Crews search for 2nd body after boat capsizes on Big Marine lake – WCCO
SCANDIA, Minn. (WCCO) – Crews have recovered the body of one man and are still searching for others after a boat capsized Friday afternoon on a popular lake in central Minnesota.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies responded shortly after 2 p.m. to Big Marine Lake near Scandia, about 40 miles northeast of Minneapolis. One caller told officials they saw boaters in distress on the north side of the lake.
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Witnesses said they saw two men lose control of a boat shortly after leaving the dock. The boat capsized and the men were thrown into the cold water.
Bystanders heard the men calling for help and tried to save them. However, the good Samaritans could not find them.
A diving team, a water recovery team, state troops and DNR officers responded to the lake to help with the search, which after an hour turned into a recovery operation.
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Shortly after 7 p.m., the crews found the body of one of the men. Teams are still trying to find the remaining missing man.
The names of the men have yet to be released pending the family’s announcement.
Authorities say this time of year is especially prone to boat accidents because the water is so cold. The water temperature in Big Marine Lake on Friday was about 45 degrees.
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This is an evolving story. Check back for more.