Marine Strong Wind — Sand Is To Bayfield Wi, Lake Superior

2018-08-30 · near Bass Island Raws Station Apow3, Sand Is To Bayfield Wi, Lake Superior

Event narrative

A family of five (husband, wife, three children under the age of 10) set out on a kayak to tour the Apostle Islands at around 100 pm CDT. Wind and waves were nearly calm when the family set out from Madeline Island on a sit on top type of kayak. The winds picked up by 4 pm becoming east-southeast at 5-15 mph with waves building to 1-3 feet, causing the kayak to overturn, sending the family into the water. All occupants were wearing life jackets, however, water temperatures were around 60 degrees and they were not wearing wet suits. The father and children tried to swim to the nearest island while the mother remained with the boat. She had a cell phone and tried to text for help, but cell coverage was poor. A text message from the mother went through around 8:30 pm to her sister, who then contacted police. Search teams were deployed and the wife was found alive just after 10 pm. The father and two of the children were found deceased after midnight on the 31st and the third child was found deceased at about 10 am the same day. The cause of death of the father and children was hypothermia due to the 60 degree water.

Wider weather episode

A family of five fell into Lake Superior when their kayak overturned in rough water. The father and three children tried swimming to shore but were found deceased due to hypothermia. The mother was found alive with the kayak. Everyone was wearing life jackets. Waves were 1-3 feet.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.8912, -90.5432)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 779859. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.