ALCONA COUNTY, MI – Conservation officers rescued a man and two dogs after a boat capsized in the AuSable River.
The DNR’s Jeff Panich and Casey Pullum responded to the river in Alcona County at 2:16 p.m. on Tuesday after a 59-year-old man from Caro fell into the 39-degree water while trying to disembark and used his watch to text 911.
The man was fishing with his two dogs on a 10-foot boat. The DNR later learned that the man had open-heart surgery two years ago and had recently been feeling ill, officers said.
The officers responded to the intersection of Snowmobile Trail LP96 and the Shore to Shore Horse Trail at 3:12 p.m. and began walking the trail along the river.
A short distance ahead, they saw a dog on the trail. The dog led them to the missing man, who was standing with blood covering his legs and feet. He was missing some clothes, the DNR said.
After Panich approached the man, he said, “Help me,” and collapsed onto the conservation officer, and he was eventually unresponsive.
Panich and Pullum quickly pulled him out of the woods to a nearby river access parking lot, 4001 Bridge Landing, located off Federal Route 4001.
EMS and deputies quickly arrived and helped load the man into the ambulance, which transferred him to MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas.
Both dogs were secured and will be returned to the man when he is released from the hospital. The boat has not been recovered.
“The DNR encourages outdoor enthusiasts to check weather conditions ahead of their trip and to plan accordingly with appropriate clothing and supplies,” officers said in a statement.
“If venturing onto or near the water, wear a life jacket. Always provide someone who is not with you the details of your plan, including the locations you’re visiting, when you plan to return, and scheduled check-in times.
Alcona County Sheriff’s Department, Alcona County EMS and Curran Fire Department assisted at the scene.
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