You got to see more than just Death’s Door during a scenic cruise in Lake Michigan on Saturday.  The United States Coast Guard was called into action when two people asked for help when their boat struck a shole near Detroit Island and began taking water. Shoreline Scenic Cruises and Charters Captain Jim Robinson was on his way towards Pilot Island with a boat full of guests when they saw the distressed boat. It was not the first time his sightseeing boat had to become a rescue vessel, but he could not find a great angle to help the people because of how shallow the water was around where the incident took place.

A Coast Guard boat and helicopter came to help shortly after the distress call was placed, first with a pump to try to get some of the water out of the beached vessel and then to eventually tow the boat away. Coast Guard  Lieutenant Junior Grade Phillip Gurtler says it is important for boaters to have the proper charts in hand to make sure they can navigate around islands and sholes safely.

While the status of the boat was unknown, the two people and the dog were rescued, which left Robinson thankful for the strong Coast Guard presence in Door County.

Pictures courtesy of Shoreline Scenic Cruises and Charters