Two men swim to safety after strong winds capsize sailboat on Minnesota lake
Two men swam to safety after strong winds from overnight storms capsized their sailboat on a lake in west-central Minnesota.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies were called just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday about a possible overturned sailboat on Big Kandiyohi Lake, southeast of Willmar.
Two men from Franklin, Minn. — ages 48 and 51 — were sleeping on the anchored boat when a thunderstorm rolled through. Winds from the storm rolled the boat. Both men were thrown in the water underneath the sailboat and were separated.
The 48-year-old swam about a mile to the north shore of the lake and got help from the other man's brother. They called 911 before taking a pontoon back on the lake to search for the other man.
Meanwhile, the 51-year-old man also was able to swim to the north shore and get help. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The younger man was not hurt.
Storms that swept across Minnesota late Saturday and early Sunday produced wind gusts in excess of 55 mph.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.