On September 5, 2011, at about 3pm, RCMP and Manitoba Conservation Officers responded to a call that a boat was capsized on Stephens Lake near Gillam Manitoba.
The specific location of the boat was unknown. This is a large body of water, as such, an aerial search was initiated. The occupants were eventually spotted hanging on to a ski tube. The location was relayed to the RCMP boat also assisting in the rescue. All six occupants, a family of four adults and two other adult passengers of the boat were rescued. All were taken to the Gillam Hospital where they were treated and released.
RCMP learned the boat had been crossing from the north side of the lake to Gillam in heavy winds, (25-30 knots) and 5-6 foot high waves, when the boat took on water over the transom, swamped and finally capsized.
Everyone on board the boat at the time of the rescue was wearing a life jacket. This factor was critical to everyone’s survival during this very dangerous incident. Alcohol is not involved in this incident.
Gillam Detachment would like to thank two local pilots and two citizens for their assistance during the search for the capsized boat.
