On 4/18/12 Chicago Police Marine Unit responded to a report of a capsized sailboat with two people in the water. The vessel was located approximately one half to one quarter mile off of the Montrose Beach fishing pier. The operator and his passenger were attempting to sail a 19ft sailboat in high wind when the vessel capsized. Both occupants were thrown into the water. Neither victim was wearing a personal flotation device. The National Weather Service had issued a Small Craft Advisory at 9:50am on April 18, advising high winds and waves 2 to 4 feet. The Chicago Police Marine unit located the vessel with the assistance of a media helicopter. The subjects were exhausted and suffering from hypothermia and refused to release their hold on the side of the capsized vessel to grab lifesaving devices. Rescue swimmers were then deployed and both subjects were rescued and transferred to a waiting patrol boat. They performed minor first aid on both subjects while escorted in Montrose Harbor where they were transferred to ambulances and taken to the hospital. Both subjects were reported to be in stable condition with minor injuries and hypothermia.
Chicago                       