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At 1:00 PM today, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the report of a kayak in distress. The caller stated that there were three kayaks appearing to have trouble roughly 200-300 feet offshore on the bay side of Park Point near the airport. The caller also stated that one of the kayaks appeared to have capsized. 

Duluth Fire Department sent Rescue Company 1 to the reported last location of the distressed boaters while sending Marine 1 and Marine 19 over water to make contact with the boater's and attempt rescue, if needed. Duluth Fire made contact with both the U.S. Coast Guard and St. Louis County Rescue Squad to assess resources and formulate a response. Both agencies were able to assist.

Duluth Fire arrived to find the boaters on shore, pulling the kayaks out of the water and in contact with Duluth Police. The boaters confirmed that all persons in their party were accounted for. DFD and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assessed the patients for hypothermia and any underlying medical conditions. All three boaters were wearing life jackets and wet suits. There were no injuries.

It should be of note that winds today are easterly at 15 MPH with gusts over 20 MPH. There were 1-2 foot waves in the bay. Users of small personal watercraft should be aware of their skill level and weather conditions before going out on the water. Always wear a life jacket and be sure someone knows where you are and when you will return. For kayaks, windsurfers and personal watercraft, a wet suit is always recommended when on Lake Superior any time of the year.