NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Within a one week period "O" Division's Southwest District Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET), consisting of members from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police and Canadian Coast Guard, assisted with two rescue operations on Lake Erie and St. Clair River.
On October 2nd a 19 foot aluminum fishing vessel starting to take on water after its engine stopped working just south of Port Colborne, Ontario. The occupants, two U.S. citizens from the Buffalo area called for assistance. Mid-shore patrol vessel (MSPV) Private Robertson responded to the call and two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) were launched to provide assistance. The fishing boat's engine eventually started up again and its pump was able to remove the water that had been overwhelming them. The MSET safely escorted the boat with two grateful citizens, back to Sturgeon Point, NY.
In a second incident, five days later, a 71-year old male from Sarnia was sailboarding on the St. Clair River when he fell in the water. The individual was able to get back on the sailboard but was too fatigued and cold to return to shore and the sailboard started to drift down river. MSET members rescued the male from the water using a RHIB and transported him to MSPV Private Robertson where he received first aid for hypothermia. The male was then transported and placed in the care of Lambton Emergency Medical Services. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Set up to respond to immediate security threats at and between points of entry at our border, the RCMP Marine Security Enforcement Teams (MSETs) have established a framework that allows for immediate deployment of resources and quick response to a range of identified and emerging border-related threats.
Sergeant Pierre Audet, RCMP MSET Niagara comments, "The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) marine expertise enhances our capabilities in law enforcement to fulfil our national security mandate on the Great Lakes".
This capability often means that the team is also called upon to assist with individual rescue operations.
"These two rescues highlight the great team effort from the RCMP and the Coast Guard to provide rapid response on the water, not only to border threats but in critical life threatening situations as well", Captain Steve Pauley of CCG commented.
To report suspicious activities along our coastline, contact RCMP "O" Division Coastal Watch at 1-800-387-0020.
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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Jean Turner
RCMP "O" Division Corporate Communications & Media Relations
519-640-7431
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
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