Deputies were conducting sea trials aboard SCS Police 655 when a mayday distress call was broadcast on marine channel 16.  The vessel operator indicated their location as being north of Gull Island in the south channel.  The vessel operator broadcast that their vessel was burning and that they were going into the water.  Officers were in close proximity and responded to the location and found the vessel to be fully engulfed in flames and a man and woman in the water.  Both subjects were wearing PFD's and were away from the burning boat.  Deputies were able to assist both subjects aboard 655.  Both subjects were conscious and alert but were hypothermic from the cold water.  A Border Patrol Officer arrived on the scene and provided emergency blankets and an ambulance was requested to respond. The St. Clair County Sheriff Marine Patrol (Lt.) responded along with the St. Clair County Fire Boat which extinguished the fire.  Both subjects were checked by EMT's from Tri County Ambulance and both refused medical aid.  The St. Clair County Sheriff Department took control of the scene and the boat was removed by Michigan Marine Salvage.  victims were conveyed back to Beacon Cove Marina aboard 655.  The US Coast Guard also responded to the scene.  The incident tool place in front of 8146 South Channel Road on Harsons Island.  The vessel involved was a 29' 1996 Power Quest owned by the victims.  The cause of fire is unknown.
St. Clair                     