ON 9/3/2011, I, INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER WAS ON STATIONARY PATROL AT PORTAGE LAKEFRONT PARK.  WHILE A STORM WAS APPROACHING FROM THE WEST, I OBSERVED A PLEASURE BOAT STRAIGHT OUT FROM THE EAST END OF OGDEN DUNES DISPLAYING RED DISTRESS FLARES.  I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE BOAT OPERATOR VIA THE MARINE RADIO TO NO AVAIL.  ANOTHER BOATER ANSWERED ME AND ADVISED THAT HE WAS GOING TO ASSIST THE BOAT IN DISTRESS.  I OBSERVED FROM SHORE AS TWO BOATS ASSISTED THE BOAT IN DISTRESS, EVACUATING IT'S OCCUPANTS.  THE BOAT THAT HAD BEEN IN DISTRESS BEGAN TO SINK AND 2 OF 2 OCCUPANTS ON BOARD WERE BROUGHT TO SHORE SAFELY.  LOCAL SALVAGE PERSONNEL WORKED THAT EVENING AND THE FOLLOWING DAY TO UPRIGHT AND FLOAT THE DAMAGED BOAT.  IT WAS REMOVED FROM STATE WATERS ON 9/4/11 AROUND 1600 HRS AT THE PORTAGE MARINA AND PLACED ON A TRAILER.
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