Friday, September 13, 2024
GREEN BAY – Multiple law enforcement and service agencies came together in the successful rescue of a local windsurfer.
“On Sunday, Aug. 25, at approximately 4 p.m., two brothers departed Communiversity Park at 2351 Nicolet Dr., Green Bay, for a couple hours of windsurfing. They were expected to return around 7 p.m. When the brothers didn’t return, friends went out on jet skis to look for them. One of the brothers was located, however, the other remained missing,” a Brown County Sheriff’s release stated.
“At approximately 8:22 p.m. Brown County Dispatch received a call requesting assistance in locating the missing windsurfer in the Bay of Green Bay.”
The U.S. Coast Guard, Brown County Marine Unit, Wisconsin DNR, Green Bay Metro Fire Department Marine and Drone Units, Green Bay Police Marine Unit and UW-Green Bay officers all responded to assist in a coordinated search.
Rescue personnel used boats, drones and the Coast Guard helicopter from Traverse City, Mich., in the search efforts.
“At approximately 10:40 p.m., the Coast Guard helicopter located the missing man sitting on his sailing vessel. Brown County Marine Unit was able to respond to the location and rescue the stranded individual while Green Bay Metro recovered his watercraft. The male was returned to the Metro Boat Landing and reunited with his family. He was wearing his life vest and was not injured,” the sheriff’s office stated.
“While the surfers were on the bay, wind conditions changed and made it difficult for them to navigate a return to land. Brown County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind water enthusiasts to always plan for safety. Let someone know your plans, wear your life vest, monitor weather conditions and carry emergency communication device with you.”
The man has not yet been identified.
