Hamilton Reef
08-27-2003, 10:12 PM
Boaters rescue balloonist from bay
Kelly Nankervis , The Midland Daily News 08/26/2003
SAGINAW BAY – A group of private boaters turned into good Samaritans Monday after they saw a hot air balloon headed for a wet landing.
Petty Officer Eric Axmacher of the U.S. Coast Guard Saginaw River Station said the balloonist was wearing a life jacket when her balloon drifted down about 1 mile off Killarney Beach. The beach is near a park and homes, and about six boats and four personal watercraft went to her rescue.
While one boat pulled the balloon’s basket to shore, others began pulling the balloon itself. Rain hampered the efforts, and the balloon spent the night anchored in the bay, Axmacher said.
No one was hurt in the incident. Axmacher did not know the balloonist’s hometown.
Kelly Nankervis , The Midland Daily News 08/26/2003
SAGINAW BAY – A group of private boaters turned into good Samaritans Monday after they saw a hot air balloon headed for a wet landing.
Petty Officer Eric Axmacher of the U.S. Coast Guard Saginaw River Station said the balloonist was wearing a life jacket when her balloon drifted down about 1 mile off Killarney Beach. The beach is near a park and homes, and about six boats and four personal watercraft went to her rescue.
While one boat pulled the balloon’s basket to shore, others began pulling the balloon itself. Rain hampered the efforts, and the balloon spent the night anchored in the bay, Axmacher said.
No one was hurt in the incident. Axmacher did not know the balloonist’s hometown.