How Did This Fishing Boat Get Stuck On A Michigan Pier?

Living in Michigan means you're never more than 6 miles from fresh water.

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There are so many things to do when you hit the water such as swimming, fishing, skiing, and tubing.

Three people are recovering after the boat they were in somehow struck a pier.

How Did This Fishing Boat Get Stuck On A Michigan Pier?

The City of Manistee shared on Facebook what happened.

On 8/11/2023, at approximately 5:26 a.m., the Manistee City Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the First Street Pier for reports of a boat colliding with the pier. Upon arrival officers observed the boat resting on the pier. Officers were able to determine the boat was occupied by three individuals who all reported injuries. All three were subsequently transported by MMR and Manistee City Fire Department to Munson Manistee Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. During this incident none of the individuals were ever in the water and all three were able to be removed from the boat safely. The United States Coast Guard Station Manistee also responded to offer assistance.

The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision. At the time of this release, plans to repair the vessel and tow it off from the pier are underway.

Now while most of us who go out on the water won't find ourselves striking a pier it's important to know what to do if your boat strikes something.

What Should You Do If Your Boat Strikes Something?

If your boat strikes something, here are the steps you should take.

• Slow down or stop the boat

• Check to make sure you and your passengers are okay

• Check all of the bilges to confirm that the vessel is not taking on water. If it is, do what you can to slow or stop the water flow. Stuff the hole with a rag, bedding, or whatever you have on board until help arrives

• Inspect the boat for damage and look for leaks in the bilge where the keel attaches. Check throughout the boat to determine where the impact occurred

• If there is damage, document it and obtain the other party's contact and insurance information if another vessel was involved

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• If you're in danger, have everyone on board put on a life jacket if they haven't already

• Following such an event, bring the boat to your marina and ask them to check it over and confirm that it is safe to operate

via GIPHY

I'm glad everyone is going to be ok, things could have ended much differently.

Always make sure you're careful out on the water and have proper training before operating a boat.