First responders honored after rescuing 12 people from capsized sailboats near Belle Isle

DETROIT – Detroit first responders and several private citizens are being credited with helping rescue a dozen people after multiple sailboats capsized in the Detroit River near Belle Isle during severe weather last week.

The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 10 as a line of thunderstorms moved through southeast Michigan, bringing strong winds to the area.

According to the Detroit Fire Department, crews were dispatched to Belle Isle near the beach following reports of overturned boats and people in the water.

Firefighters, EMS personnel, Engine 27, and Fireboat 2, known as the Sivad Johnson, responded to the scene.

When crews arrived, they found multiple small sailboats overturned in the river.

Officials said 20 people aboard seven sailboats were involved in the incident.

Twelve people were rescued from the water, while eight others safely returned aboard two boats that remained upright.

Fireboat 2 rescued four people from the water.

The Detroit Police Department Harbormaster rescued two more, while a private boater assisted three people. Another three were brought to safety by a nearby boat club vessel.

The operator of the sailing group said as many as 26 people were on the water before the storm arrived, with six making it back to shore on their own before rescue efforts began.

Despite the dangerous conditions, no serious injuries were reported. Officials said all rescued individuals declined medical treatment.

Authorities praised the coordinated response among firefighters, police officers, boat club members, and private boaters who assisted during the emergency.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Detroit Fire Department Fireboat Operator Daniel Familant. “To be honest, we do make a lot of the saves by the private boaters out there that are fishing or just having a good time, and people were out there screaming, ‘Help, help,’ and there they go, so everyone helps out. It’s an all-hands effort.”

Emergency crews remained on scene until everyone involved was accounted for.

Officials noted that one member of the Fireboat 2 crew was serving on the vessel for the first time during the rescue operation.