Detroit, MI
Boats capsize on Detroit River near Belle Isle after heavy rain
Boats capsize on Belle Isle
Bystanders looked on as multiple boats appeared to have capsized in the Detroit River after heavy rains swept across the island around 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 10.
Detroit police, firefighters, and Michigan conservation officers rushed to the beach on Belle Isle on Wednesday, June 10, around 7:45 p.m., where bystanders watched helplessly as multiple boats appeared to have capsized after heavy rains swept across the island.
A representative for the Detroit Police Department said the department responded to four sailboats that capsized in the Detroit River, recovering nine people from the water. “At this time, we believe weather was the contributing factor to these boats capsizing. We are grateful for the quick actions of our officers in being able to rescue and save the nine individuals recovered,” read a statement provided by the department. Emergency workers stood onshore until around 8:45 p.m, awaiting an opportunity to help, while what appeared to be emergency boats cruised past each overturned vessel.
Coast Guard officers arrived around 8 p.m. and consulted with emergency workers on the scene.
(This is a developing story and will update.)