(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department made an unusual rescue on Lake Michigan over the weekend.
Winthrop Harbor Fire Chief Rocco Campenella said his department was called to North Point Marina on Sunday after reports came in of a boat that was on fire and taking on water. That's when they used one of their so-called mustang rescue suits to help a woman who was on board.
“The waves were pretty significant [Sunday],” Campanella said. “We have what’s called a mustang suit. It’s basically a floatation device that you wear; it’s basically coveralls. You put it on, and you’re not going to sink.”
The department has had the suits for decades, but Sunday was the first time it was used on a victim. Campanella said they put it on the woman as a precaution largely because they had time while waiting for a tow boat, as the woman's vessel was quickly taking on water.
Campenella said they've had a record amount of water rescues on the lake this summer.
“The times that we’ve been out on the lake this year, it’s been unprecedented,” he said “I don’t know what’s going on this year. Last year, maybe once or twice, but this year it’s been like every week. It’s unbelievable.”
Winthrop Harbor averages about two rescues per summer. In 2023, they've had 10.
The chief reminded people to be mindful of their surroundings, wind and wave warnings and overall water safety.
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