Sailors make it to shore, boat destroyed

Early rising campers at the south end of Outlet Beach at the Sandbanks Provincial Park were given a first-hand view of maritime salvage last Wednesday. The park, along with John Leavitt Excavating Ltd. from Bloomfield recovered the lead-filled keel, weighing about four tons with the help of some large machinery. – Photo by John Brebner, Friends of Sandbanks

Just before 3a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 Prince Edward OPP received a call from a concerned citizen about a sailboat in Outlet Bay, just off the shores of Sandbanks Beach.

Prince Edward OPP Constable Kim Guthrie said the vessel was nearest to the beach known as campers’ beach.

“Although no distress calls were heard by the caller, his concern was fueled by high waves and the violent rolling and pitching of the vessel,” said Guthrie. “Responding officers shared the same concerns as the complainant and called JRCC (Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre) for assistance in the matter.”

The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) search and rescue vessel Wellington Rescue, based in Wellington Harbour, responded. The crew spoke with the occupants of the boat, who declined assistance.
The Wellington Rescue crew, all local volunteers, are trained members of CCGA. They are dispatched by Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) at CFB Trenton, in this case at 4:30 a.m. into darkness and six to eight foot waves.

A few hours later the sailboat succumbed to the high winds and waves and was destroyed when it was tossed onto the sandy shores of Sandbanks beach. All three occupants from the Toronto area made it to shore safely and were not injured.