Sunday, July 27, 2008

BOAT CAPSIZES IN THE NORTH CHANNEL OF LAKE HURON

(White Eaves Island, North Channel of Lake Huron) On Saturday July 26, 2008 at approximately 7:20 p.m. the East Algoma OPP were dispatched to an incident involving an unconscious male being pulled from the water in the Spanish, Ontario area. White Eaves Island is located approximately one kilometer southwest of Spanish, Ontario.

Officers arrived on scene and were advised that a boat had capsized in the water with 3 males on board.

Michael Francis LAFORGE (41) of Spanish, Ontario was pulled from the water by people on a passing barge and survived the incident.

Aldege Morris LAFORGE (66) of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario was pulled from the water in an unconscious state and was transported to the Elliot Lake Hospital. Aldege LAFORGE died in hospital.

Thomas HALE (45) of Brampton, Ontario is still missing.

It is reported that the 3 males left the Mitchell Marina in Spanish, Ontario at approximately 4:00 p.m. and had engine trouble. The boat capsized putting 3 males into the water.

The search is continuing with the help of the OPP’s Blind River and Sault Ste. Marie Marine Units, a Coast Guard Vessel, and the OPP’s Underwater Search and Rescue Unit.

Lifejackets were in the boat but not believed to be worn at the time of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.