Date: August 7, 2009
Contact: Andrew S. Muñoz, 702-293-8691
MARINA OPERATORS UNSUNG HEROES ON THE LAKE
LAS VEGAS - Yesterday's rescue of 6 people from the lake is just one example of how private marina operators on Lake Mead serve the boating community. Las Vegas Boat Harbor staff were first on-scene to the rescue with two boats and they pulled three from the water.
"The marinas on the lake play a vital role in responding calls for help on the lake. Like yesterday, they never hesitate to rush to the aid of boaters in trouble," said William Dickinson, superintendent of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Yesterday afternoon six people went into the water after their boat was swamped by 4-foot waves created by high winds on the lake. The boat sank leaving them in the water for about an hour as marina employees and rangers responded to their location.
National Park Service rangers responded after receiving the report at about 2:15 p.m. The original report was made to marina staff at Las Vegas Boat Harbor, who in turn reported it to the National Park Service. The incident occurred near Castle Cove on the Arizona side of Lake Mead in the Boulder Basin.
There was one injury, a woman in her 60's suffered minor lacerations and exhaustion. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
A National Weather Service wind advisory had been in effect, which called for 20-35 mph winds with gusts over 50 mph.
Marina employees involved in the rescue are available for interviews. Contact Gail Kaiser at Las Vegas Boat Harbor at (702) 293-1244.
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