The Coast Guard responded to an overturned vessel and three people in the water Wednesday on Lake Champlain, Vermont. Sector Northern New England watchstanders received a call at approximately 2:15 p.m. from a person on land reporting a capsized 14-foot catamaran in Appletree Bay about one mile northwest from shore.
Station Burlington launched a crew aboard a 26-foot boat who arrived on scene at about 2:45 p.m. and found three people sitting on the hull of the overturned boat.
The survivors reported heavy winds in the area caused the craft to capsize. They reportedly had safety equipment on board but were not dressed for the water, which was about 63 degrees. They said they were cold and one reportedly had suffered a minor cut. The station crew transported them back to Station Burlington where they were each evaluated by awaiting Emergency Medical Service and released.
Station Burlington issued a safety marine broadcast to warn nearby boaters of the overturned vessel.
"This is a perfect example of how quickly things can change at sea," said Chief Michael Faivre from Sector Northern New England's command center. "It's an unpredictable environment, and being dressed appropriately for both the air and the water is essential."