Coast Guard rescues woman after boat capsizes on Lake Champlain
by U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast 19 Sep 2018 14:27 UTC
US Coast Guard in action © Sam Greenfield / Volvo Ocean Rac
Coast Guard Station Burlington crewmembers rescued a woman Tuesday evening after her 17-foot boat capsized on Lake Champlain near Schuyler Island.
Local emergency dispatchers relayed the distress call to watchstanders at the station at approximately 7:27 p.m. The woman had used her cell phone to call 911 and provide her location.
A 29-foot response boat crew launched and arrived on scene at approximately 7:56 p.m. The woman signaled to the crew by waiving her phone's flashlight.
"She helped aid in her own rescue by wearing a life jacket and storing her phone in a waterproof case," said Kenneth Stuart, the command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Northern New England's command center.
A plan for salvaging the boat is pending. All boaters are recommended to take caution while transiting near Schuyler Island.