(Wahpeton)– Another close call early this (Thursday) morning on West Lake Okoboji.
It started around 5:00 a.m. in the area of 2118 Lakeside Avenue in Wahpeton. Authorities say some residents in that area were awakened after hearing someone on a dock yelling. They called 911, fearing someone was in the water.
The Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue Dive Team was called to the area and found some debris floating in the water, raising concern some type of incident had taken place.
A sheriff’s deputy who also responded to the scene located a 16-foot canoe that had been pulled up onto a dock.
Authorities were able to track down the registered owner who was able to account for two men who had been in the canoe when it capsized, throwing both occupants into the water. One of them swam to shore and headed home. The other man didn’t realize his companion had made it safely to shore, and started yelling for him when he reached shore.
Turns out, though, that other for some minor injuries to one of the men, everything was okay. The injured man declined treatment on the scene.
Chris Yungbluth of Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue says neither man had been wearing a life jacket.
The Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue was assisted by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Milford Fire and Rescue and Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance.
