Sudbury firefighters rescue sailors amid high winds on Ramsey Lake

A sailboat on Lake Ramsey in Greater Sudbury, Ont., in June 2020. (File Photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Sudbury firefighters rescued two people last week after their vessel began sinking on Ramsey Lake.

On July 23, crews from Minnow Lake and Long Lake responded to reports of two people in distress. Upon arrival, the platoon chief spotted multiple sailboats struggling in high winds and rough waves on the lake.

Rescue operation

Firefighters launched rescue boats and found two people in the water.

“Fortunately, the two people in the water were properly wearing their PFDs (personal flotation devices) and remained on surface until they were reached and brought into the rescue vessel,” Sudbury Professional Fire Fighters wrote in a social media post.

All other boaters were taken to shore by rescue vessels.

“A job well done to all those involved,” the post said.

A spokesperson for Greater Sudbury Fire Services told CTV News there were no injuries.

Safety reminder

Authorities said the incident served as a critical reminder for water safety. Firefighters urged the public to check weather conditions before heading out and emphasized the importance of wearing proper flotation devices.