LUDINGTON, Mich. — The Coast Guard and local agencies assisted seven people after the vessel they were aboard struck the north breakwall in Ludington late Sunday evening.
The names of those involved are not being released.
At 9:30 p.m. Sunday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee received a report that a 34-foot pleasure craft, with seven people aboard, had collided with the north breakwall in Ludington.
A crew from Coast Guard Station Ludington responded aboard a 25-foot response boat as well as Ludington police and local emergency medical services.
After arriving on scene, the crew reported that the vessel was completely out of the water and sitting on the breakwall. All seven people were safe and accounted for, and were able to walk off of the breakwall.
One person reported having back pain and was taken to the local hospital as a precaution.
The operator stated that he was not familiar with the area and while transiting a bank of fog had rolled in and he struck the breakwall while attempting to turn on the radar. Passengers estimated the vessel was going approximately 35 to 40 mph at the time.
“It is very important to know the area you are operating in,” said Mike Baron, the recreational boating safety specialist with the Coast Guard 9th District in Cleveland. “If you are ever in doubt where you are or what is around you while on the water, take the time to stop and reassess your situation before you proceed.”
Coast Guard crews reported that all fixed aids-to-navigation marking the channel were on scene and working properly.
