ran aground when emergency units arrived.
The man and his wife were both wearing life jackets during the accident and neither was injured. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.
Authorities say the boat likely would have sank in open water if the recommended safety equipment wasn't on board.