Skip to content

Canadian vessel rescues stranded Grand Portage jet skier

The Canadian bulk carrier M/V Michipoicoten rescued a missing Grand Portage jet skier on Lake Superior near Isle Royale
Michipoicoten
The M/V Michipicoten rescued a missing jet skier on Lake Superior. (supplied courtesy of Marc Dease).

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. - A jet skier who found himself stranded on Lake Superior is safe thanks to the quick actions of the captain and crew of a Canadian vessel.

Last Monday, Capt. Jonathan Barnes of M/V Michipicoten, a self-unloading bulk carrier with Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., was contacted at approximately 11 p.m. by the United States Coast Guard regarding a missing jet skier who had left from Grand Portage, Minn.

The jet skier’s last known location, approximately 25 nautical miles south of Isle Royale, was close to the Michipicoten’s intended route to Sault Ste. Marie.

According to a release issued by Rand Logistics, which Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. is a subsidiary, Barnes acted without hesitation and steered his vessel toward the location of the missing jet skier.

“The gentleman on the jet ski had managed to have cell range for only a short period to make a call to the USCG,” Barnes said the release. “We were assisted by a USCG-dispatched helicopter. The crew did a fantastic job in preparing the deck to retrieve him, of course, not knowing the condition of the jet skier if found.”

The weather at the time was described as fair but chilly. Fortunately, the jet skier was found at approximately 2 a.m.  in good health and brought onto the vessel. Following discussions with the USCG, it was decided to take the man on the vessel to Sault Ste. Marie.

“At that time, we decided to retrieve his jet ski as well,” Barnes said. “This would prevent a future safety marine broadcast of an unmanned vessel if found. Once again, the crew did an amazing job retrieving the craft.”

The Michipicoten resumed its course to Sault Ste. Marie at full speed and the jet skier made arrangements to return home.

“Thank you to the crew of the Michipicoten for all your efforts for bringing this gentleman home safe to his family,” said Capt. Gerry Ray, Vice President of Operations at Lower Lakes Towing. “The crew’s search efforts at night and successful rescue are recognized by the USCG and others."




Comments

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks