Quick thinking saves sailors in Detroit River storm

Last summer near Belle Isle, a sudden storm flipped seven small sailboats in the Detroit River. About 20 people were on those boats when winds picked up and waves grew taller than the sailboats themselves. Twelve ended up in the water, but thanks to quick reactions from firefighters, police, and even a few private boaters, everyone made it out safely.Emergency crews arrived fast after someone called 911. Firefighters from Engine 27 and the fireboat Sivad Johnson pulled four people from the river while police officers on the water rescued two more. A private boater saved three, and a local boat club’s vessel grabbed another three. Meanwhile, eight people stayed on two boats that stayed upright and paddled back to shore on their own. Six others had already made it back before help arrived. No one needed serious medical care, which is surprising given how rough the water became. The rescue showed how different groups can work together under pressure. Even a crew member on the fireboat was handling their first real emergency, proving that practice pays off when seconds count.