Three missing boaters were found deceased after a Lake Pepin boating accident late Saturday, ending a search that began when an overturned pontoon was found just offshore from the YMCA Camp on Deer Island in Pepin County, Wisconsin. The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office said the three missing people were located and pronounced deceased Sunday evening.
Of the 6 people in the pontoon, 3 were found alive and 3 were missing after the collision involving 2 boats. Wabasha County Sheriff Curt Struwe said at least one survivor suffered injuries and the other two survivors were in fair condition.
Curt Struwe update
Struwe said during a 2:53 p.m. update that, “I don’t think they’re in a hospital... don’t need medical attention,” and later asked the public, “I just want to ask the public to be patient with us and try and stay out of our way.” He also said, “We will be here until we find the people,” and added, “Until this is over with.”
The search stretched across Lake Pepin and drew more than 10 agencies, using rescue boats, drones, helicopters, and other resources. As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the search was still ongoing, and the incident near the Deer Island YMCA Camp did not involve campers or staff.
Lake Pepin recovery
The three missing boaters were later taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul for autopsies. Their identities were not being shared pending notification of their families.
Authorities have not identified the other watercraft involved in the collision, leaving the basic chain of events set but incomplete: a call around 10:45 p.m. Saturday reported people screaming for help, officers found the overturned pontoon, and the search ended only after the missing three were recovered. The unanswered piece is the second vessel and what led to the crash.
