July 16, 2024 – Ozaukee Co., WI – On Monday, 07-15-24 at approximately 6:24 pm, the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office received information from the US Coast Guard regarding a boat in distress and sinking in Lake Michigan in Ozaukee County.
The Ozaukee County Emergency Management Rescue Boat, Port Washington Fire Department Fire Boat, US Coast Guard from Milwaukee and Sheboygan, and a US Coast Guard helicopter responded to the suspected area of the boat’s last coordinates.
Responding rescue boats were able to locate three subjects in the water. One subject was semi-conscious and breathing, and the other two subjects were unconscious and not breathing. All three subjects were transported to the Aurora Medical Center Hospital in Grafton. Lifesaving efforts were conducted by rescue personnel; however, the two unconscious victims were later pronounced deceased.
The two victims were identified as a 50-year-old male and a 51-year-old female, both from Illinois. The subject who survived the incident was a 26-year-old male from Beloit, WI who is in stable condition. Notification to their family members is still pending.
The boat was a 2008 Triton, model 177, 17-foot fishing boat. The water temperature was approximately 53 degrees with 2 – 4 foot waves. The boat was reported to have been taking on water when a wave struck the side and overturned the boat. The boat became completely submerged prior to rescue personnel’s arrival and has not been located.
The Port Washington Fire Department, Grafton Fire Department, Saukville Fire Department, US Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and Ozaukee County Emergency Management Rescue Boat assisted with the incident.