A missing boater was found safe early Saturday morning on Lake Erie, thanks to the lifejacket they were wearing.
The Haldimand County OPP says the individual had last been seen entering the water from Port Maitland around 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4. When they failed to return, a search was launched just before midnight.
Shortly before 2:00 a.m., the boater’s vessel was located, and rescue teams continued their search. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) later found the individual approximately five kilometres offshore.
No injuries were reported, and officials say the lifejacket played a key role in keeping the boater safe during the hours they were missing.
Police are thanking all responding agencies and the public for their help—and reminding everyone that wearing a lifejacket can save lives.
Written by Jeremy Hall