A group of four boats were attempting to make it back to their launching site at the VNP Rainy Lake Visitors Center. Operator of Boat #1 stated that he was following behind  boat #2 and as he was maneuvering the boat into the wind and up and over a wave, another wave came over the back of the boat and swamped them, additional waves caused the boat to capsize. The two other boats #3 and #4 were following behind boat #1. The three boats in seeing this attempt to pull Operator and passenger of boat #1 out of the water in doing so took waves and water in over the bow and gunwales causing two of the boats to swamp. Nine individuals were in the water, which were eventually rescued by passerby fishermen and VNP District Park Ranger. All nine individuals were wearing PFD's at the time of the accident. The three boats that were submerged or capsized were left afloat as the weather conditions were unfavorable for recovery at that time.  All three boats were later located and found to be washed up onto islands west of the Brule Narrows. The fourth boat had taken on some water, but was able to continue safely onto the VNP Rainy Lake Visitors Center with its passengers.
International Falls           