Coast Guard rescues 2 from vessel fire on Lake Michigan

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Alec Dunn, a boatswains mate assigned to Coast Guard Station Grand Haven, extinguishes a fire aboard a vessel in Lake Michigan Sept. 11, 2026. Dunn utilized a pump and fire extinguisher while standing fire watch as the boat crew towed the vessel back to shore where the passengers were returned to safety. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Caylor)  

CLEVELAND, OHIO, UNITED STATES

09.11.2026

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Lauofo 

U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes

CLEVELAND— The Coast Guard responded to a report of a vessel fire with two people aboard near the entrance of the Grand Haven Channel on Lake Michigan Friday.

Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan watchstanders received notification from Ottawa County Dispatch at 3:27 p.m. of a 30-foot pleasure craft reported as smoking and disabled.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Grand Haven 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew and issued an urgent marine information broadcast.

The station crew arrived on scene and transferred both individuals to the RB-M. The crew placed the vessel in tow, controlling the fire during transit by using a pump and fire extinguisher.

The boat crew towed the vessel and its passengers safely back to North Shore Marina in the Grand River with no pollution reported.

For more information, please contact Great Lakes District Public Affairs at 216-902-6020, or via email at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 09.11.2026
• Date Posted: 09.11.2026 19:21
• Story ID: 574508
• Location: CLEVELAND, OHIO, US