Police save 2 boaters

VERMILION — A search-and-rescue mission ended with police officers saving two distressed boaters. The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Sunday in Vermilion. Through a social media post made on Vermilion police's Facebook page, here's a recap of what allegedly happened: • "The Vermilion Police Department's marine patrol unit responded to a distress call on Lake Erie." • "The call was for a 34-foot sailboat that had run aground in the area just offshore from Sherod Park." • "The sailboat was approximately 500 yards offshore in 2-foot to 3-foot waves." • "There were two crew members reported on board." • "The Vermilion Police Department's marine patrol unit responded to the scene and was able to safely transfer the two crew members onto the marine patrol unit's patrol boat." • "TowBoat US was contacted and responded to the scene. The towboat was eventually able to unground the sailboat and then towed it back to Vermilion for a damage assessment." • "The crew members were not injured during the incident." This post also served as a public service announcement for safe boating. "Boaters should be aware that this area of the Vermilion shoreline is notorious for this type of incident," according to the post. "The depth of Lake Erie is very shallow in this area, and the depth increases very slowly," it continued, noting how going out about "500 yards from the shoreline is only about 4 feet deep. There are also several old submerged piers and many large boulders scattered throughout this area." Vermilion police thanked all who played a role in this life-saving incident. "Search and rescue missions for the Vermilion Police Department's marine patrol unit are the top priority, and we are happy that this incident had a safe and successful conclusion," the post read.